Automotive News GMC Acadia Test Drive

GM is rolling out their all-new crossover sport utility vehicles and the GMC Acadia is the first to compete in this hot, fast growing segment of the industry. Crossover sport utility vehicles are gaining a foothold with the consumer offering a more sedan-like ride with the same versatility of a sport utility vehicle. That is just what GMC’s Acadia does so well, offering seating for up to eight, and combining the capability of a SUV with a smooth, responsive and sedan-like driving experience. Arcadia features a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in height and the generous interior space of larger sport utilities. A comprehensive safety system includes six airbags and standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology.

Acadia is powered by GM’s 3.6 liter V6 VVT, a high-tech, all-aluminum, DOHC, engine with variable valve timing that is designed for good fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. Electronic throttle control gives it crisp, immediate response and feedback. It is rated at 275hp and 251lb.ft. of torque.
The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission that is so smooth and quiet you’ll never feel the shift changes. The transmission feature sequential shifting by pushing the shift lever to the back of the gate and pushing a button for +/-.
Acadia comes standard with front-wheel-drive and optional all-wheel-drive for even more traction on slick road surfaces. The AWD system works by always delivering a slight amount of torque to the rear wheels. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and it automatically delivers torque to the wheels that have the best traction. The Acadia ’s AWD system is also the only one to feature a Low gear for maximum traction.
Acadia rides on a long 118.9in. wheelbase and wide 67.2in. front/rear tracks-a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables smooth, stable ride and handling. Sharp reflexes are also supported by independent front and rear suspensions.
The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with d direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked ‘H’ design, which uses an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted into the passenger compartment. This design enables the nimble handling that comes with an independent suspension, but with minimal floor pan intrusion-a feature that helps the Acadia offer generous passenger and cargo space. The suspension systems enable Acadia ’s maximum 4,500lb. towing capacity.
The standard power-assisted rack & pinion steering, with variable-effort optional, helps you easily maneuver around slower traffic and keep the Acadia rock steady at high speeds. It gives great feedback from the road with a very good on-center feel.
Quickly and safely slowing Acadia down from speed are large, vented steel discs at all four corners. Up front are 12.8in. discs clamped with dual-piston calipers and 13in. discs clamped with single-piston calipers. ABS comes standard, as does traction control, StabiliTrak with Rollover mitigation technology, and a tire pressure monitoring system, all combining to help keep you safe on the road.
The Acadia rides on large 18X8in. wheels and tires standard, with 19X9in. wheels optional. Either size tires give a smooth, quiet ride with excellent traction.
Acadia ’s body-frame integral structure enables lower entry/exit height for passengers. Despite the vehicle’s sport utility-like front-end height, the front door step-in height is only 18.9in., the rear door step-in height is 19.8in. Entry to the third-row seat is eased with very wide rear doors and GM’s exclusive Smart Slide second-row seat feature, which aids passenger access to the third-row seats. Wider than most doors on most other sport utilities, the Acadia ’s rear door width is enabled by the vehicle’s long wheelbase. The rear door opening was maximized by reducing the space between the rear door and the leading edge of the door opening. Engineers were able to maximize the opening space while providing optimal chassis integrity for maximum occupant protection.
The Acadia features athletic styling that underscores GMC’s professional grade philosophy so you’ll notice family design cues with the Yukon . The design is accented with polished aluminum roof rails, select bright work and large, prominent headlamps that flank a detailed grille. The headlights use projector beam, HID headlamps are optional, that are mounted behind plastic that gives them a crystal-clear, jewel-like appearance. The profile is sleek and aerodynamic, with sweptback windshield pillars, a sporty, tapered roof line, lower side moldings, aero-styled power-remote side-view mirrors and wheel-well-stuffing 18 or 19in. wheels. Distinctive LED taillamps, rear spoiler, polished stainless steel quad exhaust tips. Acadia cuts through the air with a very low 0.36 coefficient of drag enabling it to experience less wind noise and improved mileage.
You’ll enjoy the smooth ride even more when you are sitting behind the wheel and putting the Acadia through its paces because as with the exterior design, Acadia ’s interior reflects refinement. The front bucket seats are very comfortable and supportive. A carlike ‘low and away’ instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front and provides a commanding outward view. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight gap tolerances. All well and good but I would like to also see and feel softer materials. Acadia can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front buckets, a 60/40-split second-row bench or two second-row captain’s chairs, and a 60/40-split third row bench seat. Leather seats are optional with front power-adjustments.
Gm’s exclusive Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. It operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of the second-row seat. Along with passenger comfort, Acadia offers generous cargo room. With 19.7cu.ft. behind the third-row seat, the Acadia has more space than many other sport utility vehicles. With both rows folded flat, the Acadia has 116.9cu.ft. of cargo room. A covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the cargo floor.
Standard equipment includes cruise control, power windows/door locks, thick-pile carpeting, dual map lamps with theater dimming, Driver Information Computer, grab handles at each passenger door, manual tilt/telescope steering wheel, and intermittent wipers/washer.
Optional equipment includes touch-screen navigation system, dual skyscape sunroof, 19in. wheels/tires, DVD entertainment system with two wireless headphones, remote and 8X5in. fold-down screen, Bose Surround Sound System, HID headlights, trailering package, cargo area audio controls, tri-zone auto climate control, and the only ‘head’s-up’ display available in a CUV that helps keep your eyes where they belong, on the road, as you see vital information straight-ahead, through the windshield glass.
Acadia comes equipped with six standard airbags: two dual-stage frontal airbags, two seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and two head curtain side impact airbags that cover all three seating rows. It is amongst the longest airbags in any production vehicle. Complementing the airbags is GM’s rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the side-impact airbags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. Other safety systems include 3-point seat belts for all positions front load-limiters and pretensioners, steel beams in each door, front/rear crush zones, daytime running lamps, and one-year of OnStar Generation 7.
The all-new 2007 GMC Acadia is a solid choice for a crossover utility vehicle with all the power, performance, comfort and versatility you will ever need. It should be on every consumer’s list when looking for a fun-to-drive and very versatile vehicle.
Prices start at just $26,000.00 and my fully loaded AWD SLT-2 was sticker priced at $45,225.00.

ALL NEW 2007 GMC ACADIA AWD SLT
“EARNING ACCOLADES ”

COPYRIGHT:2007:HARVEY SCHWARTZ - EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS

Price MSRP: $37,370 Invoice: $34,941
Type: Large SUV
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 200.7 in.	Width: 78.2 in.
Height: 72.8 in.	Wheel Base: 118.9 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.4 in.	Curb Weight: 4936 lbs.
Gross Weight: 6398 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.4 in.	Front Hip Room: 57.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 61.9 in.	Rear Head Room: 39.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 61.1 in.	Rear Hip Room: 57.9 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.3 in.	Rear Leg Room: 36.9 in.
Luggage Capacity: 19.7 cu. ft.	Maximum Cargo Capacity: 117 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 8
Performance Data
Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 6	Base Engine Size: 3.6 liters
Base Engine Type: V6	Horsepower: 275 hp
Max Horsepower: 6600 rpm	Torque: 251 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3200 rpm	Maximum Payload: 1462 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 4500 lbs.	Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 40.4 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 17 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 374 mi. / 528 mi.