The 2007 Buick Enclave is Unveiled
The Enclave is a sweet looking ride. I will be first in line to drive one one these.
- A luxury SUV concept that combines the athletic proportion of a modern crossover vehicle with the romantic forms characterized by Buicks rich design heritage – was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. “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.” As a complement to Buicks 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. Enclaves 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 vehicles 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 Enclaves 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. Buicks technical sophistication is evidenced in the lamps themselves: The headlamps feature HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lighting technology and are integrated with GMs 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.”
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posted by Car Boys Media @ 4:54 PM
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