2008 GMC ACADIA - THE PROFESSIONAL GRADE CROSSOVER
08/01/2007
GMC
Introduced in 2007, the Acadia debuted as GMC's first foray into the crossover market, offering seating for up to eight and combining the capability of an SUV with a smooth ride and responsive handling. Acadia is offered in SLE and SLT trims, with SLT-1 and SLT-2 equipment packages available. All models are available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations and a comprehensive safety system includes six standard air bags and standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology.
Acadia's body-frame integral structure enables lower entry/exit height for passengers. Despite the vehicle's SUV-like front-end height, the front door step-in height is only 18.9 inches (480 mm); the rear door step-in height is 19.8 inches (503 mm). Entry to the second- and third-row seats is eased with very wide rear doors and GM's exclusive Smart Slide second-row seat feature.
Responsive performance in all models is derived from GM's 3.6L V-6 VVT, a high-feature engine with variable valve timing that is designed for good fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. It is rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm).* The engine is backed by a fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Proving its worth as a capable vehicle, the Acadia can tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg) when properly equipped.
New for 2008
GMC adds a Panic Brake Assist feature to the 2008 Acadia. When panic braking is detected, the system automatically develops additional brake pressure to more quickly engage ABS, potentially reducing overall stopping distance by eliminating the delay caused by not braking hard enough and/or soon enough.
Also, Acadia AWD models feature an Intelligent AWD system that delivers enhanced driving dynamics and a more refined driving experience. Intelligent AWD takes full-time AWD performance to the next level by incorporating dynamic yaw control and fully integrating with the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system. A target vehicle yaw rate is established based on driver inputs and driving conditions. Intelligent AWD manages the torque distribution to maintain the vehicle's target yaw rate and optimize yaw stability. As in the previous AWD system, the front-to-rear torque distribution is also managed to optimize the vehicle's traction capability. In addition to reducing understeer and improving cornering capability, Intelligent AWD provides significant performance improvements on snow and gravel. For the driver, this means optimized vehicle dynamics and control.
Additional changes to the Acadia for '08 are designed to provide even more Professional Grade capabilities. They include:
A second-row console on seven-passenger SLT models
XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models
Refined traction control system that provides more refined performance and smoother control
Three new exterior colors are offered: Dark Crimson, Carbon Flash Metallic and Platinum Ice. (Platinum Ice will be available later in the model year.)
Also new for 2008 is a rear back-up camera that is available with the navigation system. Integrated with Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist, it provides a visual reference of objects directly behind the vehicle and an audible warning of the objects' proximity. Displayed on the navigation system display screen, icons and audible chimes provide an easy-to-understand reference to items behind the vehicle.
Acadia's new-for-2008 details complement a wide range of useful and convenient features, including:
Heated outside mirrors, which quickly de-fog or de-ice for improved visibility
A power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button from either the key fob or inside the vehicle
Extended range remote vehicle start
Skyscape dual sunroof, featuring a larger, power-operated tilt-and-slide sunroof and rear skylight, which combine to provide an airy, open driving experience
Heated windshield washer fluid, which helps to quickly clear frost, ice and even bugs with a blast of heated washer fluid
Head-up display that projects instrument readouts and other features onto the windshield for easy, eyes-on-the-road reference
A DVD-based entertainment system offers rear-seat passengers a multimedia experience with a flip-down DVD screen, infrared headphones and individual controls
A Bose 5.1 Surround Sound audio system with optimally located speakers that provide big, clear and crisp sound throughout the vehicle
A DVD-based navigation system that provides locations, directions and driving instructions via a large, easy-to-view LCD screen
Athletic design
The Acadia is a sleek, athletic crossover with design cues expected from a GMC. It also is carefully executed with details such as tight tolerances, a tailored wheel-to-body relationship, a range of upscale colors and select bright trim, creating a strong and confident presence.
Exterior features include a bright grille surround that frames a prominent GMC emblem and prominent headlamps that use projector beam technology to deliver bright, precise lighting. They are mounted in housings that have a crystal-clear, jewel-like appearance. High-intensity discharge lamps (HID) are available.
The exterior is also accented with fog lamps, polished aluminum roof rails and select bright work - including chrome door handles. Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors are standard on all models. Body-color outside mirrors with integrated turn signals are standard on SLT-1, while power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals and auto-dimming feature are standard on SLT-2.
The profile of the Acadia is sleek, with a sporty, tapered roofline. It is also aerodynamically efficient, with a coefficient of drag of just 0.344, which helps reduce wind noise and enhances fuel economy. Distinctive LED taillamps - housed in chrome-highlighted, multi-dimensional housings - a rear spoiler and large, twin-tip exhaust outlet enhance the vehicle's sporty appearance, as do its large wheels and tires.
Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard and 19-inch wheels are available. Acadia's wheel/tire combinations are tailored to form a close, even relationship to the body; the wheels and tires fill the wheelhouses, delivering a confident and precise stance. Acadia engineers' careful selection of tire size and precise suspension tuning ensure the same tailored appearance on models equipped with either 18- or 19-inch wheels.
Acadia is available in 10 exterior colors for the'08 model year: Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic, Liquid Silver Metallic, Red Jewel Tint, Deep Blue Metallic, Platinum Ice, Blue-Gold Crystal Metallic, Dark Crimson, Carbon Flash Metallic and Medium Brown Metallic.
Spacious, refined and versatile interior
Acadia's open interior exudes refinement and attention to detail, with many thoughtful features designed into a finely crafted environment. A car-like "low and away" instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding outward view. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight gap tolerances.
A selection of contemporary upscale trim and upholstery combinations enhances the refined feel of the Acadia's cabin, which is reinforced with such features as detailed instruments that have a jeweled appearance; intuitively located controls with high-quality tactile feel; firm yet comfortable seats that were designed for long-drive comfort; tailored appearance of upholstery seams and headliner; metal-finish trim accents throughout and even a large, driver's footrest, which enhances both driving comfort and confidence.
Acadia offers three rows of seating and can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain's chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat. Leather seats and second-row captain's chairs are standard on SLT-1 and SLT-2 trim levels. The third row seat is capable of comfortably seating adults while simultaneously providing generous storage space behind it.
The Acadia has over two dozen places to store items, including cupholders and the standard front row center console. The front row armrest slides back and forth for comfort and access to the lower console storage. This front lower console is equipped with a pull-out tray that, when removed, reveals a deep space of more than 60 cubic inches for storing large items. The optional second-row console is paired with second-row captains chairs and has a multitude of features, including two large storage compartments and two cupholders. When it's time to get it out of the way and load large cargo, the versatile console folds flat with the second row seats.
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 with the pull of a lever. The Smart Slide system also allows the second row to be positioned fore/aft. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it provides more storage space or additional legroom for third-row passengers. Seating space is sufficient for adults in all positions.
Access to the third-row seat also is aided by Acadia's rear door width, which is wider than the doors on most other SUVs. It is enabled by the vehicle's long wheelbase. The rear door opening was 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.
Along with comfort and ease of entry, Acadia's interior offers generous cargo room, including 117 cu. ft. (3,313 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded. In fact, Acadia even offers 19.7 cu. ft. (558 L) of cargo space behind the third-row seat when it's in its upright position - capacity many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching. Also, Acadia's second- and third-row seat fold flat for even more cargo-carrying capacity, and a covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the rear cargo floor.
Powertrain details
GM's 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) paired with the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission is the Acadia's standard powertrain combination. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations are available.
The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated dual-overhead camshaft engine based on GM's global V-6 architecture. It was jointly developed at GM technical centers in Australia, Germany, Sweden and North America. The engine uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.
In the Acadia, the 3.6L V-6 VVT produces 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm).* The four-cam phasing operation of the variable valve timing system ensures linear delivery of torque across the rpm band, while features such as electronic throttle control deliver crisp, immediate response and feedback. The engine uses electro-hydraulic vane-type phasers to rotate the camshafts relative to the cam-drive sprockets, allowing infinitely variable combinations over a range of 50 degrees.
Additional engine features include:
High-flow aluminum cylinder heads
Four valves per cylinder
Dual-stage variable intake manifold
Low-restriction induction system
Straight-runner intake manifold
Sequential dual spray port fuel injection
Coil-on-plug ignition system
Electronic throttle control with integrated cruise control
The aluminum-intensive 3.6L V-6 VVT is designed to deliver its performance with world-class smoothness, quietness and durability. The camshaft chain drive incorporates a new, smaller-pitch chain, which is nearly silent during operation. Other elements, such as the cam covers, an acoustically shielded intake manifold, and direct-mounted accessories, are designed to reduce or eliminate conventional points of noise, vibration and harshness. A long operating life is driven by heavy-duty and special components, such as a forged steel crankshaft, polymer-coated pistons and oil jets that drench the bottom of the pistons in cooling, lubricating oil.
GM's Hydra-Matic 6T75 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission backs the 3.6L V-6 VVT. It is an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. A wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio helps the transmission deliver both performance and fuel economy, enabling up to 8 percent improved performance and up to 4 percent improved fuel economy when compared with current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics.
The transmission's six-gear configuration allows for a "steep" 4.48:1 first gear, which helps deliver exceptional launch feel, and a 0.74:1 overdrive sixth gear - the "tall" overdrive gear lowers rpm at high speeds, reducing noise and vibration. Fifth gear is 1:1 direct drive. Shorter steps between the gears, compared with a four-speed automatic, enhance performance and feel, as the transmission quickly finds the best gear for the vehicle speed and road conditions. Also, the 6T75 offers the capability of driver shift control (DSC), which allows the driver to use tap-up/tap-down shifting to select the desired gear for specific road conditions, such as driving up a steep hill.
Acadia's available Intelligent AWD system provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions; it is revised for '08. 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 AWD system's tuning is revised to provide more rear torque bias during certain driving conditions.
Smooth, responsive ride and handling
Acadia rides on a long 118.9-inch (3,020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks - a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables 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 to reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment. This design enables the handling prowess that comes with an independent suspension, but with minimal floor pan intrusion - a feature that helps the Acadia offer generous passenger and cargo space.
Acadia features standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, with variable-effort steering available. The suspension and steering system meet the road via standard 18-inch wheels and tires, with 19-inch wheels available. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. The Acadia also offers the following standard features that enhance ride and handling, as well as safety:
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
Traction control system
Tire pressure monitoring system
Also refined for '08 is Acadia's traction control system; it provides more refined performance and smoother control. This is achieved with revised calibrations that enable less engine torque during turns, an adaptive transmission shift schedule during active traction control events, smoother control on varied road conditions and enhanced cooperation with AWD.
Safety
Acadia' 360-degree safety system helps protect passengers before, during and after a crash. A strong structure is the foundation, and it is augmented by a wide stance and low center of gravity that reduces the likelihood of a rollover. Acadia's responsive four-wheel independent suspension also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling characteristics.
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard and, new for 2008, they feature Panic Brake Assist, also known as hydraulic brake assist.
Additional standard braking features include Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP), Hydraulic Brake Boost (HBB) and Hydraulic Brake Failure Compensation (HBC). DRP optimizes front to rear brake balance by dynamically adjusting the rear brake bias based on driving conditions and vehicle loading. HBB amplifies the hydraulic brake force to assist the driver under low or temporarily low engine vacuum conditions to reduce stopping distance. HBC amplifies the hydraulic brake force to assist the driver in the unlikely event of booster failure (under zero engine vacuum conditions) to reduce stopping distance.
Acadia's structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase steel in select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails. Dual-phase steel is strengthened in the paint oven and offers easier formability, reduced mass, greater strength and better crash energy absorption than most high-strength steels.
Acadia is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags, for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain side air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing the air bags is GM's rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the side-impact air bags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant containment.
Acadia also comes standard with OnStar Generation 7 (with a one-year Safe & Sound plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. If the crash activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle and/or summons emergency help.
*SAE certified.