2013 GMC Terrain Denali Debuts With New 3.6L V6: New York Auto Show Preview

GM has revealed the 2013 GMC Terrain Denali ahead of its official unveiling at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The introduction of the Terrain Denali comes with the announcement of an all-new 3.6L V6 engine that will replace the outgoing 3.0L V6 for the 2013 Terrain model year. The new V6 powerplant will be rated at 301-hp and 272 lb-ft of torque and is expected to deliver better fuel economy than its predecessor.

Those interested in a Terrain but not necessarily a V6 will still have the option of a 2.4L, four-cylinder Ecotec engine that has a best-in-class 32-mpg highway rating while sporting 182-hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive will be standard on the Terrain Denali with all-wheel drive available as an option for buyers.

The list of Denali-specific features is lengthy, but includes signature chrome grille, satin chrome accents, body-matched front and rear bumpers, rocker panels with satin chrome molding, new headlights and taillights, and a dual chrome exhaust – single on the 2.4L. Meanwhile, the interior of the Terrain Denali will receive soft-touch instrument panel with French stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel with smoked mahogany wood accents, embossed Denali logos on front seatbacks, smoked mahogany wood trim throughout, Denali illuminated door sill plates, and eight-way power driver and passenger seats.

Pricing and availability for the 2013 Terrain Denali will be announced closer to its release in the third quarter of this year.

“Denali is growing fast,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing. “With seven different models, sales for this brand within a brand increased 79 percent from 2010 to 2011. With this in mind, the decision to create a more-upscale Terrain was an easy one.”