General Motors seems to be following through with its pledge to slim down and refocus the model lineup at some of its less successful brands, with Friday's spotlight on Buick. Automotive News quotes Buick's marketing director as saying the new Enclave crossover, which debuted at this year's Detroit Auto Show, will replace two existing Buick models, the Rendezvous and the Rainier.
The Enclave will debut next spring as a 2008 model, as the last Rainier and Rendezvous 2007 models are being sold. The Rendezvous will disappear, while the Rainier will carry on in its guise as the GMC Envoy.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
naggs @ Jun 10th 2006 9:25PM
ablsolutly gorgeous design. stunning. that interior is on par with the best in the world. if the actual vehicle is anywhere near as beautiful as this show car it will sell faster than they can make it. if buick can maintain its excellent quality while producning vehicles as beautiful it could be producing the best cars in the world. i due not have enough words to say how excellent that design is.
Nate @ Jun 10th 2006 9:44PM
The engine will be the 270hp 3.6L high feature V6. Is this the new one mentioned before that will have direct injection? If so great job GM.
Nate @ Jun 10th 2006 9:45PM
The engine will be the 270hp 3.6L high feature V6. Is this the new one mentioned before that will have direct injection?
Nate @ Jun 10th 2006 9:48PM
GM's website doesn't mention either if it is. Check out here: http://www.buick.com/enclave/
Alex Zhao @ Jun 10th 2006 10:08PM
i like the interior and thats about it. i don't like the oversized and protruding fender flares and the maserati-esque holes in the hood
laserwizard @ Jun 10th 2006 10:09PM
Looks like a pregnant whale.
somethingretartedthiswaycomes @ Jun 10th 2006 10:20PM
Actually, Maserati copied the Buick portholes that were on almost every Buick during it's glory years. The fender flares give it a more sculpted look. Far more attractive then any SUV of it's size on the road today. If they keep the interior exactly the same as the concept for the production vehicle, it will sell well. Of course, it won't offer as much wood and it will probably have fold-flat seats.
Also, not only will this replace the Rendezvous and Rainier but the Terazza as well since it offers the same utility and is mini-van based. So. Buick will be down to one SUV and two cars when this comes out. Perfect for the Pontiac/GMC/Buick dealership merger.
chriseh @ Jun 10th 2006 10:30PM
Not sure how anyone can excited about an SUV design. The only difference is what angle of slant the B pillar is and how much should the fenders bulge or not bulge.
I've got to believe that "Harvey Earl" Buick's former master car artisan is turning in his grave to see how boring automobile designing of the 21st century has gotten.
Here in the USA, we have dumbed down automobile concepts to ordering the large, medium or small SUV shoe design. This is so "old hat".
markwalt @ Jun 10th 2006 10:56PM
Nice Saturn Outlook ya got there.
Stoneman @ Jun 10th 2006 10:57PM
About as attractive as a Pontiac Aztec. A whale is right....and I laugh every time I see one on the road.
Stoneman
http://www.stonemanautoreview.com
iQuack @ Jun 10th 2006 11:06PM
Maybe GM's finally getting it--fewer better vehicles needed here.
Enclave looks great IMO, but is a large and probably gas-hogging vehicle.
But for people who need that much car, it looks like a winner and I hope it succeeds.
Tool @ Jun 11th 2006 12:59AM
Nice Work GM. Hope it comes out exactly like the concept and is a HUGE success in the marketplace.
Jonathan @ Jun 11th 2006 1:50AM
That's pretty heinous - oversized and ostentatous. Everything Americans want in a car I guess. At least it's better looking than the Rendezvous.
Dr. Woo @ Jun 11th 2006 1:52AM
I like it. I think it looks great.
Lee @ Jun 11th 2006 1:59AM
Great. Another Buick SUV-minivan-thing. Just what the world needs.
If this article had just been about the discontinuation of the Rendevous (a nasty vehicle that attracts some of the worst drivers in the Chicago area) I'd be celebrating right now.
nltankontop @ Jun 11th 2006 2:28AM
Its not ugly but its not preety either. Actually it is ugly. I would not drive that thing (maybe when I am 70) GM should drop Buick and improve their quality with their other brands.
PJ @ Jun 11th 2006 4:13AM
Aside from a few obvious show-car touches--quadruple DVD screens, flip-down tray tables, blinding blue instrument lighting--this interior looks well within the realm of production possibility. Most of the fixtures and switchgear are (attractive) GM corporate parts shared with the Lucerne, Lacrosse, and '07 Tahoe/Suburban. Should be a major asset.
I'll also side with those commenters who deem this a good-looking SUV. The Rendezvous is a mess, in terms of styling, dynamics, and interior packaging. The Rainier is more appealing, but just too "trucky" for a modern Buick, in my opinion. The Enclave could hit the sweet spot for many buyers--kind of an RX 350 for domestic traditionalists.
The biggest obstacle left, for me, is that GM's 3.6-liter V6 hasn't learned how to sing. It's got world-class potential, with a broad, strong powerband and incredibly low NVH. But judged by "premium" standards, it sounde too much like a groany family-car engine. Add a little music to that soundtrack, and this SUV could be a winner IMHO.
starlightmica @ Jun 11th 2006 6:42AM
Doesn't the Terraza also get replaced by the Enclave?
I see that the Outlook AWD is projected to weigh almost 5000 lbs with estimated fuel economy 16/24 (17/25 FWD), Enclave can't be much lighter, nor more fuel efficient. Anybody out there with a crystal ball, look and see where gas prices are in a year time? that could be a hurt.
Derrado @ Jun 11th 2006 7:38AM
They say the Terraza will be killed in 2008; whether they mean model year or calendar year, I'm not sure. I don't see the Terraza carrying on for very much longer, especially as the Pontiac Montana SV6's been killed for slow sales and there are rumours of GMC receiving a minivan/crossover (other than the Acadia) for the 08/09 model year.
Neal Forbes @ Jun 11th 2006 8:02AM
Buick's official name for those "portholes" is "Cruiserline Ventiports", just in case you care.