2013 Update Expected For Large GM Crossovers

[nsap]

2013 Update Expected For Large GM Crossovers
Some of GM's hottest will go under the knife in 2013.
www.GMInsideNews.com
June 13, 2011
By: Nick Saporito

After incurring delays due to GM’s former financial position and other politics, updates to GM’s Lambda crossovers are expected for the 2013 model-year. While the updates should keep the crossovers fresh, don’t expect a full gut job on the still hot-selling models.

GM’s Lambda crossovers include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. The Acadia is the oldest model in the stable, having launched in mid-2006 as a 2007 model. Buick quickly followed up by launching the Enclave within a year after the Acadia. Chevrolet’s Traverse comes in as the newest, launched in the 2009 model year just as the Saturn Outlook (also on Lambda) was being discontinued.

Throughout the years since the original launch of the Lambda crossovers, rumors have been on and off about potential updates and redesigns, however none have came to reality; likely because of GM’s June 2009 bankruptcy. Overall the trio has received little in the way of updates, outside of the addition of direct fuel injection to the Acadia and Enclave (Traverse launched with it).

Over the last year GMI has consistently been told that the 2013 model-year would bring all three Lambda’s the updates that have been on again, off again for the last few years.

According to documents obtained by GMI, the updates will be minor, likely less than the typical mid-cycle enhancement (MCE). We’re told the majority of the updates will reside in redesigned interiors, which have been a notorious sticking point with the automotive media in recent years on all three Lambda products.

The revised interiors will also allow each Lambda product to utilize GM’s latest infotainment technologies, including Chevrolet’s MyLink system and Buick-GMC’s Intellilink.

In fact, Buick has even publicly stated that the 2013 Enclave would have the new Intellilink system, which further suggests that the 2013 model will at least have a revised interior. The Intellilink system requires a seven-inch touch-screen and new button set, which would require modifications to the current Enclave’s center stack.

GMI has not been told of any powertrain updates to the 2013 Lambda crossovers.

The minor updates to the 2013 Acadia, Enclave and Traverse will attempt to keep the crossovers fresh until their extensive redesign. A full redesign on the Lambda’s is not expected until the 2016 model-year. Enclave and Traverse are expected to remain on the Lambda platform, joined by a Cadillac model. The Acadia is likely to downsize.

[Titanic]

Remember when these were supposed to have a 4.7L V8?

[SiK GambleR]

They should make the enclave ultra concept's interior an option on the enclave. It won't happen, but it can be a pipe dream..

[Perian]

These vehicles really must be selling well. GM reduced the incentives on them last Thursday. $3000 in January is now $1500 in June. I received $5000* in January of 2009 for my Acadia purchase.

Lower incentives are a nice trend to see from GM.



*$4000 + $1000 Loyalty bonus.

[Highlander]

Remember when these were supposed to have a 4.7L V8?

Now THAT might have made the Acadia Denali worthy of the Denali badge.

[imcgary]

why do the writers on this site continue to find every opportunity to bring up the bankruptcy? its done and over with and it is time to stop using that as a crutch!

I have heard rummors through our Buick GMC trainer that the enclave interior is going to move more upscale with more leather wrapped surfaces etc... i sure hope it is true.

[lkimura]

I would have loved to see a 2-Mode plug-in hybrid capability in these models.

[smithrobs]

Remember when these were supposed to have a 4.7L V8?

The 4.5L D-Max? Yes it was proposed. There was also speculation of the 5.3L V8 also. Then gas crested 4 bucks and that all went away.

[Mr. Burns]

That means they would be 6 years old by the time the update comes, and even then the update is not a full redesign? It seems like the old GM to me, it sells well so why bother doing anything to it. Surely it doesn't cost that much to change up the front and rear a bit midway through the life cycle (i.e. now).

[nsap]

why do the writers on this site continue to find every opportunity to bring up the bankruptcy? its done and over with and it is time to stop using that as a crutch!

Because the BK led to the delay or cancellation of a lot of the programs we report on. It is kind of hard to ignore that elephant.

[FenwickHockey65]

The Acadia is likely to downsize.

Saaaaaaaaaaad panda.

[unkillsam]

That means they would be 6 years old by the time the update comes, and even then the update is not a full redesign? It seems like the old GM to me, it sells well so why bother doing anything to it.

Because they are spending their money wisely briging brand new small product to the market.

Besides, the GMT-900's are in more need of a update then the lambda's.

[chris442]

why do the writers on this site continue to find every opportunity to bring up the bankruptcy? its done and over with and it is time to stop using that as a crutch!

I have heard rummors through our Buick GMC trainer that the enclave interior is going to move more upscale with more leather wrapped surfaces etc... i sure hope it is true.

Yeah, the writer of this piece must be a total GM hater.

Maybe it's because the effects of the bankruptcy are still being felt.

Good to see an update coming for these products. GM can no longer afford to let anything become stale.

[Masospaghetti]

A Cadillac Lambda? because three versions isn't enough...

Unless its significantly different (drivetrain), it might as well be called Cimarron ESV.

[mbukukanyau]

That means they would be 6 years old by the time the update comes, and even then the update is not a full redesign? It seems like the old GM to me, it sells well so why bother doing anything to it. Surely it doesn't cost that much to change up the front and rear a bit midway through the life cycle (i.e. now).

Hopefully its a substantial update, not a new grill and new lights..

If we do not see mules.. do not expect much..

I would rather see a new BOF midsize like the 4 runner selling side by side to these trucks..