2010 GMC Terrain
GMC Unveils Their Latest Foray Into Crossovers
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Ahead of the 2009 New York Auto Show, Gear Patrol got an advance look at a few rides we think you might find pretty interesting.
One of those is the 2010 GMC Terrain, for which we attended the press unveiling (our photos to come). Before you shrug off the new GMC Terrain as just another SUV or crossover, you should know that we can’t help but admire the General’s efforts to become a world class competitor again. Yes, they’ve got challenges ahead, but we’re all about successful American-bred vehicles, even if they are designed and sourced globally (The Terrain is manufactured in Ingersoll, Ontario). More info on the 2010 GMC Terrain and photos after the jump.
The GMC Terrain will come powered by your choice of two engines. The first is an economical (30mpg) 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection. That 30mpg is managed by a new “ECO” mode that allows the engine to better manage torque to improve gas mileage. Men who fancy themselves horsepower fiends will inevitably opt for the 264 horsepower 3.0 liter V6. GMC has even installed an electric power steering system to add about 11 miles per fill-up. Yes, even your power steering saps precious gas.
In terms of looks, the 2010 Terrain is sharper than you’d expect. This is especially true in person, though our experience was a bit hampered by the 800 suits clamoring through the car to get a better look. The fender haunches are aggressive and retain GMC’s American linebacker ruggedness without going over the top.
Available gadgets include a standard rear vision camera, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, power rear liftgate, remote vehicle start, USB audio connectivity, MultiFlex sliding rear seat, an optional 7 inch touch-screen navigation system with 40GB hard drive, optional DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens, and standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. 17, 18, and massive 19-inch wheels are available. Not to shabby for an all-wheel drive ride starting in the lower $20k’s.
Editor’s Note: We haven’t had a chance to get behind the wheel of the GMC Terrain yet, though we’ll try and hook that up down the road. It’s good to see GM putting out some products that make us look twice instead of shrug. Even better at a price point available to most men. Yes, the grille will make your Ducane cower in fear, but hey… it’s GMC, would we expect anything less?
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At this point I really don't care what domestic care companies do. I have zero respect for them as businesses. They refused to innovate for a lot of years, and just rode the same technology for as much money as they could. In business if you're not innovating, you're dying and that's exactly where GM, Ford, and Chyrsler now find themselves.
I've got to say… as an obsessive car nut I've been following the stagnation and fall of domestic car brands pretty closely. Regardless of all the politics and collateral damage of car manufacturers going bankrupt or "restarting", I think there's a decent future ahead for Ford, GM, and perhaps Chrysler.
There's a lot of progressive thinking (and a lot of non-progressive thinking) going on and I think we're going to see better cars that aren't just haphazard exercises in car design. The fact that they're designing cars with global teams versus a few pencil pushers will help tremendously. Some cars designed with this type of mentality are the new Camaro, Ford Taurus, Jeep Grand Cherokee amongst others.
In advance of anyone asking: no, I don't drive a domestic car. But I sure as hell would buy one if they were up to par with what I've grown accustomed to with European rides (sans reliability).
4 cylinder engine for a car that big? Will it be able to pass anything on the highway? The Volt is the future. Hopefully, GM survives long enough for Volt to become reality. Chrysler should just put up the white flag because it's over.