2008 Acadia Denali
Here is a Popular Mechanics article regarding unannouned Denali version in '08 with a performance v-8:
December 7, 2006
The 2007 GMC Acadia--no V8 yet, but just wait for the 09 Denali. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)
CLICK TO ENLARGE
Those four exhaust tips mean V6 for now but may mean V8 power when the 2009 Denali arrives. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)
Spy Report: 2009 GMC Acadia Denali V8
EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. — We’ve just spent the day in Silicon Valley driving GMC’s new Acadia crossover SUV, a Yukon-sized unibody powered by a 275-hp version of GM’s 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. Now GMC has the driving impressions embargoed until Sunday, so we can’t tell you what it’s like behind the wheel of this big beast quite yet. But we can tell you what we learned after conversing with one particularly cool (and loose-lipped) GM staffer: GMC will have a Denali version of the Acadia soon.
It’s probably no surprise that GMC would plan an Acadia Denali—after all, the upscale Denali model of the Yukon accounts for almost 50 percent of Yukon sales. As a brand by itself, Denali clearly has legs. But we figured the Acadia Denali would essentially be a trim level with a swanky interior. Well, after speaking with our new buddy, we have confirmation that there will be a V8 under the Acadia Denali’s hood—and it will be from a brand-new family of V8s, too. If he’s right (and we have no reason to doubt him), this means that GM is developing a new engine family for transverse applications.
He wouldn’t give any specs on the new powerplant, but if the 3.6-liter V6 in the regular Acadia makes 275 hp, the mystery V8 for the Denali version should make well over 300. And since the new Buick Enclave is based on the same platform architecture, we’d bet it will get that V8 too. And maybe in an even higher level of tune—say 350 hp. Now that sounds like our kind of crossover SUV. —Ben Stewart
December 7, 2006
The 2007 GMC Acadia--no V8 yet, but just wait for the 09 Denali. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)
CLICK TO ENLARGE
Those four exhaust tips mean V6 for now but may mean V8 power when the 2009 Denali arrives. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)
Spy Report: 2009 GMC Acadia Denali V8
EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. — We’ve just spent the day in Silicon Valley driving GMC’s new Acadia crossover SUV, a Yukon-sized unibody powered by a 275-hp version of GM’s 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. Now GMC has the driving impressions embargoed until Sunday, so we can’t tell you what it’s like behind the wheel of this big beast quite yet. But we can tell you what we learned after conversing with one particularly cool (and loose-lipped) GM staffer: GMC will have a Denali version of the Acadia soon.
It’s probably no surprise that GMC would plan an Acadia Denali—after all, the upscale Denali model of the Yukon accounts for almost 50 percent of Yukon sales. As a brand by itself, Denali clearly has legs. But we figured the Acadia Denali would essentially be a trim level with a swanky interior. Well, after speaking with our new buddy, we have confirmation that there will be a V8 under the Acadia Denali’s hood—and it will be from a brand-new family of V8s, too. If he’s right (and we have no reason to doubt him), this means that GM is developing a new engine family for transverse applications.
He wouldn’t give any specs on the new powerplant, but if the 3.6-liter V6 in the regular Acadia makes 275 hp, the mystery V8 for the Denali version should make well over 300. And since the new Buick Enclave is based on the same platform architecture, we’d bet it will get that V8 too. And maybe in an even higher level of tune—say 350 hp. Now that sounds like our kind of crossover SUV. —Ben Stewart
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Comments
This has been one of the most speculated on and fabricated stories for the past few months, when in reality, nothing has even been honestly rumored, let alone announced.
It is coming, as is the new Ultra V8 line (to effectively replace the Northstar line with Cadillac), but there's no rush. They're already at the $45k mark with loaded AWD SLT-2 models, and have hit a sweet spot with fuel economy with the V6, so there's no rush to change that yet.
Time will tell.
Regards,
OW
I spit on my hand and have it extended :P
-Rocky
Regards,
OW
rorr, will be sending me some beer Sam Adams Cherry Wheat pretty soon over our Camaro bet which was he believe the 5.3 LS-4 would be the base V8 and it's looking like the LS-2 or the LS-3 is going to be the base V8.
I'll happily take some Becks from ya as well pal.-grin. I never turn down free beer. :P I'll take the bet IF our bet is the Denali model will debut by Model Year 2009. It should be annouced this fall or next season's autoshows as GMC, would be fools not to offer the Acadia in Denali trim as 50% of their sales are Denali's.
So do we have a deal OW ????? See what you did. I'm thirsty now !!!
-Rocky
I can not take your bet, however, because you nailed it. They will announce this year and will design in the V-8 in '09.
Like I always said, you are dialed into the big 3 real close.
I'll still buy you a Becks anytime! It's nice to know someone whose family I supported by buying U.S. cars. Hopefully, the tide changes me back!
BTW, my wife owns an '03 Denali. Yes, I bought the extended bumper/bumper warranty! She almost got killed when the MAP sensor was failing and the engine stalled while in operation at around 15K miles and I had to threaten the Lemon Law (NJ) at the 3rd visit to fix this dangerous condition.
Regards,
OW
Well on any car I buy now days pal regardless if it's a lexus or as bad as some VW's in reliability make sure you get a extended warranty. One trip to the shop sometimes pays for it's self.
To be honest with you OW, I really do not know for sure what I'm going to buy. Hell it could be an Acadia, but I do have my favorites and some of those are NON-GMers. The wife wants to maybe take another chance and get a 09' Acura TL, as that was her favoritest car ever. I personally would like to stay under $40K if I can help it on my next car.
We will see....right now the wife is try to find the owner's of a house in our neighborhood so we can stop renting.
-Rocky
P.S. If you ever make it to the panhandle I'll meet ya and buy you any beer of your choice.
That is priority one. Get the house and start building equity.
BTW, my wife likes the Acadia too. They just did a comparo of the Acadia, MDX and CX-9. They gave 1st to the CX-9, then MDX then Acadia.
Thanks for the invite...I will look you up for sure.
Regards,
OW
Does anyone know what I should compare the Acadia to if my first priority is cargo space and my second is MPG? Thanks!
MPG on the Acadia is pretty good in this segment. Check out the Toyota Sequoia for more cargo space but 10 - 15% less efficiency.
Regards,
OW