GMC's baby Denali launches with a new V-6, tweaked Denali traits.
GM Inside News Forum
June 18, 2012
By: Nick Saporito
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In native Athabaskan language the word Denali translates to “the high one.” The literal translation is more than appropriate for GMC’s lineup of Denali vehicles, which serve as the capstone of the brand. That capstone now generates just under 20 percent of GMC’s sales volume, and GMC hopes to boost that calculation even higher with the addition of a Denali variant of the Terrain crossover.
Having launched in late 2009, General Motors has had to perform unplanned capacity increases for Terrain production three times because of the crossover’s success. Throughout much of Terrain’s lifespan, over half of its lofty sales have come from the competition (“conquest” sales).
GMC is now hoping to converge the two success stories with the 2013 Terrain Denali, a vehicle GMI recently got to experience hands on. The fancied up crossover’s Denali treatment is fairly standard compared to the rest of the high up sub-brand, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Though the big story here is what is under the hood.
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Undoubtedly the most notable change to the exterior is the Denali exclusive grille treatment. The Denali brand has become symfomous with chrome dipped bullet hole grille designs, which is present on Terrain but with a new twist. Most of today’s Denali vehicles have a two-dimensional pattern on the grille, whereas Terrain has gone with a new bullet hole pattern with an added third dimension. The look, according to engineers, was actually a last minute change – and one that proved difficult to initially fabricate. In our opinion, it was a challenge worth fighting.
Rounding out the exterior changes are darkened headlamps, revised fog lamps and taillamps, tasteful new trapezoidal exhaust tips and chrome. Fortunately GMC has realized that bright chrome is no longer seen as a high-end attribute for vehicles, so Terrain Denali is sporting a new satin finished chrome trim that looks very high end and is tasteful in coverage. Part of the trim additions includes a new chrome piece just above the rocker panels, a nice addition that helps break up the Terrain’s slab-sided panels.
In all, the exterior changes on the Denali are all welcomed changes. GMC’s butch looking little crossover now has an optional tuxedo; one that is tailored and done up in a modern cut.
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Changes inside the Terrain Denali are a little less noticeable. The discerning buyer will note that most plastic wrapped portions of the Terrain interior get leather wrappings in the Denali, including the dash, door trims and center armrest. In fact, the dash pad is softer and feels like something at home in a luxury sedan.
Of course with more leather also comes more wood trim. While the wood trim is not the real deal, it is unequivocally one of GM’s better-looking wood-look trims. The dark grain is found on the door trims, shift knob and steering wheel. Like the satin chrome on the exterior, the wood accents are tasteful and devoid of being “too much.” The interior also gets DENALI embossed on the front seatbacks and, of course, the GMC badge on the steering wheel has ben swapped out for Denali font.
GM Inside News Forum
June 18, 2012
By: Nick Saporito
In native Athabaskan language the word Denali translates to “the high one.” The literal translation is more than appropriate for GMC’s lineup of Denali vehicles, which serve as the capstone of the brand. That capstone now generates just under 20 percent of GMC’s sales volume, and GMC hopes to boost that calculation even higher with the addition of a Denali variant of the Terrain crossover.
Having launched in late 2009, General Motors has had to perform unplanned capacity increases for Terrain production three times because of the crossover’s success. Throughout much of Terrain’s lifespan, over half of its lofty sales have come from the competition (“conquest” sales).
GMC is now hoping to converge the two success stories with the 2013 Terrain Denali, a vehicle GMI recently got to experience hands on. The fancied up crossover’s Denali treatment is fairly standard compared to the rest of the high up sub-brand, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Though the big story here is what is under the hood.
Undoubtedly the most notable change to the exterior is the Denali exclusive grille treatment. The Denali brand has become symfomous with chrome dipped bullet hole grille designs, which is present on Terrain but with a new twist. Most of today’s Denali vehicles have a two-dimensional pattern on the grille, whereas Terrain has gone with a new bullet hole pattern with an added third dimension. The look, according to engineers, was actually a last minute change – and one that proved difficult to initially fabricate. In our opinion, it was a challenge worth fighting.
Rounding out the exterior changes are darkened headlamps, revised fog lamps and taillamps, tasteful new trapezoidal exhaust tips and chrome. Fortunately GMC has realized that bright chrome is no longer seen as a high-end attribute for vehicles, so Terrain Denali is sporting a new satin finished chrome trim that looks very high end and is tasteful in coverage. Part of the trim additions includes a new chrome piece just above the rocker panels, a nice addition that helps break up the Terrain’s slab-sided panels.
In all, the exterior changes on the Denali are all welcomed changes. GMC’s butch looking little crossover now has an optional tuxedo; one that is tailored and done up in a modern cut.
Changes inside the Terrain Denali are a little less noticeable. The discerning buyer will note that most plastic wrapped portions of the Terrain interior get leather wrappings in the Denali, including the dash, door trims and center armrest. In fact, the dash pad is softer and feels like something at home in a luxury sedan.
Of course with more leather also comes more wood trim. While the wood trim is not the real deal, it is unequivocally one of GM’s better-looking wood-look trims. The dark grain is found on the door trims, shift knob and steering wheel. Like the satin chrome on the exterior, the wood accents are tasteful and devoid of being “too much.” The interior also gets DENALI embossed on the front seatbacks and, of course, the GMC badge on the steering wheel has ben swapped out for Denali font.
