Related:
Breaking! GM Issues "Stop Sale" To Dealers On Saturn Outlook And GMC Acadia [internal]

"...in order to maintain our momentum and successful launch of these products, we are evaluating potential enhancement and inventory upgrade to the vehicles."

Attnntion ALL Saturn Retailers and GMC Dealers This is to advise Saturn Retailers and GMC Dealers that we are issuing an immediate stop sale on all Saturn OUTLOOK models and GMC Acadia models in dealer inventory as well as in transit to the dealer. In order to maintain our momentum and successful launch of these prodects, we are evaluating potential enhancement and inventory upgrade to the vehicles. More details will be forthcoming on Monday, December 11, 2006.

Message also communicated in GM Messenger Message # VSD20060627

Thank you for your immediate attention and cooperation in this matter.

Related:
That's A Saturn? 2007 Outlook To Start At $27,990, AWD Pricing In At $29,990; Acadia Madness! More On The All-New 2007 GMC Acadia [internal]

[2007 Saturn Outlook CUV Gallery]

Saturn Announces Prices For All New 2007 Outlook

MSRP for new eight-passenger crossover vehicle starts at $27,990

Detroit — Engineered to provide the ideal balance of style, size and capability, the 2007 Saturn Outlook crossover also features a long list of standard equipment and extremely attractive price.

Saturn announced today the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the front-wheel drive Outlook XE is $27,990. All-wheel drive XE model starts at $29,990.

Fuel economy numbers for the Outlook were also announced, with front-wheel-drive models rated at 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway by the EPA, and all-wheel-drive models rated at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

"The Outlook crossover combines great design and utility with better fuel economy than any eight-passenger SUV," said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. "It's part of our continuing strategy of combining great vehicles and outstanding value with Saturn's highly regarded customer care."

Outlook features a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in heights and generous interior space. Outlook offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating three adults - and with more usable storage space behind the third-row seat than many of its competitors. Access to the third-row seat is made easier with an articulated, industry-first Smart Slide second-row seat feature.

StabiliTrak is standard on all Outlook models, as are six 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. Complementing the air bags is GM's rollover sensing system, which can 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. Outlook also comes standard with OnStar.

The Outlook XE's 3.6L V-6 VVT produces 270 horsepower (201 kw) and 248 lb.-ft. of torque (336 Nm). The uplevel Outlook XR model, with dual exhaust, provides an estimated 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm). All Outlook models feature a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The uplevel Outlook XR will carry an MSRP of $30,290 for front-wheel drive and $32,290 for all-wheel drive models.

Rounding out the appeal of the Outlook is a wide range of attractive optional equipment, including ultrasonic rear parking assist, power lift gate, remote vehicle start, heated windshield fluid, DVD entertainment system and DVD navigation system.

The Outlook will be built at GM's Lansing/Delta Township (Mich.) assembly facility.

Saturn, a division of General Motors Corp., markets vehicles in the U.S. and Canada through a network of about 500 retailers, with a focus on providing innovative products with solid value and excellent customer service. In 2006, the brand has begun a major revitalization of its portfolio with four new vehicles: the Sky roadster, the Aura midsize sports sedan, the Vue Green Line Hybrid (all available now) and the Outlook large crossover utility (available late 2006). These new vehicles join the current lineup that includes the Ion small car, Vue compact SUV and the Relay crossover van.

# # #

Related:
Pricing! GMC Professionally Grades 2007 Acadia CUV At A Starting Price Of $29,990; GM Going Cross-Eyed On Marketing Crossovers?; Ad Watch Exclusive: That's An Opel?; Look Out, Outlook!: First Saturn Crossover Rolls off the Line [internal]

GMC Announces Pricing For 2007 Acadia

All-New GMC Acadia Offers Generous List of Standard Equipment in a Package Priced Under $30,000

DETROIT - GMC announced today that pricing for GMC's first crossover SUV, the all-new 2007 Acadia, will begin at $29,990 for a well-equipped front-wheel-drive model.

"The next generation of GMC is here with the all-new Acadia," said John Larson, GMC general manager. "The fuel-efficient crossover has a sleek design and spacious interior that offers all of the people and cargo-carrying capabilities that you would expect in a utility vehicle, along with the smooth ride and responsive handling that feels more like a luxury sedan."

Acadia, which goes on sale at the end of the year, is available in front- or all-wheel-drive models. The base FWD model pricing includes the destination freight charge, is well-equipped, with GM's all-new high-feature 3.6L V-6 engine with variable valve timing. It offers 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm) and EPA ratings of 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway on FWD models. The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission.

The Acadia comfortably seats up to eight adults and has a standard 60/40 split-folding third-row seat. It offers more space than many of its competitors, with nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.

Other standard features on the GMC Acadia include:

*

StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
*

Six air bags - two frontal-impact air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags; and head curtain side-impact air bags that help protect outboard passengers in all three rows
*

Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes
*

OnStar Generation 7 hardware with one-year Directions and Connections service that features new voice-activated Turn-by-Turn Navigation
*

GM's exclusive Smart Slide feature on second-row seating, allowing quick and easy access to the third row
*

AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 players and six-speaker audio system
*

Dual exhaust with chrome tips
*

Rear spoiler
*

18-inch wheels

Also standard on Acadia and new for 2007 is GM's five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is fully transferable and includes courtesy transportation and roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty. Customers can get a preview of the new Acadia at www.gmc.com.

GMC is a division of General Motors Corp. The division markets Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Envoy, Canyon and Savana. GMC's lineup of Professional Grade trucks and SUVs delivers capabilities and unique features to fit every active lifestyle. GMC sold more than 566,000 vehicles in 2005, and has set divisional sales records 11 times in the last 13 years. More information on GMC and its products can be found at www.gmc.com.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world's leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Related:
GM Going Cross-Eyed On Marketing Crossovers?; Acadia Madness! More On The All-New 2007 GMC Acadia [internal]

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Crossover Concerns [Automotive News via AutoWeek]

Related:
Crossover Crunch: Dodge to Accept Challenge from Ford, GM; Spy Photos: Crossover This; Caption Contest: Tiger Woods And Buick Enclave, So Captioned Together [internal]

Is "Professional Grade" going the way of "Trail Rated"? Edmunds Inside Line reports GMC is planning a Lamda-platform minivan for 2009 that will be a boxier companion to the Acadia crossover — neither of which, we'd imagine, will be able to take on a load of steel beams dropped from a crane. It's from Edmunds' supplier sources whence the story comes; they say the new model will replace the void left by the Safari's departure. But where the Safari is used just as often by plumbers and electricians as those who employ them, the new model will be mainly for familes. Is it another case of asking too much from a rough-trade brand, or a smart line-expansion strategy (i.e., making GMC into a luxury marque — in the reverse of Land Rover's transformation)? Who freaking knows anymore.

IL Insider: GMC To Add Minivan in 2009 [Edmunds]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2008 GMC Acadia [internal]

ALL-NEW 2007 ACADIA IS GMC'S FIRST CROSSOVER SUV

The all-new Acadia is GMC's first crossover SUV, offering seating for up to eight and combining the capability of an SUV with a smooth, responsive and car-like driving experience. Acadia features a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in height and the generous interior space of larger SUVs. A comprehensive safety system includes six standard air bags and standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology.

Acadia is powered by 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 267 horsepower (199 kW) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm).* The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Acadia is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.

Fuel economy is estimated at 17 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway with FWD models and an estimated 17 and 24 mpg with AWD models. Acadia can tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg), when properly equipped.

Smooth, responsive ride and handling

Acadia rides on a long 118.9-inch (3020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1709 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 that 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. The suspension systems enable Acadia 's 4,500-pound (2,042 kg) towing capacity.

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 stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
Traction control (FWD models)
Tire pressure monitoring system
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 third-row seat is eased with very wide rear doors and GM's exclusive Smart Slide second-row seat feature, which aids passenger access to the third-row seats. Wider than the doors on most other SUVs, the Acadia 's rear door width 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.

Powertrain details

GM's 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) and a new 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 267 horsepower (199 kW) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 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, including 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.

A new 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 all-wheel drive system provides increased traction on slippery roads. The system works by always delivering a slight amount of torque to the rear wheels. 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 .

Athletic design

Sharing familial design cues with GMC's other all-new full-size SUVs, Yukon and Yukon XL, the Acadia features athletic styling that underscores GMC's professional grade philosophy. The design is accented with polished aluminum roof rails, select bright work and large, prominent headlamps that flank a detailed grille. The headlamps use projector beam technology to deliver bright, precise lighting and are mounted in houses that have a crystal-clear, jewel-like appearance. High-intensity discharge lamps (HID) are available.

The profile of the Acadia is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof line. Distinctive LED taillamps and a rear spoiler enhance the vehicle's sporty appearance, as do large its large tires. Acadia also is aerodynamically efficient, with a coefficient of drag of just 0.361 - which helps reduce wind noise and enhances fuel economy.

Acadia is available in nine exterior colors: Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic, Liquid Silver Metallic, Red Jewel Tint, Deep Blue Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, Blue-Gold Crystal Metallic, Carbon Metallic and Medium Brown Metallic.

Spacious and refined interior

As with the exterior design, Acadia 's interior reflects refinement. Acadia offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults while simultaneously providing generous storage space behind the third-row seat.

A carlike "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. Acadia 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 also are available.

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. It operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of the second-row seat. 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.

Along with passenger comfort, Acadia offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 116.9 cu. ft. (3310.6 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded. In fact, Acadia even offers an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 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.

Acadia has a wide range of useful optional and standard equipment, including heated outside mirrors, intermittent rear wiper, ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, extended-range remote vehicle starting system, heated windshield washer fluid, large power-operated tilt-and-slide sunroof with rear skylight, DVD entertainment system and a DVD-based navigation system and Bose 5.1 Surround Sound Audio system. Acadia also offers an exclusive head-up display that projects instrument readouts and other features on to the windshield for easy, eyes-on-the-road reference.

Safety

GMC Acadia is designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash, with its 360-degree safety system. 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 steering system also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling characteristics. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard.

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 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 and because rollovers are typically longer than non-rollover crashes.

Acadia also comes standard with OnStar Generation 7 (with a one-year Safe and 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.

*Preliminary, pending SAE certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005 . This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models: GMC Acadia

Body style / driveline: crossover SUV / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

Construction: body-frame integral

EPA vehicle class: Sport Utility Vehicle

Manufacturing location: Lansing Delta Township Assy. Plant, Lansing , Mich.

Key competitors: Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango , Ford Explorer

Engine

Type: 3.6L V-6

Displacement (cu in / cc): 217 / 3564

Bore & Stroke (in / mm): 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Block material: aluminum

Cylinder head material: aluminum

Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder; variable valve timing

Fuel delivery: sequential fuel injection

Compression ratio: 10.2:1

Horsepower (hp / kW): 267 / 199 @ 6600*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 247 / 335 @ 3200*

Recommended fuel: regular unleaded

Max. engine rpm (fuel cutoff): 6900 rpm

Emissions controls: dual close-coupled converters; 2 pre- and 2-post oxygen sensors

Estimated fuel economy
(city / hwy):
17 / 25 (FWD)
17 / 24 (AWD)

Transmission & Power Take Off Unit (PTU)

Manufacturer: GM Powertrain

Type: Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed FWD/AWD automatic transmission

Gear Ratio (:1)

First: 4.48
Second: 2.87
Third: 1.80
Fourth: 1.47
Fifth: 1.0
Sixth: 0.742
Reverse: 2.88
Final drive ratio: 3.16 (FWD / AWD) 2.73 (FWD)

Chassis/Suspension

Front: coil-over strut; direct acting stabilizer bar; full perimeter isolated cradle

Rear: linked H-arm independent suspension; coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers mounted on isolated sub-frame

Steering type: hydraulic rack-and-pinion; straight ratio and variable effort

Steering ratio: 16.1

Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.89

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 40.4 / 12.3

Brakes

Type: 4-wheel disc

Rotor diameter (in / mm):
front: 12.8 x 1.1 / 325 x 29, ventilated
rear: 13 x 0.8 / 331 x 20, ventilated

Anti-lock braking system (ABS): Bosch 8.0 Chassis Controls: ABS / ETC / ESC w/rollover mitigation

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:
18 x 7.5-in; cast aluminum (std)
19 x 8-in; cast aluminum (opt)

Tire size and type:
P255/65R18 ALS blackwall (std)
P255/60R19 AL3 blackwall (opt)

DIMENSIONS

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm): 118.9 / 3020.7

Overall length (in / mm): 201.1 / 5107.9

Overall width (in / mm): 78.9 / 2004.1

Overall height (in / mm): 72.8 / 1846 (w/roof rails); 69.9 / 1775.5 (w/o roof rails)

Track

Front (in / mm): 67.3 / 1709.4

Rear (in / mm): ,67.3 / 1709.4

Curb weight (lb / kg): 4722 / 2142 (FWD), 4936 / 2239 (AWD)

Min. ground clearance (in / mm): 7.4 / 189 (FWD and AWD)

Interior

Seating capacity: 7 or 8

Headroom

First row (in /mm): 40.4 / 1024 (w/o sunroof); 38.5 / 978 (w/ sunroof)

Second row (in / mm): 39.3 / 996 (w/o sunroof); 38.3 / 973 (w/ sunroof)

Third row (in / mm): 38.4 / 975.3 (w/o sunroof); 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof)

Legroom

First row (in / mm): 41.3 / 1049

Second row (in / mm): 36.9 / 937.2

Third row (in / mm): 33.2 / 843.2

Shoulder room

First row (in / mm): 61.9 / 1574

Second row (in / mm): 61.1 / 1551

Third row (in / mm): 57.8 / 1468

Hip room

First row (in / mm): 57.8 / 1468.1

Second row (in / mm): 57.9 / 1470.6

Third row (in / mm): 48.3 / 1226.8

Cargo volume

Second and third row folded (cu ft / L): 117 / 3313

Second row up, third row folded (cu ft / L): 68.9 / 1951.2

Behind third row (cu ft / L): 19.7 / 557.9

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L): 22.0 / 83.3

Engine oil (qt / L): 5.5 / 5.2

Transmission fluid (qt / L): 9.5 / 9.0 (Dexron VI only)

Cooling system (qt / L): 11.8 / 11.18

Max towing capacity (lb / kg): 4500 / 2041

GCWR (lb / kg): 9500 / 4309 (FWD), 9700 / 4400 (AWD)

GVWR (lb / kg): 6398 / 2908

Related:
Fun with GM's Product Release Cycle: The GMC Acadia Breaks Cover [internal]

Not bad, though we'll reserve our impressions until we perform the Jalopnik Knock Test(TM). That's when we knock on the dashboard and listen to see if it sounds like a rock thrown into the Grand Canyon. [Hat tip to Zerin]

GM quickens car rollouts, study shows [Freep]

Related:
More of the Acadia [internal]

The Car Connection offers the clearest shots yet of the GMC Acadia, the next thread in GM's new unit-body SUV plotline. TCC says it's coming in 2008 — a year after its Saturn Outlook cousin — and it'll be subsequently joined by the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Uplander in the company's late-decade crossover SUV blitz (no Pontiac, thank heavens). Wait for it.

Spy Shots: 2008 GMC Acadia [The Car Connection]

Related:
More on the GMC Acadia; More on GM's Lambda-platfom crossovers [internal]

"I was able to walk down the street where a camera crew was talking professional pictures (with reflective screens) of this SUV. There was no badging on the back, but as I walked bye the front of the SUV it said GMC in bold letters. I guess this SUV will be coming out soon."

Yeah, judging by the description and the Lambda-esque look, it's more than likely the GMC Acadia — built on the same platform that'll be dropping out the Saturn Outlook and the Buick Enclave. Check out the other two pics after the jump.

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 GMC Acadia [internal]

Sneak Peek: 2007 GMC Acadia [Detroit News]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Saturn Outlook [internal]

File this one under Things we Knew But Didn't Really Know: GM has confirmed the name of the GMC version of its upcoming crossovers for 2008 — it'll be called "Acadia," after the French Canadians or the Cajuns (take your pick). The name isn't really news, since the automotive media has been reporting on the "GMC Acadia" for about a year, but it does highlight the twilight world in which we operate, where facts are just rumors with more sources. The Acadia will first appear at the Detroit show early in 2006 as a concept, before a production launch set for 2007.

GMC Eight-Passenger Crossover Dubbed the "Acadia" [Edmunds]

Related:
More on GM s Big, New V8-Powered Crossovers [internal]