2011 GMC Acadia Receives the Denali Treatment, Sales Start Next Summer

General Motor swiped the covers off the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali in Detroit today. Scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter of 2010, the Denali treatment adds a number of unique design, comfort and convenience features to the full-size crossover. The Acadia Denali will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations, all powered by GM's 288HP 3.6-liter direct injected V6 that delivers an EPA highway rating of 24 mpg on the FWD models.

"The GMC Denali models have come to stand for luxury and exclusivity, and that's just what customers will get in the new Acadia Denali," said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. "The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia."

So, what does the Denali treatment mean for the Acadia? Well, first of all, the crossover gets a mono-color exterior with buyers given the option of five different shades: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

Special design cues on the exterior include a signature chrome honeycomb grille, unique lower front and rear fascias, high-intensity discharge headlamps, body-color lower cladding, rocker moldings, rear fascia and fender flares, unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges.

Further distinction comes the dual chrome exhaust tips and 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels.

Inside, the Acadia Denali is distinguished by several features and standard options such as the perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim, the complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack, leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts, lighted sill plates, Dual SkyScape sunroof system, head-up display (HUD) system and enhanced accent lighting in the footwells.

Pricing for the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali is expected to be released closer to its launch date.