GM Lambda triplets Enclave, Outlook, and Arcadia
Harshad Kuntey and Stephen Hughes
Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Automotive
The Lambda triplets are from General Motors and include the Buick Enclave, the Saturn Outlook, and the GMC Arcadia. The Lambda name refers to General Motor's full-size crossover SUV automobile platform, which all three vehicles are based upon. We were able to test-drive both the Buick and the Saturn. Sharing automobile platforms is standard practice amongst both domestic and foreign manufacturers and used to spread the development costs across multiple vehicles.
Previously, GM has been criticized and been guilty of producing very similar vehicles and "re-branding" them as different vehicles. If you need proof, just look to the Saab 9-2x, which was effectively dubbed a Saabaru by the automotive press for its close ties to the Subaru Impreza wagon. However, GM was able to keep the parts bin separate during this production cycle as this duo has completely different sheet metal and interiors. Though these sheep in wolves clothing are aimed at the Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, and the Lexus RX350, they are a foot longer than the Pilot and much closer in size to the full size Chevy Tahoe, and have more space that most of them to boot.
The Enclave, which many will recognize as the SUV from the Tiger Woods commercials, is distinctly upscale and positioned to compete with Lexus and Acura. The Buick is uniquely styled with the signature waterfall grille and portholes on the front fender. Harshad claimed that, "the undulating crease along the side of the vehicle reminds him of J-Lo." We do agree that the thick side pillars are obtrusive and reduce visibility.
The driving experience was a pleasant surprise and does not reprimand you to the AARP crowd. Previous Buick models, like the Park Avenue, had driving conditions comparable to navigating a Spanish galleon on the open water and rewarded the driver accordingly with little enjoyment. Fortunately for you and us, the Enclave is no such boat. Instead, you get a firm but well damped ride with impressive sound isolation. If you expected a car of this size to be ponderous to drive, prepare to be surprised. Independent suspension, front and rear, coupled with anti-roll bars and relatively low center of gravity helps the car hide its avoirdupois. Also, credit the attention to details such as acoustically laminated glass and acoustic foam for such solitude.
Previously, GM has been criticized and been guilty of producing very similar vehicles and "re-branding" them as different vehicles. If you need proof, just look to the Saab 9-2x, which was effectively dubbed a Saabaru by the automotive press for its close ties to the Subaru Impreza wagon. However, GM was able to keep the parts bin separate during this production cycle as this duo has completely different sheet metal and interiors. Though these sheep in wolves clothing are aimed at the Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, and the Lexus RX350, they are a foot longer than the Pilot and much closer in size to the full size Chevy Tahoe, and have more space that most of them to boot.
The Enclave, which many will recognize as the SUV from the Tiger Woods commercials, is distinctly upscale and positioned to compete with Lexus and Acura. The Buick is uniquely styled with the signature waterfall grille and portholes on the front fender. Harshad claimed that, "the undulating crease along the side of the vehicle reminds him of J-Lo." We do agree that the thick side pillars are obtrusive and reduce visibility.
The driving experience was a pleasant surprise and does not reprimand you to the AARP crowd. Previous Buick models, like the Park Avenue, had driving conditions comparable to navigating a Spanish galleon on the open water and rewarded the driver accordingly with little enjoyment. Fortunately for you and us, the Enclave is no such boat. Instead, you get a firm but well damped ride with impressive sound isolation. If you expected a car of this size to be ponderous to drive, prepare to be surprised. Independent suspension, front and rear, coupled with anti-roll bars and relatively low center of gravity helps the car hide its avoirdupois. Also, credit the attention to details such as acoustically laminated glass and acoustic foam for such solitude.
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