2013 GMC Terrain crossover gets Denali trim level, bigger V-6 engine

General Motors has revealed that the 2013 GMC Terrain crossover, which will be available for sale this fall, will have an upscale Denali trim level as well as a more powerful and bigger V-6 engine. The move is part of GMC's plan to expand the Denali to all the automobiles in its range. The new engine displaces 3.6 liters. It is rated at 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque.

This engine replaces the 2012 Terrain's 3.0-liter V-6, which is rated at 264 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque. The new V6 will still be matched with GM's 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. The automaker explained that even with the larger engine, the 2013 GMC Terrain will have a fuel economy of 16 mpg city /23 mpg highway for the all-wheel-drive version and 17/24 mpg for the front-drive variant. This is the same fuel economy as the 2012 V-6 model.

For the base versions of the Terrain, the automaker will continue to utilize the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. GMC dealers have revealed that they cannot meet the customer demand for the Terrains with the four-cylinder engine. In the last two months, the automaker has limited dealer orders for the four-cylinder variants of the Terrain as well as the mechanically similar Chevrolet Equinox, according to the report of Automotive News.

A GM spokesperson explained that production of the four-cylinder engine has been restricted due to a problem with a supplier part. In addition, GM has been offering an incentive of $1,000 to help sell V-6 variants of the Equinox and Terrain. Moreover, the 2013 model of the Equinox is anticipated to have the new 3.6-liter V-6 engine option, but GM has yet to confirm this plan. 

The Denali trim is available on the Terrain with the four-cylinder or the six-cylinder powerplant. The four-cylinder Terrain Denali units will have 18-inch wheels while those fitted with the V-6 will have 19-inch wheels.  GMC has seven models that come with the Denali trim. It has also disclosed that sales of the brand rose 79% from 2010 to 2011. Unit sales figures were not provided.

Under the new GMC Terrain Denali, a number of convenience features have been equipped. A standard element is the power liftgate that is also programmable. By simply pressing a button, it becomes easy to access the cargo space positioned at the back of the first row.

This cargo space offers 63.9 cubic feet. Through the use of a memory function, the liftgate can be stopped at a predetermined height or even allows for the vehicle to fit in garages that have low heights. Helping the driver is the color touch navigation with passengers being able to enjoy the entertainment system in the rear seat. Safety features are not an issue as there is a host of them on the Terrain Denali.

The lane departure warning and the forward collision alert are standard. These two systems utilize a crash-avoidance single-camera system, considered as a first in the automotive industry. Through this system, drivers are warned audibly and visually should it determine that the possibility of collision is high or if the vehicle has crossed a lane marker.

There is also the rear cross traffic and the side blind zone. It makes use of radar to look at spots that are located at the driver’s blind spot. Like the other safety systems, it provides the driver with not only audible warnings but visible ones too. In addition to the safety technologies, the Terrain Denali has been fitted with different leading technologies GMC is known for as standard.

Its latest infotainment system for example has various new offerings. The home screen is reconfigurable with the voice commands being more intuitive. There is even the Bluetooth smartphone integration. One can even control different internet streaming radio apps such as Stitcher and Pandora. Available are the iPod controls that come with the Gracenote music database technology.

Being a part of GMC’s lineup, the Terrain Denali is fitted with the Directions and Connections plan from OnStar worth six months. The plan includes the remote door unlock, stolen vehicle assistance, roadside assistance, and emergency services link.

Included as well is the Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Automatic Crash Response. Sales of the 2013 Terrain Denali, as well as the Terrain 3.6L V-6 models, are expected to begin by the third quarter of 2012. Both availability and pricing will be released close to the sale date.

PRESS RELEASE

2013 GMC Terrain Denali Debuts with New 3.6L V-6

GMC is expanding its exclusive Denali sub-brand with the debut of the 2013 Terrain Denali, bringing a new level of style and power to the luxury small SUV.

“Denali is growing fast,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing. “With seven different models, sales for this brand within a brand increased 79 percent from 2010 to 2011. With this in mind, the decision to create a more-upscale Terrain was an easy one.”

More power, same efficiency

With the introduction of the Terrain Denali, GMC also announced a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing will replace the current 3.0-liter V-6 engine in Terrain lineup for the 2013 model year. SAE certified at 301 horsepower (224 kW) and 272 lb.-ft. (369 Nm) of torque, this engine makes more power and torque, but is expected to deliver fuel economy equal to its predecessor.

The new V-6 uses lightweight components that contribute to the Terrain’s fuel efficiency while boosting its horsepower. An integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design saves about 13 pounds compared to a non-integrated design, while a composite intake manifold saves about 5.5 pounds vs. an aluminum intake. Additionally, a lightweight structural front cover and high-strength connecting rods save additional weight.

Terrain’s standard Ecotec 2.4-liter I-4 with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing is also available for buyers looking to combine Denali’s high-end appointments with a best-in-class 32 highway mpg (2WD model). Front-wheel drive is standard on Terrain Denali, with all-wheel drive available for both engines.

New dual-flow dampers are exclusive to the Terrain Denali’s suspension system. This technology provides a smoother ride and improved handling by controlling suspension dampening across a broader range of driving conditions.

Signature design cues

Inside and out, the 2013 Terrain Denali features high-end details. Models with the 2.4L engine feature 18-inch wheels, while the V-6 engine is paired with 19-inch wheels. Other Denali-specific exterior features include:

• Signature chrome grille
• Satin chrome accents
• Body color front and rear fascias
• Body color rocker panels with satin chrome molding
• New headlamp and taillamp designs
• Dual chrome finish exhaust outlets (single outlet on 2.4L)

Terrain Denali’s cabin updates are highlighted by soft-touch Jet Black leather, which lines the seats and door inserts. Contrast stitching and red accent lighting contribute to an inviting interior. Other Denali-exclusive interior details include:

Soft-touch instrument panel with French stitching

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with smoked mahogany wood accents
• Embossed Denali logos on front seatbacks
• Smoked mahogany wood trim accents
• Denali illuminated front sill plates
• Eight-way power driver and passenger seat
• Class-leading technology

Terrain Denali comes standard with many of GMC’s leading technologies, including a color touch radio with IntelliLink. This new infotainment system features a reconfigurable home screen; intuitive voice commands; Bluetooth smartphone integration; control of streaming internet radio apps such as Pandora and Stitcher; and iPod controls with Gracenote music database technology.

Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are standard on Terrain Denali. They use the industry’s first single-camera crash-avoidance system to visually and audibly warn drivers when a collision is imminent or the vehicle crosses a lane marker.

In addition, side blind zone and rear cross traffic alert help avoid collisions by using radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see – and provide visible and audible warnings.

Convenience features, such as a programmable power liftgate, are standard on Terrain Denali. At the touch of a button, owners can access the vehicle’s 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space (behind the first row), while a memory function stops the liftgate at a chosen height to help shorter drivers or accommodate low garage heights.

Available technologies include color touch navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system.

As with every new GMC, the Terrain Denali comes with six free months of OnStar’s Directions and Connections plan. It includes Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, roadside assistance, emergency services link, stolen vehicle assistance and remote door unlock.

Pricing and availability of the 2013 Terrain Denali and Terrain 3.6L V-6 models will be announced closer to the on-sale date in the third quarter of 2012.