2013 GMC Acadia a Closer Look

2013 GMC Acadia

For automakers, the prospect of freshening up a successful model can be daunting. Focus on only the minutiae, and your efforts may go unnoticed by the buying public; change too much, and you risk alienating your core customer base. Considering that 2011 was the most successful sales year for the Acadia since its 2007 debut, we understand why GMC made few obvious changes in this restyle.

Acadia V1.1
For the latest incarnation of this three-row crossover, the softly rounded nose and recessed grille of the outgoing model have been replaced by a comparatively upright three-slot affair with sharper creases. Standard diffused LED running lamps make their first Acadia appearance and are paired with both the standard projector-beam and optional HID headlamps. Aft, a new taillight treatment echoes the look of the front lamps. The rear glass gets a wraparound look that appears to have been donated by the now-defunct Saturn Outlook, and it’s capped by a new spoiler. As with the outgoing Acadia, wheels come in either 18- or 19-inch varieties, although the designs have been updated.
Power in all Acadias comes from the same 3.6-liter V-6 used in the 2012 model, all 288 of its horsepower now routed through a “next-generation” six-speed automatic said to have better shift response and improved drivability. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive remains an option. Mileage remains unchanged at 17 city mpg and 24 highway for front-drivers or 16/23 when equipped with AWD.
First-Class Upgrade
As seems to be the trend these days, the Acadia’s interior now employs so-called “upgraded soft-touch materials”—this was easily the most needed improvement on the otherwise-competent and comfortable crossover. The upgrade is complemented by ambient red lighting on the dashboard and a standard rearview camera. High-zoot SLT models get aluminum accents on the center console, doors, and dash because nothing says “I’ve made it” like random applications of an alloy material.

Speaking of high-zoot, the Denali edition returns for 2013 with many of the same premium features as before: 20-inch wheels, chrome accents, a power rear liftgate, heated and cooled front seats, and a special “acoustic package” designed to keep road noise to a minimum.
The 2013 Acadia and its Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse brethren will be the first vehicles available with a front center airbag. It’s designed to prevent the driver and passenger from colliding in the event of a side-impact crash. Six months of OnStar’s Directions and Connections service comes standard on all 2013 Acadias, and radar-based rear- and side-alert warning systems will be optional.
Sidestepping the Suburban Stigma
While we contend that most crossovers can’t carry anything or anyone that a minivan couldn’t handle efficiently, they so far seem to have escaped the wrath of the self-appointed tastemakers responsible for thinning the herd of minivans that once proudly roamed the suburban landscape. Not wanting to tempt fate, GMC hasn’t made big changes for the big Acadia, and we expect similar subtle upgrades to be applied to its Buick and Chevy counterparts for 2013 as well. The updated Acadia will go on sale in the fall of this year.

Source: [Car & Driver]

2013 GMC Terrain Denali to start at $34,525

GMC has broadened its blinged-out Denali line to include the smaller Terrain crossover for the 2013 model year. We're getting our first stint behind the wheel of the Denali-fied Terrain this week, and while we'll have our full report ready in the not-too-distant future, we can share this bit of news right now: The newest member of the Terrain family will officially be priced from $34,525 – not including (*)$825 for destination – when it goes on sale in the third quarter of this year.

That coin will get you a Denali with GM's well-received 2.4-liter inline-four and front-wheel drive, and this top-shelf Terrain comes standard with things like GMC's Intellilink infotainment system, a programmable power liftgate, an eight-way power driver's seat and new dual-flow dampers for the front suspension. All-wheel drive can be had for an additional $1,750.

The big change for the 2013 Denali model is the availability of GM's 301-horsepower direct-injected 3.6-liter V6, available with both front- and all-wheel drive. Opting for the V6 will cost you $1,500, though that price also includes an upgrade to 19-inch chrome clad wheels versus the standard 18-inch rollers.

Source: GM

Nine New Models in Next 12 Months for Buick and GMC

DETROIT – Buick and GMC told dealers today that it will introduce nine new or significantly updated models in the next 12 months, starting with the new Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV and GMC Acadia crossover SUV  this fall.

The new Buick Encore small luxury crossover, which will be priced at $24,950 including a $750 destination charge, arrives in early 2013. A Buick Regal luxury sport sedan, Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan, GMC Sierra and Sierra HD full-size pickups, as well as GMC Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs will arrive next year.

In addition to these nine models, GMC will offer luxury-appointed Denali versions of its four upcoming vehicles and a new 2.0L turbocharged powertrain will be available in the Buick Verano this year.

By the end of 2013, the oldest non-commercial models in a Buick/GMC showroom will be the Buick Verano luxury sedan and GMC Terrain small SUV. Verano has been in dealer showrooms for less than a year and has gained sales volume every month since launch. Terrain arrived as a 2010 model and is on pace for its best sales year ever in 2012. A new Denali luxury trim level recently was added.

GMC also announced the return of the GMC Canyon midsize pickup as an all-new model to be built in Wentzville, Mo. Arrival timing will be announced later.

“While we continue to make strong progress in fuel economy gains on our full-size trucks, we know that there is a group of customers who want the functionality of a truck but may not need full-size pickup,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick and GMC Marketing. “We believe that introducing a new, agile and efficient mid-size Canyon will meet the needs of many pickup buyers.”

Buick and GMC have grown together as distinctly different but complementary brands. Together, they have sold more than 400,000 vehicles so far this year, a pace that should allow each brand to achieve a third consecutive year of sales gains.

“We’re not only selling more vehicles, we’re bringing new customers to the Buick and GMC showroom,” said Brian Sweeney, vice president of Buick and GMC Sales and Service. “Both brands report more than 40 percent conquest sales. Buick was the only automotive brand in the United States to reduce the average age of its buyer during the past five years, and GMC continues to attract more female buyers and – with Denali vehicles – more import and luxury owners.

Overall, General Motors will have 70 percent all-new or significantly refreshed products across its four U.S. brands in 2012-2013.

Source: GM

2013 Buick Verano Turbo rated at 31 mpg highway

The Environmental Protection Agency has released official fuel economy ratings for the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo. When equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, the sedan returns 20 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg highway. More importantly, it manages 24 mpg combined. Those figures put it at exactly 1 mpg behind the base model's naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder and its six-speed automatic in every category.

The Verano Turbo also ties the larger Regal GS with the same drivetrain in city and combined mileage, but loses out to its bigger brother on the highway front by 1 mpg. That's despite the fact that that the Regal Turbo tips the scales at a full 371 pounds heavier than the forced-induction Verano. The slimmer waistline on the Verano does pay dividends in the 0-60 sprint, however. The smaller Buick clicks off the run in 6.2 seconds, a full half-second quicker than the Regal GS.

News Source: FuelEconomy.gov via Kicking Tires

Borcherding Buick GMC is Proud to Announce that 6 New Car Salespeople Qualified for the General Motors “Mark of Excellence Award”

Borcherding Buick GMC is proud to announce that six new car salespeople qualified for the General Motors “Mark of Excellence Award.” This award is presented to the top salespeople in the country, based on customer satisfaction and total sales.  Congratulations to our six award recipients, Steve Camp, Mike Breeze, Mat Swartz, Hank Stallings , Keith Childers and Ron Schatz.  (Ron Schatz was not available for picture, but Peyton Manning and Shaquille O’Neal were.)

From left to right. Steve Camp, Mike Breeze, Mat Swartz, Hank Stallings, and Keith Childers.

2013 Buick Verano Turbo Priced at $29,990

DETROIT – The 2013 Buick Verano Turbo luxury sedan will be priced at $29,990, including a destination charge of $885. The turbocharged Verano uses an Ecotec 2.0L four-cylinder engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing to produce an SAE-certified 250 horsepower (187 kW) at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque at 2000 rpm.

When the Verano Turbo arrives at dealerships this fall, buyers will get both performance and fuel efficiency with 0-60 mph acceleration in an estimated 6.2 seconds and EPA-estimated 20/31 mpg ratings with a six-speed manual transmission available as a no-cost option. Fuel economy ratings for the standard six-speed automatic will be announced closer to production.

Verano Turbo will offer more power and better fuel efficiency than the competition. A 2012 Lexus IS250 is rated at 204 horsepower, with fuel efficiency estimates of 19/28 mpg with a manual transmission.

In addition to its 2.0L engine, dual exhaust, sport pedals and rear spoiler, standard equipment for the Verano Turbo includes IntelliLink connectivity, a Bose 9-speaker audio system, leather-appointed upholstery, push-button start, rear park assist and rearview camera, radar-based side blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. A power sunroof and navigation are optional.

"Buick Verano continues to build momentum in the marketplace with eight straight months of sales increases since launch," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. "The new Verano Turbo increases the performance of an already capable luxury sedan while continuing to offer customers the smart, purposeful technology they expect."

Verano sales began in late November, 2011 with a 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission and standard voice-activated IntelliLink. For 2013, a rearview camera is standard across all Verano models.

With the arrival of this new model, Buick will offer three different models with turbocharged engines and optional six-speed manual transmissions, including the Regal Turbo and Regal GS luxury sport sedans. The 2013 Buick Encore luxury crossover, on sale early next year, will feature a standard turbocharged engine.

Source: GM

Buick and GMC Bring GM's Vision to People at the Front Line

This week, Buick and GMC are bringing in over 1,000 dealership sales and service consultants for a behind the scenes look at how GM designs, builds and tests the world’s best vehicles. The Buick and GMC VIP Experience, now in its third year, is being held this week in Michigan at GM’s World Headquarters, Milford Proving Grounds and Lansing Delta Township (LDT) Stamping and Assembly Plant. Yesterday, I attended the Product Experience events held at the Milford Proving Grounds which allowed attendees to learn about and test new Buick and GMC models against key competitors. The event kicked off with a keynote address from GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson. He said, “We are not playing for the next year, but for the next 30 years.” He pointed out that GM has accelerated by billions in our investment in new products just this year. With his desire to make GM great again, he asked that each of us be “all in” each and every day with the goal of transforming the company back into the American success story. Akerson’s address challenged attendees to put the customer at the forefront of everything we do. He also highlighted the recent success experienced by the Buick and GMC brands. Buick has nearly doubled in customer consideration over the last 12 months out in the marketplace. GMC customers list style, quality and value as their top reasons for purchasing – a huge honor and accomplishment for any brand. Buick and GMC dealerships now have a consistent and upscale design in dealership facilities from  coast-to-coast Following Akerson’s keynote address, attendees were sent out to the actual testing tracks of the proving grounds to experience the products first hand. On a city course, they drove the 2013 Buick Encore, a sophisticated, quiet, good looking and capable small luxury SUV that will be introduced to the market early next year and is sure to be a segment defining hit.  On the ride and handling loop, they experienced the new 2013 GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, which are both expected to increase their already high 50 percent conquest sales rate. Additionally, on the other half of the ride and handling loop, they drove the 250 horsepower (hp) Verano Turbo boasting more power and speed than Acura ILX and Audi A3.  There was also a little drag racing involved.  On the 7.2 percent grade, they were able to drag race Sierra HDs towing 7,000 lb. trailers head to head against Ford and Dodge trucks. The new 3.6L V6 engine in the 2013 GMC Terrain was also put to the test against a V6 Dodge Challenge and Ford Edge Sport. The 301 hp high-feature V6 engine was fast enough to consistently beat both vehicles in timed 1/8 mile drag races on Black Lake. Attendees also toured the LDT Stamping and Assembly Plant. This plant is a LEED certified plant, making it one of the most environmentally friendly plants in the world. Additionally, they build the world class Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia models. This behind the scenes look at how our vehicles are built really provided the attendees with a great appreciation for the quality and precision that go into each and every product. The Buick GMC VIP Experience certainly fired me up and I’m certain the thousands of dealership employees will go home and win in the marketplace each and every day. With great products and excellent customer service, Buick and GMC can accelerate sales at an even faster rate and achieve our goal of industry leading customer satisfaction. Buick and GMC are two brands pulling hard on our collective rope to make General Motors great again. They are all in, I am too. Come on in and join us!