Automatic Sport Cars

 GM today is less blatant about its badge engineering, with differences in appearance extending beyond just grilles and headlamps to the point that each vehicle wears wholly unique sheetmetal over similar underpinnings. Still, four derivatives is a quantity we feel surpasses the threshold of discretion for badge engineering, and the Saab 9-4X—a vehicle whose future is uncertain at best—would bring the TE total to five, although the Caddy and Saab will be built on a heavily revised version of the platform.

While the Terrain’s mechanicals will be pilfered from GM’s other trucklets, from what is visible beneath the minimal camouflage in our spy shots, it appears that the styling is cribbed both from its Lambda big brother, the Acadia, and the Sierra pickup. The Sierra lends its large-mouth grille and squared-off headlights to the Terrain, while the Acadia donates its high roofline, reverse-canted C-pillar, and the slope of its backlight. Together, those elements should make the Terrain instantly recognizable as a GMC, which is more than can be said of the TrailBlazer family’s grille and badge differentiations.
 INTERIOR
 The interior of the 2011 GMC Terrain will vary depending on which trim level you purchase. At the most basic level, the Terrain will include features like air conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, power accessories, powered front seats, OnStar, and a CD player with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input. Bluetooth, an upgraded sound system, automated temperature controls, driver seat memory, hard drive-based music storage and navigation, and rear seat entertainment should be available on higher level trims and as options. The Terrain scored highly in terms of front and rear seat comfort, and in quietness. The vehicle also rated better than average for its class in cargo room.

Interior features for the 2011 GMC Terrain can vary as four trim levels are available. The standard model includes front bucket seats, driver information center, remote keyless entry, rearview camera integrated with rearview mirror, air conditioning, and rear window defogger. Stability control is provided along with front and side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Steering for the I-4 is electronic power and hydraulic power for the V6

The entertainment system includes satellite radio and CD player, with Graphic Interface Display and Radio Data System. Volume is compensated for speed and the audio system uses six speakers. Standard XM Radio features more than 179 channels with commercial free music, news, sports, kids, and other entertainment content. XM Radio requires a subscription after the first 90 days.

The 2011 GMC Terrain is able to seat five people. The cabin has comfortable seats with enough head and leg room for its occupants. There is plenty of cargo room, as well as several cubbyholes and bins to store small items.

 EXTERIOR
The Terrain is offered with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive in SLE and SLT trim levels. A list of standard and available features includes: standard rear vision camera, programmable power rear liftgate.


The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that promise to offer comfort and solid handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.
ENGINE
with the most likely choices coming from the Equinox: a direct-injected (DI) 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 182 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, and a DI 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 255 hp and 214 lb-ft. Power will travel through a six-speed automatic transmission to either the front or all four wheels.

Two engines are available for customers to consider. A new, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection delivers highway fuel economy of 32 mpg, and a city rating of 22. Peak fuel economy is achieved in part with an "ECO" mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the motor.

Also available is a 3.0-liter DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Terrain's rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.
reference:www.leftlanenews.com,www.automobile.com.www.caranddriver.com