2006 NAIAS: Buick Enclave Concept

[Northstar]

Third row seat!

BUICK ENCLAVE CONCEPT OFFERS NEW VISION OF BUICK STYLE

DETROIT – The Buick Enclave – a luxury SUV concept that combines the athletic proportion of a modern crossover vehicle with the romantic forms characterized by Buick’s rich design heritage – was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit . It provides a glimpse of a vehicle Buick intends to bring to market.

As a complement to Buick’s new luxury lineup, the Enclave delivers superior attention to detail. Engineered with an innovative level of interior flexibility, the Enclave concept vehicle has ample room for six passengers, while a skylight extends almost the entire length of the passenger compartment. A unique in-dash/in-seat/overhead DVD system allows viewing of up to four different DVD selections at once and offers passengers the ultimate in personalized, in-vehicle entertainment.

“Enclave is the full expression of Buick’s craftsmanship, comfort and technical sophistication, wrapped in an exciting, youthful form,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. “This is a new expression of Buick design. It is youthful and acknowledges the romanticism of classic Buick designs.”

Enclave’s design is highly sculpted and detailed. Sculpture is seen in the unique, two-arch fenders, which flow out from the body on different planes, accenting both the vehicle’s athletic stance and lithe profile. Also, gently curving, continuous lines add characteristically Buick grace to the exterior, while providing a spacious and comfortable interior for six passengers.

“The name Enclave evokes images of style, luxury and the privacy of a quiet, protected space,” said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. “Although this is a conceptual representation, the Enclave production model will have the same graceful look and refined detail when it is introduced in the not-too-distant future.”

Signature Buick cues include a waterfall grille – with “tri-shield” emblem – and portholes. The portholes, which are similar in design to the new Lucerne sedan, are mounted on the trailing edges of the sculpted hood, which forms a distinct “V” shape as it flows out from the grille and into the front fenders. The waterfall grille has a subdued, black chrome appearance, while a chrome accent strip divides the upper portion of the front fascia from the lower section, adding solidity to the vehicle’s appearance.

Enclave has a bold proportion, with a wide stance and wheels pushed to the corners. This allowed designers to “wrap” the body around the wheels, enhancing the sure-footed appearance. This is augmented by large tires and 21-inch, seven-spoke wheels.

“The unitized construction of the body structure enabled the Enclave’s tight look,” said Jack Folden, exterior design director. “It not only allowed for tighter tolerances, but also enabled an optimal wheel-to-body relationship – this vehicle ‘sits’ just right.”

Enclave wears a Cocoa Metallic color, with the lower section of the vehicle featuring the low-gloss, chip-resistant finish expected on a luxury SUV. The unique exterior color is accented with selective chrome trim, including the door handles and the trim that encircles the side windows. Streamlined roof rack rails also are chrome, with a design that flows into the body like the other sheet metal cues.

Craftsmanship is evidenced in the dramatic, jewel-like headlamp and taillamp housings, as well as the streamlined look of the roof rack rails and the visual heft of the twin, chrome exhaust outlets. Buick’s technical sophistication is evidenced in the lamps themselves: The headlamps feature HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lighting technology and are integrated with GM’s Adaptive Forward Lighting System, which enables the lamps to turn with the direction of the front wheels. The jewel-look taillamps are complemented by an LED-lit high-mounted stop lamp that is designed into the upper edge of the backlight.

“It is as technically sophisticated as it is beautiful,” said Folden. “Enclave is the luxury SUV complement to Buick’s lineup of finely crafted luxury cars.”

Engaging interior environment

Enclave’s interior environment is designed to create a personalized experience for all passengers. Six individual, leather seats – located in three seating rows – are surrounded with thoughtful amenities and luxurious detail. The large, bronze-tinted skylight extends between the front-row seats and third-row seats, warming the interior and enhancing the feeling of openness.

“Enclave has a rich, sumptuous interior that, like the exterior, reflects Buick’s precision and craftsmanship with an acknowledgement of its legacy – it’s a ‘heritage forward’ design,” said Michael Burton, interior design director. “Curvaceous forms, luxurious materials and soft, inviting colors make it a warm, comfortable environment.”

The curved and round elements that permeate the Enclave’s cabin hark back to the style of classic Buicks, including the air vents, door panels and instrument panel. Brushed aluminum trim on these components, as well as features such as the pedals and gauge cluster surround reflect contemporary style and reinforce the vehicle’s craftsmanship. Aluminum-trim strips also accent the carpet of the storage compartment. These elements complement a rich-looking Cocoa and Light Cashmere two-tone interior color theme, embellished with camphor burl wood.

Superior craftsmanship also is prominent in the contrasting stitching on the seats and leather-wrapped headliners. Lighting, too, was carefully selected to enhance the luxury feel while conveying warmth. A “halo” light extends from the perimeter of the skylight, while lapis blue lighting fills the footwells when the doors are opened. Tiffany-style lamps are located at the second- and third-row seats and accessory lamps are integrated as an overhead component for the second row. A Buick logo located on the inside of the power liftgate is illuminated, too.

“There is a romantic, engaging feel inside the Enclave,” said Burton . “It’s also a personal environment, like that of an executive jet, with amenities that allow passengers to be more interactive during a drive.”

Inventive interior amenities

The front seat seatbacks have wood-embellished, fold-down trays for the second-row passengers, as well as leather, coach-style storage satchels. The three seating rows are divided by a unique console that runs from the instrument panel to the third-row seats. Each row’s console unit includes climate control switches, audio/entertainment controls, cupholders, a storage bin and jeweled, Tiffany-style analog clock. A matching clock is mounted at the top-center of the instrument panel. A rich wood look of the console contrasts with the Cashmere-and-Cocoa color theme.

From the console controls, passengers also can select from a wide array of entertainment options delivered through four DVD screens. The front-seat passenger can flip down the front visor, which is embedded with technology that allows it to be both a mirror and a DVD screen, while third-row passengers can view a screen that flips up from their console. There also is a clever, movable second-row overhead vanity with two flip-down screens. The vanity and its flip-down screens – one for the left and right seating positions – can me moved fore and aft on an electronically controlled track. The vanity can be moved completely rearward for an unimpeded view out of the skylight. Each screen in the vehicle is capable of playing a different audio/video selection, giving the Enclave the capability of playing four DVDs simultaneously. Also, the dash-mounted navigation radio is capable of playing DVDs when the vehicle is parked. Enclave offers its passengers the ultimate in personalized, in-vehicle entertainment.

Power and efficiency

Enclave rides on a 119-inch wheelbase and is powered by a 3.6L high-feature V-6 with dual-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Enclave’s powerful V-6 offers one of the category’s most fuel-efficient options. The engine is rated at 270 horsepower (201 kw) and is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. This luxury SUV also has all-wheel drive and four-wheel independent suspension.

"When produced, the Enclave will deliver the comfort, quietness, craftsmanship and quality that exemplify the new vision of Buick style,” said Shannon.

[pow]

Sounds excellent... like the first true "luxury" Buick for a long time.

[ichbinjohnk]

Now that is awesome...

[pow]

OMG, a GM car with an elegant and original interior!!! Exterior proportions are a bit goofy, but the big wheels and flashy sheetmetal help. The back is a bit Tribeca, Murano, and Touareg, but it's nice..

[CSpec]

The interior looks fantastic; better than the Escalade. Even if only 90% gets transferred to production form it will still be excellent. The exterior also looks very good. Too bad we have to wait a year before it goes into production.

[Northstar]

The interior if freaking awesome, and the exterior looks pretty damn good too! The best Buick in a LONG time!

[Ghost Dog]

Nice profile.

[sciguy_0504]

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope this is how the production version looks because it is almost perfect. The only thing that takes away from it is GMCSD. Other than that, this is on fire.

Edit:

Now that I've seen the high-res pics, it's obvious the interior is going to be brought back to Earth. One request: please, GM, please, please offer a "rear seat luxury package" on the production version complete with everything you see here. It would do wonders! I'm not crazy about the porthole placement but I'll get used to it.

This is amazing.

Edited January 8, 2006 by sciguy_0504

[zoomtm]

buick is back

[AAS]

Very nice! So, is this still a pure concept or more of a near-production concept like the Aura was last year?

... [goes back and reads the thread]...

Answered my own question:

“Although this is a conceptual representation, the Enclave production model will have the same graceful look and refined detail when it is introduced in the not-too-distant future.”

Edited January 8, 2006 by AAS

[Paolino]

I'm like foaming at the mouth. THIS is what a Buick should be! That interior is GORGEOUS!

[4gm]

LOVE the interior! How cool is that? Hope they keep it for production. The outside looks great. This is going to do very well.

[!!!TED!!!]

Now thats a Buick!

My only worry is the term "concept", and how that translates to the production Enclave.

[Paolino]

OMG, is there ANY WAY GM can keep the HVAC/Audio layout the same without F'in it up like they do in most cars? I see the HVAC is the same as the new GMT900's autoclimate control... so there's a chance there. Oooh, and Xenon headlights

[Cory Wolfe]

Damn... Buick, Buick, Buick... *speechless*

[zoomtm]

for those that missed the show i recorded it:

http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=1597

[johnnyb]

LOOKS AWESOME!

Now let's see how they ruin it in production form!

[sciguy_0504]

Look at those rear-most seats...beautiful.

[Ghost Dog]

I think it exceeds the Centieme.

[Innotech]

f@#k ME! THATS GORGEOUS!!!!

[ZL-1]

Wow, great job!

If that's what Buick will be offering (sit up and listen to the reactions, GM!) I wonder what Cadillac, which is above Buick on the GM ladder, will bring to the table starting with the next CTS...

[intrigued]

this thing will slay all luxury crosovers if it comes even close to production like this, perfect proportion amazing interior, perfect powertrain options, this is Buick's savior, IF they bring this true to form to production and revise the lacrosse and luscerne with better powertrains revised interiors and a few extra options and Buick could pul one of the best and fastest turn of fates on the automotive industry

[CSpec]

The only thing that worries me is that all of the interior pics look very Photoshopped... The door panels on the passenger and driver's side don't match, and the gagues look really fake.

[sciguy_0504]

It is a computer-designed image.

[NOS2006]

Hey! That looks great!

[Cadillacfan]

Such an exciting time for Buick. I'm so impressed with this vehicle. Beyond my expectations and on closer inspection it looks like they've integrated the HVAC controls into the dash! GM is listening!!!

[Robert Hall]

Looks very good..I see Buick is continuing the VW theme they started with the Lucerne ..the Enclave rear end (esp. the taillights) shows a Touraeg influence, IMHO...

[zoomtm]

It is a computer-designed image.

yea look at the carpet

[mustang84]

Absolutely stunning! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let the concept translate to production nearly 100%. This will be a smash hit if it stays the way it is.

[ZL-1]

And it says 270hp without mentioning direct injection. I'm confident this engine will go very near or even above 300hp with DI...

[zoomtm]

maybe the lacrosse super will look this nice then

Buick: Lacrosse Super, Lucerne, and Enclave.

Edited January 8, 2006 by zoomtm

[Mike The Canadian]

It is a computer-designed image.

indeed, I dont understand why GM wont take pictures of the real thing when they have it...

though i'm sure the real thing looks better, computer generated never looks better than real

(lighting)

[OshKoshBerJosh]

Now thats a Buick!

My only worry is the term "concept", and how that translates to the production Enclave.

I thought about that too. However, remember that the current GP was introduced as the GP G-Force concept, and very little changed from concept to reality in that case.

[Robert Hall]

I thought about that too.  However, remember that the current GP was introduced as the GP G-Force concept, and very little changed from concept to reality in that case.

I suspect the exterior is very close to production, though smaller wheels will be likely. The exterior looks production-ready to me (unlike the Camaro concept, which looks way more wild concept than production-ready).

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

Loving the Cocoa Metallic (thought it was Taupe) color and the interior! Except of course, for that el cheapo dated steering wheel from the Tahoe-its just got to go. Exterior-trying to think of what it reminds me of-looks a tad awkward initially, but overall with the 270(!!)hp 3.6-liter DOHC High Feature V-6 engine, a nice-looking (looking and being as we know are two entirely separate things) interior and more, I think this will finally reign over Chrysler Pacifica, and surely will over Mercury Magellan (Freestyle).

[Northstar]

If you like the exterior as you see it, you're going to love it in other colors. I'm doing them right now and am close to done, and it looks amazing.

[Cadillacfan]

Let me just say that Lutz still has it. Without him, this vehicle probably wouldn't have been made. To all the haters out there, he certainly kept his promise.

[sciguy_0504]

We haven't seen the real thing, yet. Does anyone know when we might have a chance to?

[Robert Hall]

We haven't seen the real thing, yet.  Does anyone know when we might have a chance to?

Probably in the fall, since it's an '07...

[Mike The Canadian]

We haven't seen the real thing, yet.  Does anyone know when we might have a chance to?

it was on gmtv, looked better if anything

[Ghost Dog]

When Does The Saturn Outlook Appear?

[Northstar]

Here are the colors I made: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...?showtopic=4734

The Enclave is a 2008 MY vehicle (very early though), so we probably won't see the final thing until the New York show or maybe even NAIAS 2007.

I'd guess the Outlook will be shown at Chicago or New York. It come out the earliest of the three (early 3rd Q or late 2nd Q I think).

[Ultra Magnus]

Now this i like. Very nice.

[ocnblu]

God, this is turning out to be prime time to be a GM fan. The Enclave is elegant and assertive. The interior... opulent. The hardware... spot-on. Now I cannot wait to see the other Lambdas!

[bring_BUICK_back]

For years Buick has shown us some very sweet looking concept cars that have never made it into production. So I am very wary when I see this Enclave.

Rembemer the Velite, Centime, Lacrosse

Come on Buick start building some sweet vehicles

STOP TEASING

[wildcat]

Northstar: Thank you for the colors. I might pick silver, but it would depend on what interior goes with it.

bring_BUICK_back: Keep the faith - Enclave is coming.

[pow]

For years Buick has shown us some very sweet looking concept cars that have never made it into production.  So I am very wary when I see this Enclave. 

Rembemer the Velite, Centime, Lacrosse

Come on Buick start building some sweet vehicles

STOP TEASING

This time around, they've got preproduction mules driving around and an actual platform to use.

As far as concept to production changes, it seems safe to say they'll lose the third-row console and change the seat design for a flat load floor.

[drew770]

This the best looking Buick!

It seems that everything was done right.

Now GM don't screw this up. Trust the American Consumers enough that we will buy this Buick as is.

Plus, Lutz if you can do us a favor and lock up the bean counters in the GM closet until the Enclave debuts at the dealers!!!!!

[exGMer]

This time around, they've got preproduction mules driving around and an actual platform to use.

As far as concept to production changes, it seems safe to say they'll lose the third-row console and change the seat design for a flat load floor.

I hope you're right. I think that when we see the production Aura debut, we'll have a good indicator for this vehicle. Lutz claimed that the Aura concept was 90+ % what the production vehicle would be. It was also based on a production vehicle G6. The G6, on the other hand, did not come very close to the concept and GM got criticized pretty heavily on this board and others including GM's Fastlane Blog for that mistake.

I think the production Enclave will be very close to this concept minus some of the extra luxuries. I really like some of the extras they've added (such as the fold down tables for the rear seat.) I wouldn't expect quite as much wood moulding inside either.

Edited January 8, 2006 by exGMer

[frogger]

Hope the production model comes close to this! Makes the Caddy SRX look like a toy.