10:05 AM
Design Car club
At the 2012 Chicago Auto Show today, GMC lifted the wraps off its facelifted Acadia crossover that enters the new model year with a retouched exterior, higher quality materials inside and new safety features. The exterior redesign brings a new front end with a more prominent and upright grille with three-bars that was previewed by GMC's recent concept models like the Sierra HD All-Terrain, along with LED running lamps, and new headlamp and bumper designs. 
At the back, we find new taillamps, a re-sculptured bumper, a wrap-around rear glass and a new rear spoiler, while GMC also introduced a fresh set of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels. According to GMC, the interior benefits from upgraded soft-touch materials, with French stitching and a red ambient light that flows across the dashboard.
The top-of-the-line Acadia Denali enhances the crossover's updated looks with bespoke exterior and interior parts such as the 20-inch machined wheels, the polished grille, interior wood trims and leather seating.
Another highlight is the introduction of the GMC’s new front center air bag system that deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger.
"While no restraint technology can address all body regions or all potential injuries, the front center air bag is designed to work with the vehicle’s other air bags and safety belts to collectively deliver an even more comprehensive occupant restraint system," said Gay Kent, GM executive director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness.
Even though the Acadia continues for the 2013MY with the same 288-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 that offers a towing capacity is 5,000 pounds (2268 kg), it gets a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with better shift response and improved drivability.
The updated Acadia and Acadia Denali will arrive in showrooms across the U.S. in late 2012.
