The Best GMT960? The 2008 Buick Enclave

[YSSMAN]

General Motors has unveiled the production version of the 2008 Buick Enclave. "Enclave is the new face of Buick and everything we want in future Buicks," said General Manager Steve Shannon. "It's an absolutely stunning, high-quality crossover SUV that delivers all the product attributes that define the new Buick – a confident ride, relevant technologies, more luxury features, elegant design and a quiet, comfortable and well-crafted interior. These are the hallmark traits of future Buicks."

Enclave will be available in CX and CXL trim levels, with eight exterior and three interior colors, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, a new 275-horsepower V-6 powertrain featuring variable valve timing (VVT) and mated to Buick's first six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated dual-overhead camshaft engine based on GM's global V-6 architecture.

On the outside, the production Enclave appears virtually identical to the concept car shown at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. Inside, the interior retains many of the design elements of the concept, with a slightly more practical implementation. GM insists the craftsmanship that made Enclave concept popular is carried over to the production model.

The best GMT960 crossover? That I'm not so sure of. If they can price the Buick right, presumably between the Outlook and Acadia, they should have some success with it all. I particularly like the grille and porthole setups, as it is quite appealing compared to the overly-futuristic shapes of the RX350.

...But I still prefer the Outlook, it may just be me. But hey, Tiger will drive one, and I guess thats cool...

 

[m.piedgros]

It looks like the big Kia SUV from the rear. Not exactly my favorite SUV design. I would have preferred (same wheel base, slightly shorter body) a bit of a boxier design like the old X5 (not to mention a wheel and tire combo worth mentioning would be nice, but I digress). Heck, even the slightly swoopier new X5 is still attractively boxy. If I may go out on a limb, boxy can be sexy on a car. Especially high end SUV's and high end touring cars. See BMW 5 Series up until 2003, Mercedes E class 'til 2002, Volvo's from the mid-late 90's are some of the most attractive cars in the world! Maybe it is just my taste, and my love for European super touring car racing of the 90's that is pushing this love of the box, but I think boxy is hot.

m.piedgros

 

[Omnis]

At least the concept car was pretty. I want to see one in person.

 

[m.piedgros]

... maybe a mix of Lexus and Kia...

m.piedgros

 

[L8 Apex]

I really like what I see in the pictures, but I'll reserve final judgement 'til I go to the L.A. show next Friday. It's looking less and less like Buick will being going the way of Oldsmobile (for the foreseeable future, anyhow), which is good.
Personally I like to hope Buick is at least toying with the idea of a new Grand National/GNX (Zeta coupe w/ a turbo'd 3.6 V6.).

 

[DrogoGTO]

... maybe a mix of Lexus and Kia...

m.piedgros

Oil and water, and this vehicle shows it.

 

[Keef]

I loved the Enclave prototype. Looked fantastic. But the result isn't as nice. It still looks cool, but the wheels and tires need to be taller and wider. The thing look slike a guinea pig. Yes, the wheels are way to small and skinny for a wheelbase that long. The interior looks great though. GM has made leaps and bounds in interior design and quality. I hope it works out for them.

 

[TopHat]

I think this is Buicks savior, I hope it sells.

A new GNX would be awesome.