A promising concept when it debuted at the Detroit auto show, the 2008 Buick Enclave crossover SUV looks as though it will go into production with few changes. Spotted on the streets of Michigan with only minimal disguise up front, this prototype proves that although the Enclave will use the same platform as the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia, the Buick will have its own look.
Replacing both the Rendezvous and the Rainier in Buick's lineup, the Enclave will be positioned as the most upscale version of GM's new trio of crossover SUVs. To get the point across, Buick designers gave it a set of highly detailed light clusters along with an elegant-looking waterfall grille. One detail our pictures don't conclusively confirm is the presence of Buick's signature portholes. They were used on the concept, but although this prototype has an outline of what could be portholes on the upper edge of the hood, it could just as well be fake since there don't appear to be any actual intakes.
We managed to catch a brief glimpse of the interior as well. Like the exterior, it appears to have made it to the prototype stage with minimal changes from the concept. Two large round dials supplemented with three smaller gauges in between make up the instrument panel, while the semicircular center stack puts a traditional analog clock up top flanked by large chrome-ringed vents. The big question when it comes to the cabin is how closely the final product will match the concept in terms of the quality of the materials. Soft leathers and convincing wood trim were the order of the day at its Detroit debut. If the production model can get close, the Enclave will be a legitimate competitor for vehicles like the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330.
Hardware for the Enclave isn't expected to vary much from its Saturn and GMC cousins. Expect a 3.6-liter V6 with at least 265 horsepower hooked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Given the Buick's premium positioning, an all-wheel-drive configuration could be the only drivetrain offered. We'll know for sure early next year, as the Buick will be the last of the three GM crossovers to hit the market.
Replacing both the Rendezvous and the Rainier in Buick's lineup, the Enclave will be positioned as the most upscale version of GM's new trio of crossover SUVs. To get the point across, Buick designers gave it a set of highly detailed light clusters along with an elegant-looking waterfall grille. One detail our pictures don't conclusively confirm is the presence of Buick's signature portholes. They were used on the concept, but although this prototype has an outline of what could be portholes on the upper edge of the hood, it could just as well be fake since there don't appear to be any actual intakes.
We managed to catch a brief glimpse of the interior as well. Like the exterior, it appears to have made it to the prototype stage with minimal changes from the concept. Two large round dials supplemented with three smaller gauges in between make up the instrument panel, while the semicircular center stack puts a traditional analog clock up top flanked by large chrome-ringed vents. The big question when it comes to the cabin is how closely the final product will match the concept in terms of the quality of the materials. Soft leathers and convincing wood trim were the order of the day at its Detroit debut. If the production model can get close, the Enclave will be a legitimate competitor for vehicles like the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330.
Hardware for the Enclave isn't expected to vary much from its Saturn and GMC cousins. Expect a 3.6-liter V6 with at least 265 horsepower hooked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Given the Buick's premium positioning, an all-wheel-drive configuration could be the only drivetrain offered. We'll know for sure early next year, as the Buick will be the last of the three GM crossovers to hit the market.
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