Friday, July 26, 2013
2008 Buick Enclave Preview
The car shown at the 2006 Detroit show had a typically overdone "concept" interior, with enough TV screens to satisfy the most ADD family. Plus, we reckon the lovely brushed aluminum trim and leather covered dashboard wont make it into production.But the basic interior layout is the real deal, down to the three rows of captains chairs (a seven-passenger model also will be available). The exterior design--including the huge panorama sunroof--is also nearly identical to that of the production car.
The show cars 21-inch wheels look great, although they might be toned down when the car goes into full production.
Inside is a welcoming and tasteful cabin finished in surprisingly high quality materials. Six passengers are accommodated in three rows of two individual seats. Wood trim in the steering wheel, inserts on the door panels and instrument panel, and wood-finish fold-down tables provided for passengers in the second and third rows of seats.
The exterior design is contemporary, with bulging front and rear fenders and organic shapes. Buick added its trademark portholes and strips of chrome surround the glasshouse and tail lamps and brighten the bumpers, roof rails and door handles. The rear roof tapers down toward the rear.
A 3.6-liter V6, one of GMs so-called high-feature engines, rated at 270 horsepower will power the Enclave. This will be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and a computer controlled part-time all-wheel-drive system. The concept features independent front and rear suspension, which should make it to production and offer a smooth ride over most surfaces. The concept also features 21-inch wheels, which probably will not make it as far as mass production. Enclave will be built on GMs new Lambda platform.
Now the production version of the Enclave concept, which we expect in early 2007. General Motors must feel bad for saddling Buick with the gawky, big-butt Rendezvous--why else would they give the geriatric brand the most attractive example of its new crossovers? (The Enclaves siblings, the Saturn Outlook and the GMC Acadia, will go on sale this fall.)
News
DETROIT — Buick pitch man and golf champion Tiger Woods has agreed to participate in the launch of the 2008 Enclave in late November.
It is the first time that Woods, who has partnered with Buick since 1999, will be on hand to roll out a new vehicle.
The eight-passenger Enclave will hit dealer showrooms next summer. In a statement, GM said Woods will join GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner at an event on November 28 in Southern California. The location is still under wraps.
Buick appears to be ramping up its partnership with the top-ranked Woods. Earlier this year, the brand used him as the centerpiece of an Internet promotion dubbed "Tiger Wins, You Could Win." In that contest, participants were eligible to win a Buick Lucerne every time Woods won a PGA-sanctioned tournament.
