Autoblog

There isn't always a lot of overlap between the world of golf and our own automotive realm. Tiger gets some folks interested in Buicks and there are the occasional holes-in-one that result in a set of keys for the lucky ball striker, but other than that, we don't usually cross paths very much. Sadly, today is one of those days. PGA golfer Arjun Atwal was involved in an incident that resulted in the death of a fellow motorist outside Disney World in Orlando, Florida on March 10.

Although no criminal charges have been filed, witnesses have said that Atwal and the other driver, John N. Park, were street racing. Documents from the Florida Highway Patrol say that Atwal estimated his speed at around 80 mph on the 45 mph road, although witnesses said they thought the speeds were more like 100 mph. Atwal was driving his 2006 BMW M6 alongside Park in a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 when the Benz "flipped and killed its driver." Park apparently lost control, clipped a fence and small tree and the car somersaulted up to eight times, disintegrating in the process.

The investigation is ongoing, but it doesn't appear the two vehicles collided or that either driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.

Thanks for the tip, Bobby.

[Source: AP via AOL]

Buick really scored a hole in one when they signed Tiger Woods to be the company spokesperson. Although not exactly the demographic, Buick's historical ties with the PGA make it a great marketing move.

This video starts with Tiger looking for his "lost" wedge. As each group on the tee finds it, he asks if they want to bet on who can hit the ball closest to the hole... for a Buick Rainier. As the foursomes play through, Tiger eventually gives away four of the Buick SUV's to the stunned golfers that beat him.

Buick couldn't have made a better deal than to have Tiger sell their cars. especially with all of the news, both good and bad, recently surrounding him. He continues to win, got married, lost his father and will now become one himself this summer. As Buick works hard to lower the average age of their buyer from the late baby-boomers they currently attract, furthering this relationship should be their ace in the hole.

[Source: YouTube via GM Inside News]

GM's Chairman/CEO Rick Wagoner will join PGA superstar Tiger Woods to unveil the new-for-'08 Buick Enclave at this year's second L.A. Auto Show. Apparently moving the show to a new time slot in December to avoid the January competition with Detroit is already paying off for the L.A. organizers. Bringing Tiger out for this event shows how eager Buick is to get maximum exposure for this all-important new model. We're sure Tiger's going to be happy they didn't wait for the North American International Auto Show to debut it. L.A. in December or Detroit in January? Tough choice.

The Enclave should look a lot like the concept shown in Detroit last January, but will mark the debut of GM's new Lambda platform. The Lambdas will eventually replace the U-Body minivans with their front- or all-wheel-drive platform and 2+2+2 seating. Initially a 270-hp V-6 mated to a 6-speed automatic will be offered, but a V-8 should arrive somewhere down the road as well. That V-8 will undoubtedly be identified by the four (or is that fore?) ventiport styling touch Buick is becoming known for.

The Enclave should also feature a more upscale interior befitting Buick's position in the GM lineup. The first Lambda full-size CUV to be unveiled was the Saturn Outlook at the 2006 New York Auto Show, and it will beat the Enclave into showrooms when it goes on sale next Spring, followed by the Enclave and GMC's Acadia. The Enclave will replace the awkward looking and slow-moving Rendezvous.

[Source: GM]

Tiger Woods is used to long, commanding drives-- in fact, one could say he's made a habit of them. But the PGA's biggest star is set to trade in his golf clubs for a dirt oval stock car -- and in New Zealand, of all places.

The Buick spokesman will dice it up with other celebrities (including professional racers and his own caddy, in a 12-lap charity race where bumping and grinding is apparently the order of the day.

Tiger will suit up and strap in next Monday at Huntly Placemakers Speedway, and the race will raise money for the Steve Williams Foundation, an organization that helps give impoverished youth the opportunity to pursue their sporting joneses.

[Sources: Seven.com.au; Buick]

Virtually all automakers attempt to mold their image by aligning themselves with other organizations and sporting events, but we can't think of a recent move as extreme as that of Ford Motor Co. dropping its interest in the genteel sport of golf to sponsor professional bull-riding.

According to the Detroit Press, as part of its Way Forward plan, the automaker has already withdrawn from the PGA Tour and Senior Players Championship, and is strengthening its relationship with the Professional Bull Riders. The company even purchased a stake (steak?) in one of the beasts, which has been named ‘Super Duty’.

Reaction by the public has yet to be reported. But Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research, believes that this new image focus is necessary. "On one hand,” said Spinella, “you're trying to be Arnold Palmer, and on the other, you're trying to be a cowboy.” Research by the Power Information Network shows around 71-percent of Blue Oval vehicle buyers are men, compared to the 64-percent industry average-- making the brand name one of the most masculine among consumers.

Ford will continue to showcase its vehicles at other happenings, including NASCAR, Ironman Triathlon events and of course, American Idol.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]