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ACADIA CROSSINGS

This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!

Published on Sat, Jul 14, 2007

By: The LACar Editorial Staff

© All photos by Harvey Schwartz

ACCOLADES FOR THE ACADIA By Harvey Schwartz

GM is rolling out their all-new crossover sport utility vehicles, and the GMC Acadia is the first of this group 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. Acadia 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's rated at 275 horsepower and 251l pound-feet 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 features sequential shifting by pushing the shift lever to the back of the gate and pushing a button for upshifting or downshifting. The vehicle comes standard with front-wheel-drive. All-wheel-drive is an option for even more traction on slick road surfaces. The AWD system always delivers at least 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 also features a low gear for maximum traction. Acadia rides on a long 118.9-inch wheelbase and wide 67.2-inch front/rear tracks - a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables a 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 a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles. 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 4,500 pound towing capacity. The standard power-assisted rack & pinion steering with variable-effort optional helps you easily maneuver around slower traffic and keeps 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 12.8-inch discs clamped with dual-piston calipers and 13-inch discs clamped with single-piston calipers. An anti-lock brake system 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 18 x 8-inch wheels and tires standard, with 19 x 9-inch 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 18.9 inches. The rear door step-in height is 19.8 inches. 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 is 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" theme, 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 rubber. Distinctive LED taillamps, a rear spoiler, polished stainless steel quad exhaust tips add the finishing touches. Finally, 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're 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 car-like '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 19.7 cubic feet 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 on the Acadia 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, 19-inch wheels/tires, DVD entertainment system with two wireless headphones, remote and 8 x 5-inch folding 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 three-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 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 snicker priced at $45,225.00. © Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz SUMMARY JUDGMENT The General's latest foray into crossover territory hits the mark. Accolades for the Acadia.

For more information on GMC products, go to www.gmc.com. More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com

SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2007 GMC Acadia SLT AWD Price of vehicle: $45, 225.00 as tested Engine type: 3.6 liter, all-aluminum, DOHC V6 Horsepower: 275 at 6,600 rpm Torque: 251 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm EPA mileage: 17mpg/city, 24mpg/highway Drive configuration: Front engine/front or all-wheel drive Transmission type: 6-speed automatic Front suspension: Independent coil-over strut, direct acting stabilizer bar, full perimeter isolated cradle Rear suspension: Independent linked H-arm with coil springs, with twin-tube shock absorbers mounted on an isolated sub-frame Wheels/tires: 18X7.5 standard or 19X8 cast aluminum wheels mounted with 255/65R18 or 255/60R19 all-season radials Brakes: Front: 12.8-inch power-assisted vented discs Rear: 13-inch power-assisted vented discs Overall length: 201.1 inches Overall width: 78.9 inches Overall height: 72.8 with roof rails/69.9 inches without Curb weight (pounds): 4,720 - FWD/4,925 - AWD

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