Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, 2012

Style & Performance: that's the guiding principle for Brabus to refine the new Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster now as well. The exclusive program comprises an aerodynamic-enhancement kit made from clear-coated carbon fiber, extremely lightweight Brabus forged wheels with a comfortable sport suspension, engine tuning that produces a maximum power output of 611 hp (600 bhp) / 448 kW, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronic sound management, and a fully customiz interior tailored to the owner's individual preferences in every last detail.

The Brabus designers have adapted the aerodynamic-enhancement program originally developed for the coupe version of the SLS to the new roadster. Just like in top-flight motorsports the various components are manufactured from extremely lightweight carbon fiber. Customers can choose between aerodynamic-enhancement components with a high-gloss finish or with a matte finish for undiluted racing looks. Upon request the components can also be painted in body or contrasting color.

The Brabus front spoiler attaches to the underside of the production bumper. It lends the two-seat car a more striking front end and reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds. The two Brabus carbon-fiber covers for the upper air ducts in the front fascia add further thrilling highlights.

On the sides the Brabus side skirts create an optimal aerodynamic transition between the front and rear wheel wells. But that's not all: together with the air vents in the front fenders that were newly designed by Brabus they lend the sports car an even more dynamic profile. A special feature of these components stands out particularly in the dark: pushing the unlock button on the keyless remote or pulling on a door handle activates the blue-backlit Brabus lettering in the new air vents and the LED entrance lights, which facilitate safe entering and exiting the vehicle in low-light conditions.

The rear end of the SLS Roadster adds even more sporty character as well: the modifications include the understated Brabus rear spoiler, the side air vents for the rear fascia and the Brabus diffuser with custom-tailored cutouts for the four distinctive tailpipes of the Brabus quad sport exhaust.

The more exclusive appearance is to no small extent also the merit of the Brabus forged wheels, which were custom-developed for the SLS. To add even more emphasis to the wedge shape of the car the wheels are mounted in a staggered combination with diameters of 21 inches on the front axle and 22 inches in the rear. The Brabus Monoblock F "Platinum Edition" cross-spoke wheels are manufactured using a high-tech forging process, making them more than just stunning eye-catchers. Their low weight also contributes to even sportier handling. Compared to the production SLS wheels they represent weight savings of up to 12 percent. The wheels in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11Jx21 on the rear axle are available either with a high-gloss, ceramic polished or with a brushed finish. The suitable high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21 are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or Yokohama.

Also contributing to even more agile handling is the Brabus Ride Control smooth-ride suspension that was developed in cooperation with Bilstein. It can lower the ride height by up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). At the push of a button on the center console the driver can choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride than the production car.

The sport suspension and the production suspension can be upgraded with the Brabus Front Lift System for added convenience. At the push of a button, a hydraulics system raises the front end of the roadster by 50 millimeters (2.0 inches) in just a couple of seconds. This makes it possible to safely navigate past speed bumps or parking garage ramps without any unwanted contact of the front end with the obstacle. The suspension reverts to its original position at a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph).

The sportier handling offers the perfect basis for more power. The Brabus engine specialists have developed the Brabus B63 S tuning kit for the 6.3-liter fast-revving V8 engine. The performance kit consists of newly calibrated engine electronics with special Brabus mapping for ignition and injection, and the Brabus high-performance exhaust system. This exhaust system, which can also be combined with the non-tuned production engine, features four tailpipes with a diameter of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) and enhances power output. But that's not all: the sport exhaust is manufactured from titanium, making it 12 kilograms (26.5 lbs.) or 40 percent lighter than the production exhaust. In addition, an integrated butterfly valve provides a sound management option controlled by the driver from the cockpit: apart from the 'Sport' setting, which lends the eight-cylinder an even more thrilling exhaust note, there is also a discreet, deliberately soft 'Coming Home' mode. Brabus B63 S tuning bumps maximum power output from standard 571 hp (563 bhp) / 420 kW to 611 hp (600 bhp) / 448 kW, making the SLS even more dynamic.

The Brabus interior design studio gives the SLS cockpit an equally sporty and exclusive ambiance. Among the upgrades are striking accessories such as a speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit Brabus logo and matte-anodized pedals.

The Brabus upholstery shop can fulfill requests for custom interiors in any color and design. The artisans meticulously transform leather and Alcantara by hand into interior appointments custom-tailored to the customer's individual preferences. Carbon-fiber and exotic-wood trim sets in any desired color and with every type of surface finish are yet another particular Brabus specialty.

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Mazda BT-50, 2012

 

 

 

• Mazda BT-50, 2012

At the 2010 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Mazda is unveiling the all-new Mazda BT-50 that signifies a new direction in the utility segment. It was developed as an "Active lifestyle vehicle," and is intended to further extend the appeal of a utility from traditional business users to a wide range of customers, including families and pleasure-seekers.

The current BT-50 is Mazda's only offering in the utility segment. It is an established one-tonne utility that has won numerous awards and gained a strong following all over the world. In developing the new model, Mazda intended to expand its appeal to customers who lead active lifestyles and have needs that cannot be met by conventional utilities. It offers all the functionality required for business use combined with passenger car-like comfort for family use; and for active customers in Australia and Europe, it is the perfect answer for all kinds of outdoor leisure activities. In this way, the new BT-50 has been developed to fulfill the varied requirements of customers in every market.

To ensure all these aims were met, the all-new Mazda BT-50 was developed under the theme "Active lifestyle vehicle." The result is a utility that offers unique value; it has refined and expressive styling; a comfortable, high quality interior; a smooth ride with the feel of a passenger car; sporty and responsive driving dynamics that reflect Mazda's DNA; and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

Design: "Sophisticated Beast"
As Ryo Yanagisawa, chief designer of the all-new BT-50, explains: "Mazda's brand message is Zoom-Zoom, which refers to the emotion of motion first experienced as a child. With the all-new Mazda BT-50, we aimed to express this emotion through the design, and we drew a lot of inspiration from various "movements" in the world around us. For example, we had a photograph of a lion. He looked like a magnificent predator with his muscles all bunching up as though he was about to pounce on his prey. His sinews were stretched taut ready to strike, and his mane framed a sharp, masculine countenance that seemed to say, 'I am the proud king of the beasts!' In profile, that lion appeared to be both intelligent and powerful. I really wanted the design of the truck to project that kind of image. This kind of inspiration was the basis of the emotional design that we worked so hard to achieve with the all-new BT-50."

Exterior - Lively and Imposing Styling
Without detracting from the strength or the level of functionality, we wanted to give the exterior of the all-new Mazda BT-50 an athletic design, overflowing with movement, that would make people immediately want to get in and drive. The crisp lines will have owners looking on with pride.

The finished car has a beauty and individuality that can be recognized at a glance from any angle, even up to 100 meters away.

•     Dynamic wedge-shaped proportions evoke an image of a large carnivore about to pounce on its unsuspecting prey. This is unlike any other utility.
•     Casting off the conventional boxy image of a utility, sporty and dynamic lines are in tune with the rest of Mazda's passenger vehicle lineup.
•     Further evolving Mazda's traditional prominent fenders, muscular lines flow from the fenders along the body sides.

A Front Fascia with a Bold, Overwhelming Presence and an Individual Rear End

•     Mazda's family face, the five-point grille, is further evolved for a more imposing expression with the headlights and a chrome crossbar forming a large pentagon.
•     The headlights have a bold boomerang shape, elaborate details and a functional beauty.
•     A first in the segment — the taillights are stretched horizontally, reaching around the corners and across the tailgate, for a sporty and refined rear view that is similar to a premium SUV.

Interior - A Sporty and Personal Space
We wanted to give the interior of the all-new Mazda BT-50 a more sporty and personal feel to complement the dynamic exterior image, and create a comfortable space to rival Mazda's current passenger car standard. The cockpit is designed to wrap around the driver and provide an environment that supports enthusiastic driving. It raises anticipation for a sporty and responsive driving experience that goes beyond any conventional utility.

•     The flowing design smoothly connects the center of the instrument panel to the raised center console, which has never before been seen in a pickup truck.
•     The dashboard has an asymmetric design to create optimal space on each side; it reassuringly wraps around the driver and provides an open space for the passenger.
•     Four bold metallic panel strips on the door trim and sides of the center console express dynamism and seem to be supporting the interior space.
•     A metallic outline highlights the two cylindrical meters and connects them via a center strip to improve readability and enhance the sporty, driver-oriented impression of the instrument panel.
•     The audio control panel and the climate control switch panel, which has independent driver- and passenger-side temperature controls, form a beautifully designed human interface.

With modern and refined styling both inside and out, the all-new Mazda Mazda BT-50 raise the bar in the utility segment and for the first time provide a realistic alternative to the family wagon and 4x4 SUV.

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Dodge Charger SRT8, 2012

 

 

 

 

•  Dodge Charger SRT8, 2012

The new product onslaught continues for the Dodge brand with the announcement at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show that the Dodge Charger SRT8 return for the 2012 model year.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada and in dealer showrooms in late 2011.

"AWE-INSPIRING" POWERTRAIN
Under the hood, the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 delivers more horsepower and torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces. It also will offer improved fuel economy.

Estimated power ratings for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 are 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, including an estimated additional 80 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm. Specific horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers will be announced closer to the vehicle introduction.

Building upon the standard Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) found in the new 6.4 HEMI V-8, a new for 2012 adaptive valve exhaust system allows the technology to engage over a wider rpm range, which delivers improved fuel efficiency or the use of all eight cylinders when the power is needed.
An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque for impressive standing starts while optimizing high-end power.

For the first time in any Chrysler Group LLC SRT product, standard paddle-shift technology joins the standard AutoStick on the floor shifter. Both are mated to the proven W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, allowing a choice of spirited shifting on the road and the racetrack.

Both shifting methods give the driver the ability to shift while the transmission controller calibration prevents situations that might over rev the engine. Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.

OUTSTANDING RIDE AND HANDLING
New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features an adaptive damping suspension that uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs, such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration, to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. Drivers also can manually choose between "Auto" and "Sport" settings that quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from the ease of everyday commuting to harsher, more challenging driving situations.

The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system also is improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

New, split five-spoke, 20-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets provide great looks, and the available three- or four-season tires make the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 easy to handle and fun to drive.

OUTSTANDING BRAKING
World-class stopping power for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 comes through four-piston Brembo calipers and vented/slotted rotors measuring 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches in the rear.

The Dodge Charger SRT8's Ready Alert Braking system anticipates situations when the driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and engages the electronic stability control pump to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application.

AGGRESSIVE AND FUNCTIONAL EXTERIOR
Exclusive new front and rear fascias, along with a new rear spoiler, distinguish the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 with a high performance look.

The front grille, grille surround and Dodge crosshair feature high-gloss black finishes and the SRT badge. A newly sculpted hood features a 6.4 L (liter) badge and black air exhauster for added engine cooling.

In the rear, the Charger's new signature "racetrack" taillamp design with 164 illuminating LEDs receives new 4-inch round dual exhaust tips and an SRT8 decklid badge to boldly show the Street and Racing Technology DNA.

Unique fside-sill cladding is painted to match the body color.
A newly designed underbody belly pan features integrated brake ducting to improve cooling and brake fade performance at all four corners.

RACE-INSPIRED AND FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR
Building upon the all-new design from 2011, the interior environment of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 combines more world-class accommodations with race-inspired technology and appointments.

An all-new, leather-wrapped, SRT-exclusive steering wheel features a unique rim section with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo. The standard paddle shifters flank both sides of the new steering wheel behind the new contoured palm rests.
For the high-performance look, carbon-weave, fiber aluminum interior trim pieces are integrated into the new instrument panel and shifter bezel.

The front seats have unique, aggressive bolstering and perforated suede insert fabric to help "grip" the driver and passengers, keeping them in place during spirited driving. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard. Reactive headrests also are standard. The SRT logo is embroidered in the seat backs. Rear seats also are heated for passenger comfort.

Modified door trim panels feature unique bolster material and accent stitching on arm rests to match the seats.

The Dodge Charger SRT8 features a 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harmon Kardon. The intuitive user interface for the system is controlled through the state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch on the largest standard touchscreen display (8.4-inch) in the segment. Benchmarked against the best E-segment sedans from Europe, Asia and North America, the easy-to-use system also features Uconnect Voice to deliver world-class functionality to keep all passengers easily connected, comfortable and secure.

Exclusive Performance Pages are new for 2012 and included within the touchscreen display. The instrument panel display can be customized to view driver preferences and expanded to include instant feedback on steering input measurements, horsepower, torque, expanded engine information, along with 0-60 mph time, 60-0 braking, g-forces and one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times. The color graphic Electronic Vehicle Information Center also includes the Performance Pages timers and added engine information.

SAFETY AND SECURITY
For everyday commuting, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 incorporates features like Keyless Enter-N-Go, adaptive-cruise control with Forward Collision Warning and Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, to keep drivers and passengers secure.

Standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver's knee bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

Standard three-mode electronic stability control with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features, offer improved overall vehicle handling and performance both on the road and the track.

•     Engine: 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) HEMI V-8
•     Power: 465 bhp (est.)
•     Torque: 465 lb.-ft. (est.)
•     Handling: .88g on skidpad (est.)
•     Top Speed: 175 mph (est.)
•     0-60 mph: High 4-second range (est.)
•     ¼ mile: High 12-second range (est.)

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Arrinera Supercar, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Arrinera Supercar, 2013

Arrinera is a British-Polish supercar, which in terms of driving parameters, quality of workmanship and performance can compete with other cars from the same market segment.

Arrinera's design assumptions aim at fulfilling all the following conditions, which distinguish a supercar from mass-produced sports cars:

•     very good traction throughout the speed range
•     brake deceleration of 1,1-1,3 g (10,79-12,75 m/s²)
•     power/weight ratio of 1,1-2,9 kg/1HP
•     acceleration 0-200 km/h below 10 seconds
•     acceleration 0-300 km/h below 30 seconds
•     acceleration 0-100 km/h below 4 seconds
•     braking from 300-0 km/h below 7 seconds
•     the 0-300-0 km/h test below 40 seconds
•     cornering g-force over 1
•     1/4 mile time below 12 seconds
•     centrally positioned engine

Lee Noble, a famous British car designer will lend his name to the project. He is currently a member of the supervisory board and a shareholder in Arrinera Automotive S.A. He will be responsible for technical aspects related to the supercar as well as for the design and production of the rolling chassis.

Lee Noble is a British entrepreneur, designer and automobile engineer. He has been acclaimed as the most prolific British car manufacturer ever. Across three decades, he has manufactured almost 2000 cars based on his own designs. Almost all of them produced innovative performance. Lee's cars are more concerned about handling and performance ability. The first of them - Ultima - was used as a test mule for a model which was to become the fastest production car in the world - the McLaren F1.

As part of implementing its strategy, the management of Arrinera Automotive has signed an exclusive deal for negotiations to buy a 50% stake in Fenix Automotive Ltd from Great Britain, which is involved in the construction project of the Fenix sports car. Arrinera plans to complete the transaction by the end of the third quarter of 2011. This investment will enable Arrinera to carry out the strategy for building a group of companies with a very strong position in the world market of low-volume production of supercars and sports cars, gaining access to foreign markets and technology/know-how while operating in a prestigious and elite market. Fenix Automotive is controlled by Lee Noble.

Arrinera Automotive plans to commence production of cars in Poland. Instead of creating its own manufacturing facilities, the company is concentrating on finding suitable subcontractors in our country and talks with potential partners having necessary expertise in car manufacturing are well advanced.

Arrinera Automotive expects the target volume of production will be from 600-700 cars a year. Arrinera Automotive S.A. is preparing for its first quotation of shares at the New Connect market. The majority shareholder of Arrinera Automotive is the VENO S.A. venture capital fund, listed on the New Connect market for 3 years.

Appearance of Arrinera
The car body styling is characterized by sharp and dynamic lines, which clearly indicate the massive potential of the supercar. The front of the car is close to the ground which vastly improves its aerodynamic properties. When looking at the car from the side, one cannot help the impression that the car is surprisingly asymmetrical: the passenger cabin is moved forwards and the door line rises distinctively - these features are something that we do not see very often in everyday traffic. At the back of the car, unique muffler housings with diffusers resemble the exhaust nozzles of a jet airplane. The Arrinera supercar will be equipped with a 650HP engine. The car body will be unique and its aerodynamics and lightweight construction will make it possible to maximize the output of the engine. The stylist responsible for Arrinera's lines is Pavlo Burkatskyy.

Chassis and body
The chassis designed by Lee Noble will be made from high-strength steel of variable section and considerable torsional strength. It will be extraordinarily light and characterized by high deformation resistance. The expertise of the British designer (over 30 years in the industry) ensures a suitable level of protection for the cars in this category. Optionally, the body, interior and floor can be made of Carbon/Kevlar fiber composite materials.

Interior
Individual elements will be made of high quality leather and composite materials. The car is equipped with an audio system, electric windows and mirrors and air conditioning. For safety reasons - in case of a rollover - reinforced roll bars have been positioned behind the seats and both seats are equipped with 4-point seat belts.

Engine
An 8-cylinder 6.2-litre engine with a maximum power of 650HP and 820 Nm torque.

Wheels
19-inch wheels create additional space for an expanded braking system. Light-alloy wheels with 255/35 R19 tyres (front) and 335/30 R19 (rear).

Brakes
Front wheels are equipped with 6-piston callipers and 350 mm brake discs. Rear wheels with 4-piston callipers and 330 mm brake discs.

Suspension
Independent, multi-link, designed and optimised by Lee Noble.

Thermal vision camera
The car can be fitted with a thermal vision camera option, which monitors the area in front of the car at the distance of a few hundred metres. If the camera detects an object with a temperature exceeding the ambient temperature (presumably an animal or a human), the driver can see a bright and clear image of this object on a display located in the central console within normal sight line. This may significantly improve the safety level at night and when driving in fog as compared to xenon headlights.

Technical specifications

•     Length: 4450 mm
•     Width: 2056 mm
•     Height: 1190 mm
•     Wheel track front: 1744 mm
•     Wheel track rear: 1744 mm
•     Wheelbase: 2695 mm
•     Engine capacity: 6.2 l
•     Engine: V8
•     Power: 650 hp
•     Maximum torque: 820 Nm
•     Gearbox: Graziano
•     Weight: 1300 kg
•     Weight/power: 2.0 kg/1 hp
•     0-100 km/h: 3.2 s
•     0-200 km/h: 8.9 s
•     0-200-0 km: 14.3 s
•     200-0 km/h: 133 m
•     1/4 mile time: 11.0 s
•     Top speed: 340 km/h
•     G force in curves: 1.3G
•     Base price: 100.000 GBP

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GMC Terrain Denali, 2013

 

 

 

 GMC Terrain Denali, 2013

GMC is expanding its exclusive Denali sub-brand with the debut of the 2013 Terrain Denali, bringing a new level of style and power to the luxury small SUV.

More power, same efficiency
With the introduction of the Terrain Denali, GMC also announced a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing will replace the current 3.0-liter V-6 engine in Terrain lineup for the 2013 model year. SAE certified at 301 horsepower (224 kW) and 272 lb.-ft. (369 Nm) of torque, this engine makes more power and torque, but is expected to deliver fuel economy equal to its predecessor.

The new V-6 uses lightweight components that contribute to the Terrain's fuel efficiency while boosting its horsepower. An integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design saves about 13 pounds compared to a non-integrated design, while a composite intake manifold saves about 5.5 pounds vs. an aluminum intake. Additionally, a lightweight structural front cover and high-strength connecting rods save additional weight.

Terrain's standard Ecotec 2.4-liter I-4 with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing is also available for buyers looking to combine Denali's high-end appointments with a best-in-class 32 highway mpg (2WD model). Front-wheel drive is standard on GMC Terrain Denali, with all-wheel drive available for both engines.

New dual-flow dampers are exclusive to the GMC Terrain Denali's suspension system. This technology provides a smoother ride and improved handling by controlling suspension dampening across a broader range of driving conditions.

Signature design cues
Inside and out, the 2013 GMC Terrain Denali features high-end details. Models with the 2.4L engine feature 18-inch wheels, while the V-6 engine is paired with 19-inch wheels. Other Denali-specific exterior features:

•     Signature chrome grille
•     Satin chrome accents
•     Body color front and rear fascias
•     Body color rocker panels with satin chrome molding
•     New headlamp and taillamp designs
•     Dual chrome finish exhaust outlets (single outlet on 2.4L)

GMC Terrain Denali's cabin updates are highlighted by soft-touch Jet Black leather, which lines the seats and door inserts. Contrast stitching and red accent lighting contribute to an inviting interior. Other Denali-exclusive interior details:

•     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 accents
•     Denali illuminated front sill plates
•     Eight-way power driver and passenger seat

Class-leading technology
Terrain Denali comes standard with many of GMC's leading technologies, including a color touch radio with IntelliLink. This new infotainment system features a reconfigurable home screen; intuitive voice commands; Bluetooth smartphone integration; control of streaming internet radio apps such as Pandora and Stitcher; and iPod controls with Gracenote music database technology.

Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are standard on GMC Terrain Denali. They use the industry's first single-camera crash-avoidance system to visually and audibly warn drivers when a collision is imminent or the vehicle crosses a lane marker.

In addition, side blind zone and rear cross traffic alert help avoid collisions by using radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see - and provide visible and audible warnings.

Convenience features, such as a programmable power liftgate, are standard on GMC Terrain Denali. At the touch of a button, owners can access the vehicle's 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space (behind the first row), while a memory function stops the liftgate at a chosen height to help shorter drivers or accommodate low garage heights.

The  technologies include color touch navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system.
As with every new GMC, the Terrain Denali comes with six free months of OnStar's Directions and Connections plan. It includes Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, roadside assistance, emergency services link, stolen vehicle assistance and remote door unlock.

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