Nothing says, "I'm the life of the pre-game tailgate party," like an SUV with a chrome honeycomb grille. The 2011 GMC Acadia crossover will get the Denali treatment just in time for next fall's college football rivalry games.
Unlike the Yukons and Sierras of the recent past, though, there's no V8, nor any increase in horsepower, on the Acadia Denali, which has the same 288-hp, direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 as other Acadias. So you've got to like the chrome, as manifested on the grille and the almost-tasteful, two-tone 20-inch wheels.
Other exterior additions include HID headlights and body-color moldings and flares. The cabin of the 2011 Acadia Denali is sealed off more tightly from enebriated fans, thanks to laminated glass and triple door seals. While you're in there, you'll lounge in perforated leather seats (capable of heating or cooling your backside up front) while your eye feast on the mahogany inlays.
Otherwise, the Acadia Denali is equipped like the Acadia SLT-2 and includes tri-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system (with a USB hookup) and Bluetooth. In addition, the dual-pane sunroof and navigation system with back-up camera that are option on the SLT-2 are standard on the Denali.
Pricing hasn't been announced for the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali, which will come in both front- and all-wheel-drive versions. But given the near-$43K base price on the AWD Acadia SLT-2, we think $45,000 to start is a good guess.
SnakeDoctor says:
12:02 PM, 12/17/09
GMC Denali = Tailgaters.
It's funny because it's true!
roar02ram says:
01:24 PM, 12/17/09
Same engine = FAIL.
Denalis have always had better engines and Ford has its Ecoboost. The current engine is more than adequate, but the concept called for more. I suppose, however, that installing the 5.3-liter V-8 would semi-defeat the purpose of the Acadia. Either way, FAIL!
albook says:
01:46 PM, 12/17/09
I guessed this was coming...I thought the chrome grille in the picture with the now-departed GMC exec looked odd. It will be a strong seller, but I sooo with it had a V8. The Escalade's 6.2L with 400 horsepower = awesome!!
firstwagon says:
04:52 PM, 12/17/09
You would think some people could find something better to do with their money.
stephen987 says:
05:57 PM, 12/18/09
"Denali" is an anagram for "Denial." Rearranging the letters is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.