Buick Enclave to Replace Rainier and Rendezvous; New 'Super' LaCrosse Coming

The stunning Buick Enclave concept wowed everyone when it was unveiled at the 2006 Detroit auto show. When the production version of the crossover hits dealerships next year it will signal the death of both the Buick Rainier and Rendezvous SUVs.

Sounds like a no-brainer to us. The Enclave is worlds beyond anything Buick has attempted in terms of style since the last Riviera, and the two aging SUVs are barely a blip on General Moters’ sales radar.

GM calls the paring down of the Buick lineup part of its plan to cut overlap of products available across its brands. For example, the Rainier is similar to the existing GMC Envoy, which will continue production after the Rainier is shelved. But considering the Enclave will share its platform with at least three other GM brands and their new crossovers, we’re a little confused by GM’s math.

In other news: Buick is releasing a new high-end version of the LaCrosse sedan next summer called the LaCrosse Super. The subtly named vehicle will feature a 300-plus-horsepower V-8 engine, upgraded brakes and revised front and rear exterior treatments. There’s no mention of the interior being upgraded, which is a complaint of ours, or if the un-super LaCrosse will also undergo any exterior changes.

[Enclave Aims to Take Buick Upscale, Replaces Rainier, Rendezvous in ’07, AutoWeek]