Earlier this week, we took a close and detailed look at the six Jeep concepts heading to this year’s Moab Easter Jeep Safari. As usual, a video has been released showcasing all six concepts.

The concepts heading to Moab, Utah this year are the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk concept, Wrangler Apache concept, Mighty FC concept, J-12 Conversion concept, Mopar Accessorized Wrangler, and the Wrangler Traildozer concept.

The video includes soundbites from President and CEO of Jeep Brand, Mike Manley and Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO Mopar Brand Service, Parts and Customer Care. Along with the feedback from them, we get a better look at all six concepts inside and out.

Watch the video of the 2012 Moab Easter Jeep Safari Concepts after the break.

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Adding the to product range, Ford has unveiled the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, a performance geared model which the company claims has the “highest projected fuel economy among gasoline-engine-powered, high- performance SUVs.”

The new Explorer Sport package will be powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 Ecoboost engine which will make at least 350 hp. “Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”

Ford expects the Explorer Sport to get 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The engine will be mated to a six speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which can be controlled by optional paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

For performance, the Explorer Sport will get larger brakes, a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with a faster ratio for better steering, and a stiffened, reinforced chassis.

For exterior looks, the Sport package gets a special low-gloss Sterling Gray grill, 20-inch painted and machined wheels, blacked out headlights and taillights, black roof rails and sideview mirror skull caps.

The interior styling is inspired by high fashion, namely designs that can be found on Prada and Balenciaga products. Charcoal black leather seats are available with or without contrasting Sienna inserts. Leather also wraps the steering wheel while the floor mats are stitched with Sport badges.

As an entrant to the sport SUV segment, the Explorer Sport is looking to compete with the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The SRT8 makes 470 hp while the Range Rover makes 510 hp. The Ford will be a little on the light side in the power department, but if it can deliver a truly sporty feel, it may well take some of the market thanks to its fuel efficiency.

The Ford Explorer Sport will arrive in dealerships later this year.

GALLERY: 2013 Ford Explorer Sport

Each year, the mad scientists of Jeep and Mopar collaborate to create interesting concepts for the 46th annual Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari, held in Moab, Utah.

This year the team stepped it up a notch, announcing six new Jeep concepts. Mopar has also announced an off-road division that will create authentic Jeep parts and accessories.

“The Jeep Safari has long been a great way for Jeep to connect with its core audience. We look forward to spending the week demonstrating our latest potential production and customization ideas and gathering instant feedback from the most knowledgable 4×4 enthusiasts in the world,” Jeep president and CEO Mike Manley said.

Mopar president and CEO Pietro Gorlier addded that “Mopar is tapping into a growing trend among extreme Jeep enthusiasts who want even more power and capability on the trail. This year, Mopar is pushing the envelope in this arena by offering our customers new Pro 60 portal axles and a new HEMI conversion kit, which we will showcase in those new vehicles. In addition, to further maximize our presence in the off-road market, we are creating a Mopar Off-Road division to develop Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories.”

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It’s too bad that even though David Beckham could make enough money to purchase a fine collection of luxury and sports cars, he could never find the time to enjoy them.

Feeling a bit disappointed that his collection sits around in the UK collecting dust, Beckham’s loss can be someone’s gain as the 36 year old star soccer player (or is it football?) for the LA Galaxy has decided to sell his two Bentleys, a BMW 645i Convertible, a Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lamborghini Gallardo. Beckham may also sell his three Harley Davidson motorcycles.

“David’s collection is amazing and each of these vehicles is worth a fortune,” says a friend of David Beckham. “They are hardly used and are kept in prize condition — but David sees little point in them just mothballing in the UK and it’s not practical to ship them to America.”

Beckham’s pal adds, “Their value easily exceeds half a million but their real worth will be the association with Becks.”

David Beckham has sold several cars in the past including a BMW M3 that he bought in 1997 for 44,000 pounds. Beckham sold his BMW M3 in 2005 for £90,000.

GALLERY: David Beckham’s Cars

[Source: The Sun]

Back in January, Jeep launched a competition called “Name My Ride.” It was set up to find the perfect name for Jeep’s latest special edition models.

Much to the company’s surprise, the contest drew in well over 100,000 entries from Jeep enthusiasts, with “Altitude” as the winning name.

Now Jeep is taking the name to new heights but releasing not one, but three models: the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude editions. Each of these vehicles will receive some special treatment, which starts with the “blacked-out” look you see above.

The Grand Cherokee’s exterior gets a grille surround appearing in black gloss, and mesh grille texture in platinum chrome. A platinum chrome lower fascia applique completes the unique front-end appearance. Black headlamp bezels and a black liftgate light bar continue the theme throughout the vehicle’s exterior. It also gets 20-inch black gloss alloy wheels.

Inside you’ll get leather-trimmed heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506-watt sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, back-up camera, rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, plus Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free communications system.

Available in six colors, this special edition Grand Cherokee will be available from May with a $35,595 starting price for 4×2 models and $37,595 for 4×4 models.

The Compass and Patriot get a similar styling treatment, albeit with 18-inch and 17-inch wheels respectively. Only four colors are available for the Compass Altitude edition with pricing starting at $22,190 for 4×2 models and $23,940 for 4×4 models.

The Patriot Altitude edition is also available in four colors and its pricing starts at $20,240 for 4×2 models and $23,275 for 4×4 models.

Jeep has seen a 34 percent increase in sales in 2012 and they are certainly hoping to up that figure even more with these new special editions. Pending success, maybe the Liberty and Wrangler will get similar treatment.

GALLERY: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude

GALLERY: 2012 Jeep Compass Altitude

GALLERY: 2012 Jeep Patriot Altitude

As we draw closer to the upcoming 2012 New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz continues promote its new 2013 GLK compact crossover.

Featuring multiple shots, the automaker highlights the GLK’s versatility, road manners and its ground clearance over a range of conditions. Interior shots reveal a luxurious, welcoming, and airy interior.

Competing against the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz offers two engine choices for the GLK: an updated 3.5-liter V6 producing 302 hp for the GLK350 and a 190-hp turbo diesel 2.1-liter four-cylinder for the GLK250 BlueTEC. Both trims will be mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and both the GLK 250 Bluetec and GLK350 will be available in either rear-wheel-drive or 4Matic all-wheel-drive. To further improve efficiency, the GLK will use engine start-stop technology and inform the driver of its performance over time via the ECO display within the instrument cluster.

Look out for the official debut of the Mercedes-Benz GLK at the 2012 New York Auto Show and our other coverage on March 4. In the meantime, watch the promo trailer after the jump: Continue Reading…

Since 1948, those who have wanted to travel by roads that didn’t actually exist, chose to do so with a Land Rover.

It might not have been the only proper off-road vehicle on the market, but its ability to cross terrain made it an ideal choice for the adventurer crowd.

Americans have been able to buy Land Rover, and the more luxurious Range Rover products for 25 years now. To celebrate this milestone, Land Rover has released a little film, showing their past, their present, and a glimpse of their future.

So if you are a fan of these British SUV’s, you would enjoy the film after the break.

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This morning, we shared new images of the updated 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK compact luxury crossover due to unveil at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

To the casual viewer, the photos were of the typical glossy PR variety. However, upon closer inspection you are able to spot an easter egg within the images– what can only be a refreshed 2013 model year Mercedes-Benz G-wagon.

Distinguishing features include a set of LED daytime running lights that run along the bottom of the headlights as well as a pair of redesigned exterior mirrors. Although it’s certainly possible that the 2013 G-Class will receive additional updates, we are unable to determine what the other styling tweaks may be from the image available.

We expect more details and information to surface as we draw closer to the upcoming 2012 New York Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Going by present product development trends, the number of luxury crossovers to choose from will continue to expand as premier automakers offer more vehicles to fit all sorts of niche markets.

Despite the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo crossover’s lack of commercial success, BMW is moving forward with Gran Turismo body styles for its 1-Series and 3-Series as well. Answering the offerings from BMW, Audi is also working on a high-roof, people carrier version based on the next-generation A4. Regarded internally as the “Superavant,” the new concept may replace the A4 Allroad (Shown Above) and slot between the A4 Avant and the Q5 CUV.

For now, Audi is supposedly in talks with the Italdesign studio, which was recently acquired by Volkswagen. Detailed information of the new A4 Superavant is unknown but we expect the concept version to be unveiled by 2014.

GALLERY: Audi A4 Allroad

[Source: Automobile Mag]

When it comes to the next generation of its popular Escape compact crossover, Ford is leaving nothing to chance, perfecting every aspect of the all-new 2013 model.

In order to make owning the all-new Escape as enjoyable as possible, a team of sound engineers was assembled to create a concert-hall quality audio experience in the cabin. The tuning process has two steps. The first stage is the objective portion, where the engineers monitor sound wave files on laptops hooked up to speakers within the vehicle. The second stage is the subjective portion, relying on a good set of human ears to find the most pleasing quality.

Carefully-selected song recordings were used to test and tune the Escape’s sound system. For example, Stevie Ray Vaughn’s cover of Jimi Hendrix classic “Little Wing” featured a distinct buzzing sound coming from single-coil pickup amplified by tubes. Ford’s audio specialists zeroed in on the song’s characteristics to evaluate tonal balance, ensure quality in the bass region, and to ensure a wide sound stage available in the system.

Next, Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” a cappella was used to evaluate center staging. Rihanna’s “S.O.S.” was used as well to tune clean bass when mixed with vocals and to make sure that the tweeters will not sound shrill. Other songs were used to ensure dynamics, imaging depth, spatial qualities, as well as bass extension to ensure strong bass won’t shake the doors.

According to audio engineer Christine Templin, “We tuned the audio system so that it sounds natural — as if you’re listening to music inside a theater rather than in your vehicle.”

Available this spring, the Escape will offer three audio options: the standard six-speaker system, a nine-speaker system, and finally a Sony 10-speaker system.

GALLERY: 2013 Ford Escape

Six years ago, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new GL Class crossover, a full-size vehicle designed specifically for the North American market, at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.

Enjoying quite a bit of commercial success, Mercedes-Benz now prepares to unveil a refreshed second-generation 2013 GL Class for the upcoming New York Auto Show.

Details are limited but the GL Class will use the revised ML Class platform and remains a 3-row, seven passenger vehicle. As with all succeeding models, the interior is expected to be roomier and more refined while the mechanicals will deliver better fuel economy.

For the frugal and environmentally conscious, the big Benz crossover is available in the GL350 BlueTec diesel trim, which accounted for 40 percent of GL sales last year. Other available engine options include the GL550, even though a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 will replace the outgoing 5.5-liter V8. As Mercedes-Benz does not offer a V8 below the 4.7-liter, the middle-pack GL450 faces a bit of a dilemma. A special AMG GL64 is rumored to be in the works as well.

More information regarding the next generation Mercedes-Benz GL will be available as we draw closer to the New York Auto Show. The official release is expected later this year.

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL spy photos

[Source: Motor Authority]

In an effort to curb spending, improve fuel economy and simplify its manufacturing process Chrysler introduced a new 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V6 engine several years ago, with a plan that it would replace up to seven other V6 engines.

With that plan now mostly complete, the next stage in development is to down-size that engine, with a new report that the next generation Jeep Liberty will receive a 3.2-liter version of that powerplant. Also expected as a part of the mix is a new 9-speed automatic transmission, which will help maximize the power available by the smaller displacement engine to help deliver performance that is on par with the larger engine, but with improved fuel economy..

Making anywhere from 283 to 305 hp, depending on the application, look for the 3.2-liter unit to deliver around 250 hp. Previously, Chrysler-Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne had said the company was planning a smaller displacement version of the Pentastar V6 using Fiat’s Multi-Air variable valve timing technology, which uses hydraulic pumps rather than a cam on the intake side. While it isn’t yet clear if that technology will be used in this current version, if it is, power output could be closer to the 3.6-liter version, with improved fuel economy.

Look for the new Jeep Liberty to debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show next January.

[Source: AutoNews]

A direct reflection of the current market, GM has been struggling to keep up with demand for the 4-cylinder Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers for the past two months.

Facing a shortage in supply, GM has restricted dealer orders to better ration its bestsellers. Unfortunately, this has caused many dealers to fill their inventory with the 3.0-liter V6 models, which are less desirable to consumers in the face of rising costs at the pump. Currently, four-cylinder models account for 80 percent of Equinox and Terrain sales.

GM spokesman Jim Cain explained that “temporary order limits” had to be placed on the Equinox and Terrain. “It’s a function of a strong industry, a hot vehicle, and a very robust demand for the four-cylinder model.We’re working with our suppliers to increase deliveries of key components.”

According to GM, the supply constraints will only be temporary until the supplier adjustment has been resolved. From the dealer’s perspectives, it has been difficult to shift the V6 models as the national average has risen to $3.79/gallon of gas. For Herb Chambers Chevrolet-Cadillac of Danvers,MA, general sales manager Eduart Lela said, “I cringe when I have to order a six.”

In an effort to work with the dealers, GM offers a $1,000 discount for each V6 Equinox or Terrain moved in order to lift sales.

GALLERY: Chevrolet Equinox

[Source: GM Inside News]

Expanding the Land Rover brand to a wider audience, the Evoque proved to be a fresh and attractive departure from the traditional Land Rover offerings. Well received since 2010, global brand chief John Edwards reported that some 80 percent of Evoque customers are buyers new to the marque.

With the unveiling of its new Evoque Convertible concept at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, Range Rover hopes to expose itself to an even more diverse market. In fact, if given the green light, the Evoque Convertible will be the world’s first premium compact convertible SUV. Running gear in the concept is expected to be identical with its hardtop counterparts. However, additional structural reinforcements in the Evoque Convertible is expected to add another 165 lbs. to the curb weight.

One of the rare automakers to create vehicles that look just as at home cruising along the trendiest city streets as it does navigating rural dirt paths, Range Rover released a new promotional video to feature the Range Rover Evoque Convertible’s surprising versatility.

Check out the promo video below.

GALLERY: Land Rover Evoque Convertible

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Jeep blazes trails in mountains rocks and mud, but this time the company is taking steps to tread new ground in education.

In February, Jeep launched a partnership with Detroit’s Jalen Rose Leadership Academy public charter high school, an open enrollment public charter high school. The academy was created to provide a leadership-focused education based on real-world, project-based experiences. Jalen Rose Academy accepted its first students in September, 2011 for 120 freshmen. Under this new collaboration, Jeep hopes to create a multi-phased development program to expose students to programs and events for enrichment and to bridge their educational path.

This program will involve a mentoring program between Jeep employees and students. Jeep employees will team with select students to enroll in a seven-month long mentorship program. Each mentorship session will focus on personal improvement skills including career planning and goal setting. Participating students will also take part in group field trips to visit several Chrysler Group facilities, including the Jefferson North Assembly Plant and the Jeep Design Studio to meet with the designers. In January, students attended the North American Auto Show to create photo logs of their experience. Students were assigned to develop a journal that outlined their favorite Jeep brand vehicles.

What’s more, Jeep will also be developing a marketing project and will be a sponsor for the academy’s boy’s and girl’s basketball team as well. Finally, Jeep will also award $100,000 in college scholarships to the first graduating class of the academy.

“The Jeep brand is honored to partner with the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy and build a relationship within our community. This program is an authentic, hands-on approach that will fuel leadership, provide educational empowerment, and develop life skills for the students. With this program, we hope to help students reach their fullest potential,” Jeep president and CEO Mike Manley said.

Jalen Rose, the founder of the Academy, agreed saying: “A philanthropic project of this nature requires support from the entire community and it is a privilege to have the Jeep brand join our team. We will work together to have a positive influence on our future leaders.”

An international auto show is a great opportunity for an automaker to introduce an all-new product to the public in order to gauge approval and reception.

Oftentimes, these concept vehicles are near 70 percent of the finished product that the public should expect once it reaches the market. However, there are rare occasions where the public’s reception to a concept car is less than enthusiastic.

After some lukewarm feedback from its Geneva unveiling, Bentley has announced that it is already working on a redesigned version of the new EXP 9 F luxury SUV concept.

During the Geneva Motor Show, a Bentley spokesperson admitted that the EXP 9 F’s styling is “a little heavy handed” and that a sharper, more refined design is underway. The source added that the EXP 9 F will be treated with “more traditional SUV proportions and less retro surfacing.” An instantly recognizable Bentley fascia will remain, complete will grill, large round headlights and fog lights. The headlights in the revised version will be slightly smaller and set farther inward.

Based on the VW Group’s Touarag, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne platform, the new Bentley SUV will receive a W12 gasoline engine good for 600-hp. Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer expects a production version ready for sale by 2015.

GALLERY: Bentley EXP 9 F Concept

[Source: Whatcar?]

Standing out, and for perhaps not all the right reasons, the Bentley EXP 9 F concept is a hard-to-miss debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Unveiled as part of the luxurious British brand’s expansion plans, it’s obvious that Bentley is thinking about growth in emerging markets like India and China with this potential new model. Of course, it’s certain to be popular in America, not to mention with Russian oligarchs and African dictators.

Find out more about the new Bentley SUV concept in AutoGuide’s first look video below.

GALLERY: Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept

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America aside, Bentley’s new SUV concept is an ostentatious look at a future SUV from the prestigious British brand targeted specifically at “emerging markets.”

There’s an increasing demand for extra pricey SUVs from countries like China, Brazil and India, as well as some traditional SUV hot spots like Russia and the Middle East. That said, considering the outrageous success of the Porsche Cayenne, calling the EXP a concept is all but a formality.

With a 4+1 seating arrangement and plenty of stunning quilted leather, the EXP is certain to provide tremendous luxury even in countries where the roads aren’t the best. It will, however, take some serious Bentley comfort engineering to maintain a soft ride on those massive 23-inch wheels.

Powered by the brand’s impressive twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine, Bentley says it could also use a plug-in hybrid engine mated to the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.

Watch our EXP 9 F first look video below.

GALLERY: Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept

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Jeep is celebrating its 2 million Facebook fans milestone as the first domestic automotive brand to reach the figure.

Addressing the achievement, Jeep Brand President and CEO Mike Manley said, “On behalf of the entire Jeep brand team, I would like to extend a personal ‘thank you’ to our consumers– and literally millions of fans– for their continued loyalty and support. We are proud of our 70-year history and all that the Jeep brand has accomplished along the way. Jeep vehicle owners are unlike any others; from those who embrace the ‘Jeep wave’ to those who look forward to helping a fellow off-roader along the trail, there is a sense of community and passion among Jeep owners that make our brand unique.”

While we aren’t sure how Jeep will be celebrating, Porsche revealed a Facebook Cayman S to celebrate its 2 million milestone. Featuring red-tinted profile photos of all its Facebook fans to create a mural inspired by the color scheme of the Le Mans winning Porsche 917K, this special one-off is displayed at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Could we see a similar project for a special Jeep Wrangler decked out in Facebook camo?

Leaked photos and believable rumors of a Beijing Motor Show debut for Lambo’s upcoming SUV and now this: a name. According to at least one report, the successor to the LM002 will be called the MLC – or at least the concept will wear that badge.

Based on the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne (and Audi Q7, and VW Touareg and the upcoming Bentley SUV), the MLC is expected to make extensive use of carbon fiber to keep weight to a minimum. That will add cost, but Lambo isn’t likely to care, with the MLC certain to start well above the $107,000 sticker price of the Cayenne Turbo.

Likely to arrive in production form by 2015 reports AutoExpress, it could arrive sooner using the Gallardo’s 5.2-liter V10 engine to produce well over 500-hp. A hybrid model is also reportedly in the product plan with over 600 horses bulls.

The third model in Lambo’s product range, the company is still considering a fourth, based on the Estoque sedan concept, which could find its way into production shortly after by sharing many of its components with the MLC.

Look for more on Lambo’s new SUV with the Beijing Auto Show set for April.

[Source: AutoExpress]

The BMW X1 is Europe’s best selling all-wheel drive vehicle, and due to that strong demand, Americans have been denied the privilege of seeing it on our shores. But now rumor has it that the BMW X1 M35i xDrive will make its way to America as the first M Performance vehicle for our consumption.

It has already been confirmed that we won’t be getting any of the already announced M Performance Diesel vehicles, but the X1 M35i xDrive would certainly be an acceptable consolation prize. And since the upcoming BMW M135i won’t be coming to America anytime soon, it certainly makes sense that the German automaker would find the X1 M35i the perfect vehicle to launch the M Performance brand in the US.

The X1 M35i xDrive will feature the same 320-hp performance seen in the M135i Sporthatch that will be making its way to Europe shortly. Along with that, the X1 will get an M-tuned chassis, reworked suspension, refreshed aerodynamic package, and M-specific wheels. It will easily become the flagship model for the X1 if and when it makes it to America.

Hopefully this rumor will pan out in being true, since America is certainly hungry to get their hands on some M Performance models.

GALLERY: BMW X1 with M Package

[Source: XBimmers]

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]

As planned GMC unveiled its refreshed Acadia SUV at the Chicago Auto Show this week, but the GM truck division also prepared a surprise.

In addition to the standard-trim truck, GMC showcased the top-trim Denali version, complete with 20-inch wheels, an upgraded interior and paint-matched body cladding to deliver a more luxurious look.

For more on both vehicles, watch out first look video below.

GALLERY: 2013 GMC Acadia

GALLERY: 2013 GMC Acadia Denali

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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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