2013 GMC Terrain Denali
“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.
