GMC unveiled their 2013 Acadia crossover at the Chicago Auto Show last Tuesday, but they didn’t mention during the presentation that they sourced parts for their refreshed model from unusable Saturn Outlooks.

GMC spokesperson Joe LaMuraglia confirmed the suspicion after Car and Driver wrote a blog post speculating the company may have cut costs by doing that.

It might seem offensive to some that GM would call the CUV new while using old parts, but at least they’re reusing what would otherwise be garbage.

We generally feel that the 2013 model year looks better than what it will replace, but just in case you’re curious here’s what they recycled: the rear liftgate and rear side glass both came from the Outlook, which was probably what tipped the Car and Driver boys off in the first place. The rear spoiler and rear quarter panel are also re-used parts.

Perhaps the funniest part of this whole story is how Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing touted the new wraparound glass rear as a highlight in their refresh.

GALLERY: 2013 GMC Acadia

[Source: Car and Driver]

Nobody expected there to be a second car under cloth at the GMC display this morning, but two CUVs were ready to bare it all shortly after 9 a.m. today at the Chicago Auto Show.

The fancier version designed for more luxury-oriented customers gets a host of upgrades meant to set it apart from the standard model.

“When designing the new Acadia, we considered the contemporary shapes and materials GMC buyers expect from many products they buy,” said Dave Lyon, executive director of design for the Acadia. “The Denali’s attention to detail is the ultimate demonstration of that.”

In a side interview, he said they chose to make the Denali’s interior look “a little warmer, to soften the feeling.” He also mentioned that the steering wheel’s wood inserts are made of real wood, where the standard model gets “real aluminum, but fake wood. Most people just want it to look good. We had trouble getting the aluminium to match the real wood [in the standard model],” he said.

Aside from nice visual touches, the Denali comes with standard blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert systems, which are options in the cheaper model.

The exterior is rethought as well, including a shining chrome grille, 20-inch machined wheels and a chrome exhaust. Customers also get lower, redesigned front and rear fascias. The wrap-around rear window, which is new to both models, gives the Denali an especially luxurious look with tinted windows wrapping around the back and accenting the wheels.

Both the Denali and standard models will be available at dealerships late this year, though pricing details haven’t been announced yet.

GALLERY: 2013 GMC Acadia Denali

Watch AutoGuide’s first look video of the Acadia Denali and Acadia below:

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GMC unveiled its 2013 Acadia crossover, alongside a surprise reveal of the more luxury-oriented Denali trim level, today at the Chicago Auto Show.

The 2013 model will feature the same 3.6-liter V6 engine making 288 horsepower, though Tony Disalle, vice president of GMC marketing said the new Acadia will benefit from a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission that will improve efficiency and driveability.

The standard Acadia gets a new exterior design featuring LED lighting and standard projector beam headlamps or optional HIDs. Plus, it’s hard to miss the more flat-fronted grille and boxier fender flares, style elements borrowed from the popular Traverse.

Inside the Acadia gets new seats, plus a standard color touch radio, Bluetooth and a backup camera. Optional goodies include GM’s Intellilink system; a version of the MyLink telematics interface found on Chevy products.

There are also new standard safety features, including an industry-first front-center airbag that deploys during a side-impact crash to keep font seat occupants safe from one another during impact.

The Acadia Denali model comes standard with blind spot detection and cross traffic alert systems, both of which can be added to the standard model.

Aside from standard safety features, the Denali model features GMC’s “three dimensional polished grille”, which glistens with chrome. The interior gets a few extra touches as well, with richer-looking wood trim around the shifter than the standard model.

The Denali also gets larger, 20-inch machined wheels to deliver a more luxurious appearance, as well as dual chrome exhaust pipes. See our pictures of the 2013 Acadia below.

GALLERY: 2013 GMC Acadia

Watch AutoGuide’s first look video of the Acadia and Acadia Denali below:

Continue Reading…