Autoblog

Buick teases baby Enclave, promises 2011 plug-in hybrid version

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Buick, GM, Electric

Bob Lutz has gone on record worrying about Buick's advertising campaign, arguing that the messaging doesn't say the right things to the right people. If only Buick had been advertising this instead: a five-passenger "Baby Enclave" CUV that is coming next year, followed by a plug-in hybrid version in 2011.

General Motors expects the plug-in hybrid "to be the first commercially available plug-in hybrid SUV produced by a major automaker," and it looks like they don't plan on any shortcuts with it. The gas-electric Buick will use LG Chem li-ion batteries juicing up a reworked version of GM's 2-Mode hybrid drivetrain, and can be recharged in four to five hours.

But until that gets here you'll have to make do with the full-boat gasoline-powered Enclave. Those who don't need that much space but are keen on owning a Buick would be well advised to wait for the forthcoming Saturn Vue-based model, which will arrive with a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is expected to get 30 mpg on the highway, and there will also be a 3.0-liter V6 version as well. You can read all about the new model in the press release after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Buick teases baby Enclave, promises 2011 plug-in hybrid version

Buick teases baby Enclave, promises 2011 plug-in hybrid version originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn

Citing a defect that can cause a parked vehicle to roll away, General Motors is recalling 277,000 cars and trucks. The models involved, all built for the 2009 model year, may have a loose clip on their transmission shift cable. The failure of the clip to be locked into place may prevent the transmission from moving into Park - even if the driver moves the shift lever into the proper position. GM has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that dealers will inspect the transmission shift cable and replace broken units. Affected models include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura and Saturn Outlook. NHTSA Safety Campaign after the jump.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Continue reading GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Enclave gets passport for sale in China

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Buick

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Buick Enclave.

In addition to getting the coolest Buicks which are not available in America, individuals in China are about to get the best vehicle that Buick has to offer in the States. In a deal which was initially inked ten months ago, the attractive Enclave CUV, built at GM's Lansing Delta Township assembly plant, is headed for China. The U.S. assembled 'utes will make their way by means of Shanghai GM. The exportation of the Enclave to China is only surprising in that it took so long for the General to get the model there in the first place. After all, Buick sells more vehicles in China than anywhere else in the world, with the nation consuming over half of all Buicks worldwide. We can only hope that Shanghai GM returns the favor and sends some of its best designs our way... and soon.

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Buick Enclave gets passport for sale in China

Buick Enclave gets passport for sale in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic"

Dan Roth — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Buick, GM

Through the success of the Enclave, Buick has discovered that nicely designed, well-built, high content vehicles sell. Being the first Buick in a long time to log advance orders, GM thinks it might be onto something with the Enclave formula. That recipe consists of bolder styling than past Buicks, with cues coming from the Velite and Riviera show cars. Avoiding retro, forthcoming Buicks promise to amp up the curbside drama with unabashed curves, and a lot of chrome. The Enclave has an interior that was obviously fussed over, too. If Buick can turn out a car using the same discipline that guided the successful Enclave launch, it should be exciting to watch the brand reinflate. Both the Riviera and Velite concepts have striking, tight designs that are nothing like the blobby, amorphous Buicks of the recent past. The Lucerne is a stylistic step in the right direction, and with a new LaCrosse due soon, we might start to see the return of stylish GM sedans that people clamor to buy. We'll get some indication soon, when we see what Buick brings to Detroit.

Follow the jump to see the Velite's unveiling at the 2004 New York Auto Show.

[Source: AutoObserver]

Continue reading Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic"

Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Keeping the Enclave on boil - GM keeps a lid on production

Dan Roth — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:42:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Buick, GM

click above image to see more of the increasingly exclusive Buick Enclave

General Motors has a hit on its hands with the big, beautiful Enclave CUV. People all over the country are trying to get their hands on Buick's luxurious iteration of the Lambda Ute. Rather than follow the time-dishonored practice of running as many copies of a hot model out the door as possible, GM's keeping production on the Enclave under strict control. In fact, even though some dealers have sold out of their Enclave inventory, GM will be reducing shifts at the Lansing plant that builds the Enclave. Bob Lutz explained the restrictions thusly: "We want to keep [the Enclave] hot... Nothing destroys the value of a new product faster than over producing." That's it in a nutshell, right there. The practice of tying production to demand is what Toyota and Honda tend to do. Take the Fit, for example. Part of the allure of that vehicle is that buyers often have to wait to get one. The same kind of "best kept secret" mystique surrounds the Enclave - you don't see them everywhere, and they're rather opulent once you finally get a chance to check one out. Exclusivity can also spur customers into paying full price, where before a glut of product would mean heavy discounts. Of course, GM can't afford moves such as restricted production and labor layoffs at every plant and on every model, but we hope this new tack pays off in boosting the General's image as well as its bottom line.

[Source: WSJ]

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave

Keeping the Enclave on boil - GM keeps a lid on production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: Jerome Williams' Buick Enclave Urban CEO Edition

John Neff — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:22:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Crossover, Buick

click above image to view more pics of the Buick Enclave Urban CEO Edition

One of three custom Buick Enclaves that will be debuted at this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Enclave Urban CEO Edition comes with a little minor celebrity flair, as well. You see, it was designed by former NBA basketball player Jerome Williams and his company Automotive Street Style. The press release after the jump also implies that this won't be the last cooperative effort between these two companies. The Urban CEO Edition, meanwhile, has been designed for the company head that doesn't want to drive a sedate sedan. It's dipped in White Opal paint from head to toe, and the rear bumper has been smoothed out for a cleaner look. The deep dish 24-inch wheels, however, would likely turn off all CEOs save for those that run a record label or something equally as "hip". We doubt Rick Wagoner would be caught dead in this Enclave.

More info and GM's official press release can be found after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Buick Enclave Urban CEO Edition

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Jerome Williams' Buick Enclave Urban CEO Edition

SEMA 2007: Jerome Williams' Buick Enclave Urban CEO Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Chevy's Lambda-based CUV, the 2009 Traverse

John Neff — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:44:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Chevrolet

click image above for high-res gallery

While the name Traverse is not set in stone, the arrival of a Lambda-based CUV for Chevy is. Joining the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave will be this model caught for the first time on the Las Vegas strip, of all places. Condenamed the GMT 561, the Traverse is on a fast track to production and will likely be built at GM's Springhill, Tennessee plant starting in August of 2008, which means it should be labeled as a 2009 model. Chances are we'll see its first public debut at either the Detroit Auto Show in January or Chicago show in February.

While it's hard to tell based on the spy shots, the front end will likely carry styling cues over from the new Chevy Malibu, which is fine with us. The only real question is whether or not the Traverse will grow Lambda sales, or merely cannibalize them from its siblings. We expect it would be the value leader among the group, slotting below the Outlook in price and equipment. Does the Traverse make for one too many full-size CUVs in GM's stable? Perhaps, but at least the "new GM" is badge engineering vehicles that are good to begin with, spreading the wealth around its brands rather than saddling them with poorly made copies of below average vehicles.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Traverse - spy shots

Spy Shots: Chevy's Lambda-based CUV, the 2009 Traverse originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Buick Enclave CXL

Chris Shunk — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Buick, GM

Click image above for high resolution gallery

When the Buick Enclave concept hit the Detroit Auto Show in 2006, the roomy CUV was very well received, but past experiences left both the media and public skeptical. Many felt that the stunning looks and luxury amenities of the Enclave would never make it to the dealer lot, and in the end there would be a lot of compromises made to keep costs down. As it turns out, the General pulled a fast one, and the exterior and much of the interior of the classy concept hit production intact. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz kept saying that Buick could compete with Lexus in terms of quality and refinement, and the Enclave shows that blogger Bob isn't just blowing smoke. We've been eagerly awaiting a crack at the Enclave in the Autoblog garage, and now we've finally got our chance. Read on for our impressions from our week-long test.

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave CXL

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Buick Enclave CXL

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Buick Enclave CXL originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick lineup to get Chinese-infusion

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Buick

Judging by the positive reception the Chinese-marketed Buicks have been receiving here in the States, GM would be ill-advised to continue offering the same warmed-over products that it's been selling over the past decade. According to Automotive News, the General sees the writing on the wall and intends to go global with the new look of Buick, originally shown at the Shanghai Motor Show in the shape of the Riviera concept.

The idea is to make Buick an affordable luxury brand here in the States, and it has plans on offering a number of new vehicles to the U.S. market that will take on the high-end competitors from Japan.

To begin with, the Excelle, a small sedan, is set to be released sometime in 2008, based off the Alpha platform currently under development in Germany, while the next iteration of the LaCrosse will come in 2009 and will be based off of GM's Epsilon 2 underpinnings. The Lucerne will get a full makeover in 2011 and will be built around the RWD Zeta platform, and the Rainier, Rendezvous and Terraza will die off after the current production run, and replaced with the new Enclave.

Buick's move to become more things to more people is the only way the marque will survive, and judging by what's in the pipeline, the automaker actually has a chance at success.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Buick lineup to get Chinese-infusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video in the FastLane II: Lutz on Buick

John Neff — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: China, Videos, Buick

The GM FastLane Blog revealed that its first video interview with Bob Lutz that addressed GM concept cars was actually supposed to be the second one released. This new video just released today was to be the first, but technical issues pushed it back. Here we have Lutz in front of the lens addressing the most commonly asked question about Buick, specifically its relation to the raging Chinese division and its position in General Motors as a whole.

When answering why Buick's Chinese division is getting better looking luxury cars than the U.S., Lutz simply fires back, "I don't think they are." The consumate diplomat, he says the door is always open for the rear-wheel-drive Zeta-based Park Avenue that will be sold in the Chinese market to make its way to the States, but we'd have to disagree that the U.S. market LaCrosse and Lucerne hold a candle to what's coming down the pipeline for the Chinese.

When asked about Buick's role in GM, Lutz takes up most of his time explaining Cadillac's role as a world leader and then places Buick just below it. It's interesting that he says, "The days of taking some Buicks and pricing them with Chevrolets... will never be repeated." The $32,790 price tag of the new Enclave CUV compared to its other Lambda-based offerings from GMC and Saturn is proof positive that Buick will be positioned near the top of GM's portfolio.

So there you have it, a little Lutz on Lutz action for your Thursday evening.

[Source: GM FastLane]

Video in the FastLane II: Lutz on Buick originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Enclave comes to market bearing $1,000 rebate

Chris Tutor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:36:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Buick

At first we thought it had to be a mistake. General Motors is already paying customers to take the 2008 Buick Enclave off their hands? It's not even on dealer lots yet, but Automotive News reports Buick is offering $1,000 "Conquest Bonus Cash" and 4.9% financing available on the $32k+ CUV.

Though the "Conquest Cash" is intended to draw non-GM-driving customers away from the competition, no matter the name, rebates on brand new vehicles are obvious admissions of overpricing that only enforce car shoppers' addiction to cash-back offers. If the Enclave performs as well and is as reliable as it is gorgeous, it shouldn't need any incentives.

On the other hand, a drop-dead body and cash back could be irresistable to all but the most diehard import buyer.

[Source: Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Buick Enclave comes to market bearing $1,000 rebate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battle of the Sources: Use of Nomad name on Chevy CUV refuted

John Neff — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Yesterday the website Inside Line reported that sources deep within General Motors revealed that the storied "Nomad" name would be revived for the upcoming Chevy version of the automaker's full-size Lambda-based CUV. According to their sources, the new ute will debut as a 2009 model to replace the abhorrent Chevy Uplander.

Not so, says Josh Oliver from The GM Source. His sources, also deep within General Motors, claim that reviving the "Nomad" name, which most recently was used on a Kappa-based concept in 2004 (shown above), has never even "appeared on the radar screen" during discussions of how to christen the new crossover. Oliver's sources also claim the CUV will appear in 2009 as a 2010 model.

Who to believe? We don't really care, because it's just a name. We're more concerned that GM's spreading the Lamda platform too thin across four brands. While the Buick Enclave manages to differentiate itself well from therest of the pack, the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia already appear too close for our comfort. Hopefully the Chevy version doesn't come off as an Acadia with a Malibu grille.

[Source: TheGMSource]

Battle of the Sources: Use of Nomad name on Chevy CUV refuted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIP: Buick Rainier

Dan Roth — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:07:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Buick

As General Motors refines the future of their brands, they're trimming out redundancy and we have a hard time coming up with a more redundant vehicle than the multitude of GMT 360 based 'utes across all the GM brands.

The Buick Rainier is one version of this ubiquitous platform that no longer has any reason for living; thus, production will end during the second quarter of 2007. Buick's plan is to trim the lineup back to three or four models, while focusing on developing and turning them out extremely well. The focus of Buick's future is taking the brand further into luxury, rather than offering everything the other divisions do, but with plusher seats. The buying public has found religion with car-based CUVs, as well, so dropping the Rainier to focus on execution of the Enclave is a shrewd move. Competition from other luxury brands, such as the Lexus RX vehicles, which have been based off car platforms since their inception are preferred by consumers and no amount of niceties inside will make up for the lumbering feel of a body-on-frame truck. Rather than have two vehicles vying for consumers hearts -- and confusing them in the process -- we laud the decision to lay the Rainier to rest.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

RIP: Buick Rainier originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Tide is Turning: GM Expects Q4 2006 Profit, Delays Earnings

Chris Shunk — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 11:06:00 EST

GM expects to turn a profit for Q4 2006 and is again restating its earnings for 2002-2006. It seemed just only yesterday when every analyst and armchair CEO had dire of predictions for GM. CEO Rick Wagoner's head was called for and bankruptcy pools were going around the offices. Things picked up in 2006 with the introduction of the GMT900 SUVs and pickups, and it looks like the corner may about to be dramatically turned with new product like Malibu, Enclave, Astra and CTS on the way. The news of the General turning a quarterly profit isn't all that surprising, but what's crazy is the latest earnings restatement.

If it seems like it's been happening a lot, well, it's because it has. Seven out of the last eight quarters have been accompanied by earnings restatements, which casts doubt upon any of GM's earnings statements, good or bad. One day we may wake up and hear that 2005 really was just a bad dream for GM and that they actually turned a profit. We kid. GM's now looking to share earnings results the week of February 5th.

[Source: Detroit News]

The Tide is Turning: GM Expects Q4 2006 Profit, Delays Earnings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Enclave pricing released

Chris Tutor — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Buick

$32,790

That's the minimum, early-summer buy-in for what is arguably Buick's most exciting, most innovative product in decades. That just-under 33 grand purchases a front wheel drive CX model with standard 275hp V6, Buick's first 6-speed tranny, xenon lights, heated mirrors, power liftgate, stability control, six airbags, disc brakes all around, multi-zone climate control, XM satellite radio and a few other expected goodies. For $2,000 more, you get to power all four wheels on the CX. Step up to the CXL front-wheel drive for $34,990 and four-wheel for $36,990. Not sure yet what the extra money for the CXL gets you, though.

Options include front passenger opening sunroof with rear skylight, bigger wheels (natch), more speakers, fold flat rear seat, back-up camera and articulating headlights.

While it's definitely a huge improvement over past Buick offerings, the Enclave has some serious competition in this price range. It will have to fight Acura's RDX, Honda's Pilot, Ford's Edge, the Infinit FX35, the Lexus R350, Lincoln MKX, and the Volvo XC90 for sales. Add some of those fancier options to the Acadia and the price tag could climb on up into Cayenne territory. It's a tough segment and we hope the General is sending the Enclave to a gun fight armed with more than a very nice looking switchblade.

Be sure to check out our huge selection of Enclave photos.

Continue reading Buick Enclave pricing released

Buick Enclave pricing released originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to drop $700m on crossover plant

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 06:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Saturn

After GM's mercy killing of its slow-selling minivans, the heads of the General are working towards filling the seven-passenger, non-SUV gap that will soon exist in their lineup.

Crossovers have been the favored saviors of the people mover segment, and as such, General Motors has decided that the former Saturn-only plant in Spring Hill, Tenn. would be the beneficiary of a thorough overhaul to meet the expected demand. In a plan that will invest over $700 million into the aging production line, GM will outfit the plant with more up-to-date manufacturing equipment that has the potential to produce up to 350,000 vehicles per year.

General Motors' front-wheel-drive, Lambda-based crossovers currently include the new Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, all of which are possible products that could roll off the line in Spring Hill.

[Source: Automotive News -- Sub. Req.]

GM to drop $700m on crossover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show: Meet the 2008 Buick Enclave

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:11:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Buick

UPDATED: Gallery updated with live shots of the reveal

The 2008 Buick Enclave has been baking in the oven for a while. We first glimpsed what would become the Enclave in 2003 when General Motors showed us the Centieme Concept at that year's North American International Auto Show. Though highly stylized as a concept, the Centieme was somewhat of a sleeper hit that year. At last year's Detroit Auto Show (2006), GM debuted the Buick Enclave Concept. The production version you see here is essentially a clone of that year-old show car.

Follow the jump for our take on the production version of the Buick Enclave, as well as 80(!) high-resolution images and GM's officlal press release.

Continue reading LA Auto Show: Meet the 2008 Buick Enclave

LA Auto Show: Meet the 2008 Buick Enclave originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick admits to teasing us with Tiger vid

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Buick

I guess we can bill this as Update 2. We just showed you the video of Tiger Woods and the new Enclave and speculated that this "hidden cam" vid might be a fake. Not rocket science to figure that out, but until we had confirmation, we didn't want to call BS on GM. Well, they just called BS on themselves.

While the 60-second YouTube clip appeared to be a bootleg, the Buick logo at the end was a big tip-off. According to The Detroit News, Buick spokesman David Darovitz admitted that "the video was shot two weeks ago in Los Angeles to build excitement for the Enclave's world introduction Nov. 28 at the Los Angeles Auto Show."

"We wanted to do something different," Darovitz said. "The idea was to make it look like a video stolen from an advertising shoot. We knew we weren't going to fool anybody. We just wanted to do something different that would create buzz."

With more than 9,500 hits, we'd say mission accomplished. This does show, however, how automakers are getting more creative in their marketing, trying to tap into non-traditional media outlets. Pontiac and Scion are in Second Life, and now Buick has a YouTube viral. We understand that these are two signs of the Apocalypse.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Buick admits to teasing us with Tiger vid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Tiger hearts the Enclave

Alex Nunez — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:52:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Buick

UPDATE 1 - Commenter TheOne442 points out the most obvious confirmation (which your eagle-eyed Autoblog staff missed completely) that it's a Buick viral: the Buick logo that appears over the YouTube logo as the thing ends. Props to Buick for the neat stuff, though.

Taking advantage of a level of security that could be best described as "relaxed," a videographer showing some serious testicular fortitude nonchalantly filmed portions of the upcoming Buick Enclave ad production featuring Tiger Woods, catching the new CUV in its birthday suit. According to Tiger, he's "never seen anything like it on the road." We're not sure about never, but more interesting than Tiger's forced Buick-speak is the sense of humor he shows when a plane buzzes overhead as he prepares to deliver a line.

Our favorite part comes at the end of the video, when someone gets all in the camera operator's face, covering the lens a wee bit too late to do any good.

So, while we love it, we wonder if it's a real "spy" vid or slick viral advertising from the General. For what its worth, the YouTube poster, "tigerstyle" has no other videos uploaded. Also, the camera used to record the action zooms in and out much faster than consumer cans we've used, which leads us to believe it was shot with professional video equipment. Watch, enjoy, and decide for yourselves.

Thanks to tipster "Tiger Smith" for the link.

[Source: YouTube}

VIDEO: Tiger hearts the Enclave originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Outlook to start at $27,990

John Neff — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 10:22:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, GM, Saturn

Saturn has announced that its new 8-passenger crossover called the Outlook will have an MSRP of $27,990 for a two-wheel drive model and $29,990 for an all-wheel drive XE model. Uplevel XR models will start at $30,290 for two-wheel drive and $32,290 for all-wheel drive. All models will get General Motors' 3.6-liter VVT V6 that produces 270 hp and 248 ft-lbs. of torque in the base XE and 275 hp and 251 ft-lbs. of torque in the XR thanks to a dual exhaust system. Both engines are paired up with GM's new six-speed automatic transmission, which from what we've heard is a slick shifter. We also now know you can order up your Outlook with options like ultrasonic rear parking assist, a power lift gate, remote start, heated windshield washer fluid, a DVD entertainment system and DVD navigation.

For those concerned that a 8-passenger crossover might be a fuel hog, you'll be surprised to learn that the EPA estimates for the Outlook aren't that bad. Saturn tells us that two-wheel drive models should get 18 mpg city/26mpg highway and four-wheel drive models 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. We do expect the Outlook to eventually offer a V8 underhood, at which time those numbers will drop considerably. However, GM has a lot of technology available of which the Outlook could potentially avail itself, including a two-mode hybrid system that will be introduced in the Tahoe soon. Such a system would presumably work in the Outlook and its platform mates, the GMC Arcadia and Buick Enclave, returning better fuel mileage than the Tahoe hybrid thanks to its lower weight. Seems like this type of large vehicle would also be a prime candidate for a light-duty diesel engine.

GM and Saturn are certainly being very aggressive with the Outlook's price, which we expect will be the least expensive of the three Lambda-based models. The Saturn Outlook's $28,000 base price is low enough even that people considering a Ford Edge, which starts at just below $26,000 for a two-wheel drive model, will likely be attracted by the Outlook's extra row of seats.

You can check out GM's full press release on the Outlook's pricing after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Saturn Outlook to start at $27,990

Saturn Outlook to start at $27,990 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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