BUICK ENCLAVE LUXURY CROSSOVER DELIVERS MORE POWER AND MORE CONVENIENCE FEA
06/09/2008
Buick
Immediately after its introduction last year, Enclave began changing consumer perception about Buick and luxury crossovers. Enclave blends style and grace with elegance and precision. It delivers room for as many as eight, plenty of space for cargo and better fuel economy than any eight-passenger SUV. Enclave also offers a starting price that makes its luxury competitors take notice, along with a host of standard equipment and the industry's best warranty coverage.
"Enclave is the perfect example of integrating Buick's new global design direction with our brand's long-standing reputation for quality and craftsmanship," said Buick-Pontiac-GMC Vice President Susan Docherty. "It's a crossover that we like to say looks smaller outside, but lives larger inside."
For 2009, Buick Enclave, available in CX and CXL models with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, delivers more performance from a new, standard 3.6L V-6 direct injection engine and more convenience features.
More powerful V-6 with direct injection
Buick Enclave receives a more powerful, more sophisticated, fuel-efficient engine for 2009. The 3.6L direct injection V-6 VVT engine delivers a SAE-certified 288 horsepower (215 kW)* and 270 lb.-ft. (366 Nm) of torque.* This new engine is a compelling mixture of power, smoothness, efficiency and technical sophistication.
The 3.6L direct injection engine is designed to operate with regular unleaded gasoline and produces power similar to many V-8 engines. With direct injection, fuel is sprayed directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the fuel/air mixture. As a result, less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower of a conventional port-injection combustion system, especially at normal cruising speeds. Ninety percent of the Enclave engine's peak torque is available from approximately 2,500 rpm to more than 6,000 rpm. Also, using unique pistons with the direct injection system helps reduce cold-start emissions by 25 percent.
Advanced, high-pressure fuel injectors reduce noise and comprise only one of numerous under-hood features designed to minimize or eliminate noise, vibration and harshness. Other elements include an acoustically tuned engine cover and intake manifold and center-feed fuel lines. Also, a new engine mount system further reduces vibration at idle.
Six-speed transmission
The 3.6L V-6 direct injection VVT engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T75 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. It features clutch-to-clutch shift operation, allowing for reduced complexity and compact packaging. The 6T75 also offers automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control.
A wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio helps the transmission deliver both performance and fuel economy, enabling up to a 7-percent improvement in performance and up to a 4-percent improvement in fuel economy when compared to current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics. The transmission has been designed so that the Enclave can be flat-towed in FWD and AWD configurations. The Enclave can tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,045 kg) when properly equipped.
More convenience
Enclave's generous list of customer convenience features is further enhanced for 2009:
The comfort of heated and cooled driver and front-passenger leather seats is now available as a stand-alone option, making it more affordable for Enclave customers to enjoy this premium feature.
Bluetooth for Phone hands-free phone interface is standard on all Enclave models and includes integrated steering wheel controls, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times. Phone conversations are played through the vehicle's audio system and voice recognition interprets voice commands to dial phone numbers and name tags.
NavTraffic delivers real-time traffic information to the vehicle's touch-screen navigation system. XM NavTraffic is available in 80 major North American markets and delivers comprehensive road condition data - such as crashes, traffic backups and road construction - to the subscriber's navigation screen.
OnStar Destination Download enables OnStar subscribers with screen-based navigation systems to quickly input their destination via the press of a button. OnStar eNav, meanwhile, allows subscribers with Turn-by-Turn Navigation service to find and save destinations on MapQuest.com and have those destinations sent to their vehicle's OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation system.
All entertainment packages add a 110-v olt inverter, enabling customers to power portable electric plug-in items.
For Enclaves not equipped with the available navigation system, the Driver Confidence Package is enhanced for 2009 with a rear backup camera display integrated into the inside rearview mirror. A feature offered by few in the industry, it provides an increased level of safety at a more affordable price.
Additional standard Enclave comfort and convenience features include:
Sliding front-row center console armrest
One-touch power liftgate
Tire pressure monitoring system
Tri-zone climate control
Smart Slide second-row seat
Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
True Buick design
Enclave's fluid lines and curved surfaces create the illusion of a smaller vehicle. Other Buick design cues include a waterfall grille - with a bold tri-shield emblem - and V-shaped portholes. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are standard. For enhanced illumination, especially while cornering, Enclave offers available articulating headlamps.
Eighteen-inch flangeless wheels are standard on CX models. CXL models are equipped with standard 19-inch machined wheels or available seven-spoke, 19-inch chrome wheels. Those wishing to make an even bolder statement may choose 20-inch wheels, a dealer-installed option available through Buick Accessories.
Two new exterior colors are available for 2009: Quicksilver Metallic and Silver Green Metallic.
Roomy, finely crafted interior
Enclave's interior complements the handsome exterior with a luxuriously appointed, warm and inviting environment, with premium, soft-touch, low-gloss materials. The attention to detail is reflected in the precise fit and finish of all interior elements, including the instrument panel.
Enclave delivers an impressive level of roominess and functionality. With three rows of seats, Enclave comfortably accommodates seven or eight occupants, and still provides 23.2 cu. ft. (657 L) of cargo space behind the third-row seat when in the upright position, including underfloor storage. That's the trunk capacity of some large sedans and room that many crossovers cannot match. Enclave also offers 115.1 cubic feet (3,259 L) of cargo room behind the first row when all rear seats are folded - that's more maximum cargo volume than the 2008 Lexus RX350 (84.7 cu. ft.), 2008 Volvo XC90 (85.1 cu. ft.), 2008 Audi Q7 (71.8 cu. ft.) and 2008 Acura MDX (83.5 cu. ft.).
Premium cloth seats are standard on CX models; perforated and heated leather seats are standard on CXL models. The first row includes two bucket seats, while the second-row comes standard with two captain's chairs. A second-row 60/40-split bench (three passengers) seat is available.
Enclave's second-row seats feature GM's Smart Slide, which allows easy entry to the third row with the pull of one handle. With Smart Slide, the second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, compressing the space occupied by the seat. The seats also have fore/aft adjustment. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it provides more storage space or additional legroom for third-row passengers.
The third row features a standard 60/40-split bench seat that can accommodate three adult passengers. For extra support and comfort, individual sections of the third-row bench are bolstered, and they tuck away when the seat is folded flat.
Entering and exiting Enclave's third row is made easy by maximizing the door opening and reducing the space between the rear door and leading edge of the opening.
Enclave's step-in heights through the front and rear doors also contribute to easy entry and exit.
Peace and quiet
Enclave is the only crossover in its segment equipped with QuietTuning, Buick's exclusive engineering process to reduce, block and absorb unwanted noise from entering Enclave's cabin. Noise-reducing components include an acoustic-laminated windshield, laminated safety glass for front doors, triple door seals, flat-blade windshield wipers, and outside rearview mirrors. In addition, strategically placed sound-deadening material is applied in more than two dozen locations throughout the vehicle. The tires are also engineered to minimize noise.
The result is a library-quiet interior that allows passengers seated in the third row to hear a conversation between first-row occupants without interference.
SUV capability meets luxury car ride
Buick Enclave blurs the line between SUV and luxury sedan. It has SUV capability and the ride quality and fuel economy of a sedan. Credit for Enclave's car-like driving experience is attributed to its stiff structure, its purpose-built suspension and aerodynamic shape.
Enclave rides on a long, 119-inch (3,023 mm) wheelbase and wide, 67.3-inch (1,709 mm) front and 67.1-inch (1,704 mm) rear tracks. The long wheelbase and wide track contribute to a confident ride and precise handling. Enclave's aerodynamic shape yields a 0.358 coefficient of drag (Cd) - an impressive figure considering that SUVs with a comparable "footprint" have a Cd of 0.420 or higher.
Enclave's smooth and controlled driving feel features standard variable-effort power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering supported by independent front and rear suspension designs. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar that helps provide a more immediate feel during turns. The tops of the struts are mounted to the chassis through isolated mounts, with ball bearings that reduce steering friction. The inboard pivot points of the lower control arms are mounted to a rigid engine cradle that is fully isolated from the chassis to reduce the level of road noise into the cabin.
The front lower control arms use two bushings that are positioned geometrically to allow the arms to be laterally stiff for handling, and softer fore and aft for a smoother ride. One bushing is fluid-filled and damped for even better ride impact performance. The steering knuckles are made of aluminum to provide a lower unsprung weight, which helps wheel control on rough driving surfaces.
The rear suspension is a linked "H" arm design that provides precise positioning of the rear wheels through their travel and while cornering. It is also compact, which enables a low load floor - a feature that contributes to Enclave's generous passenger and cargo space. It also allows for a high load-carrying capacity.
Available all-wheel drive
An available, intelligent all-wheel-drive system provides full-time function. It enhances both dry road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow- and ice-covered roads. The system works by delivering a controlled amount of torque to the rear wheels. There is no driver intervention required; the system automatically decides how to distribute torque based upon vehicle speed, throttle position and individual wheel slip. The AWD system is integrated with Enclave's electronic traction control to provide outstanding capability in inclement weather.
Safety features
Buick Enclave has a comprehensive safety system designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology and GM's tire pressure monitoring system are standard. Traction control also is standard on all models.
Enclave is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two roof rail air bags that cover all three seating rows. Complementing the air bags is GM's rollover sensing system, which activates the roof rail air bags if sensors determine an impending rollover. Because rollover crashes typically last longer than non-rollover crashes, the roof rail air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant protection and containment. Additionally, first-row positions feature safety belt pretensioners, which activate at the moment of a crash to take up any slack in the safety belt and hold the passengers in place.
Enclave also includes a Panic Brake Assist feature. When an emergency braking maneuver is detected, the system automatically develops additional brake pressure to more quickly engage ABS, potentially reducing overall stopping distance by eliminating the delay that can occur if a driver does not brake hard enough and/or soon enough.
All Buicks, including Enclave, are equipped with OnStar (including a one-year Directions & Connections plan), which features the Advanced Crash Response System. If a crash activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle and/or summons emergency help.
Buick Enclave is priced less than luxury competitors and is backed by the industry's best warranty - a four-year, 50,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty, as well as five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Enclave is built at GM's award-winning Lansing Delta Township assembly plant in Lansing, Mich. The state-of-the-art, flexible manufacturing complex is designed with people-focused, environmentally friendly production processes that ensure high build quality and represent the best of GM's manufacturing systems from around the globe.
*SAE certified.