Lochmandy Motors

GMC has unveiled the new 2013 Acadia and Acadia Denali at the Chicago Auto Show.

First impressions are everything, and the 2013 Acadia was developed to make a strong one. A chiseled, three-bar grille sits prominently in the new, more upright design.

Diffused LED running lamps lend a premium look to the Acadia and are standard on all models, regardless of whether standard projector beam or optional HID headlamps are selected. New taillamp detailing reflects the advancements up front.

The new Acadia gets other subtle exterior design updates, including wrap-around rear glass and a new rear spoiler. New 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheel patterns complement the vehicleâ??s lines and stance.

The Acadiaâ??s refined interior uses upgraded soft-touch materials, with French stitching that adds a tailored look and red ambient light flowing across the dashboard. SLT and Denali models get aluminum accents on the center console, doors and dash.

What happens when a Dodge meets an Alfa Romeo? The Dart, that's what happens. But as promising as Auburn Hills' new economy sedan is, what we're really looking forward to is what Ralph Gilles and company over at the SRT division can cook up. And the folks over at Motor Trend think they've got a pretty good idea of what to expect.

For the Dart SRT4, Dodge could go one of two ways: turbocharging the existing Tigershark 2.0-liter four, or shoehorning in the new all-aluminum 1.8-liter turbo four from Alfa Romeo. Since the latter would likely push the Dart SRT4's price up beyond $30,000 and competitive levels, the smarter money's on the former. But in order to compete with the likes of the Ford Focus ST and Subaru WRX STI â?? and outshine the 285-horsepower Caliber SRT4 it succeeds â?? we could be looking at nearly 300 horses under the hood.

Couple that with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (we'd still hope for a manual), upgraded rolling stock, brakes and suspension, and a more aggressive aero pack and we could be looking at one very mean pocket