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Next-generation Buick Enclave spotted with Wildcat looks

The rollout of GM's next-generation three-row large SUVs is well under way with the reveals of the 2024 Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia. Another vehicle on the platform is also getting a redesign soon, according to these spy photos: the Buick Enclave. It's still going to be big, and it will now receive the same sort of Wildcat concept-inspired styling as smaller Buicks such as the Envista and Encore GX. The Enclave's front is where the Wildcat connection is the most clear. It has the pointy shark nose and wide, frowning grille. It's hard to say whether it will get a mesh grille like some of the production SUVs, or a slatted grille like the concept. High up are slender daytime running lights with the actual illuminating headlights hidden lower in the outboard air intakes. We're not totally sure if this look will work on such a large, tall vehicle, but we'll reserve final judgment when we can see the car with all its paint and trim on display. The sides of the Enclave still have a fair bit of the Coke bottle curves that have appeared on every Enclave, if a bit more toned down. The greenhouse seems to take after the GMC Acadia more than the Traverse, as it seems it has a relatively thin C-pillar. The D-pillar looks quite thick, which will probably be toned down with judicious application of gloss black plastic.  Details of the rear are difficult to make out. It seems to have slim, wide and curvy rear taillights. The rectangular exhaust tips are nicely fitted to the rear bumper. But that's about all that stands out. We're expecting the Enclave to have basically the same powertrain as the GMC Acadia, with the one engine offering being a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It should be paired with an eight-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel drive. Odds are it will not get an off-road variant like the Acadia AT4 or Traverse Z71. But it might get a sportier road-going version that could take advantage of the torque-vectoring dual-clutch rear differential from those aforementioned off-roaders. It should also be revealed sometime next year with deliveries likely in the same year. Related video:

We really want to use an eCrate to restomod an old GM car. Here's what we'd build

You hopefully saw the news today of GM's introduction of its Connect and Cruise eCrate motor and battery package, which effectively makes the Bolt's electric motor, battery pack and myriad other elements available to, ah, bolt into a different vehicle. It's the same concept as installing a gasoline-powered crate motor into a classic car, but with electricity and stuff.  This, of course, got us thinking about what we'd stuff the eCrate into. Before we got too ahead of ourselves, however, we discovered that the eCrate battery pack is literally the Bolt EV pack in not only capacity but size and shape. In other words, you need to have enough space in the vehicle to place and/or stuff roughly 60% of a Chevy Bolt's length. It's not a big car, but that's still an awful lot of real estate. There's a reason GM chose to simply plop the pack into the bed and cargo area of old full-size SUVs. Well that, and having a rear suspension beefy enough to handle about 1,000 pounds of batteries.  So after that buzz kill, we still wanted to peruse the GM back catalog for classics we'd love to see transformed into an electric restomod that might be able to swallow all that battery ... maybe ... possibly ... whatever, saws and blow torches exist for a reason.  1971 Buick Riviera Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski: If you’re going to build an electric conversion, why not do it with style? ThatÂ’s why IÂ’m choosing a 1971-1973 Buick Riviera. You know, the one with the big glass boat-tail rear end that ends in a pointy V. Being a rather large vehicle with a big sloping fastback shape, IÂ’m hoping thereÂ’s enough room in the trunk and back seat to pack in the requisite battery pack. That would likely require cutting away some of the metal bulkhead that supports the rear seatback, but not so much that a wee bit of structural bracing couldnÂ’t shore things up. The big 455-cubic-inch Buick V8 up front will obviously have to go. Remember, this was the 1970s, so despite all that displacement, the Riviera only had around 250 horsepower (depending on the year and the trim level). So the electric motorÂ’s 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque ought to work as an acceptable replacement.   1982 Chevrolet S10 Associate Editor Byron Hurd: OK, so the name "E-10" is already taken by a completely different truck, but let's not let labels get in the way of a fun idea.

Editors' Picks November 2023: Toyota Grand Highlander, Buick Envista and some lovely luxury vehicles

It's been a month since we served you with the full lot of Autoblog Editors' Picks, and that master list is going to continue to grow as more new cars enter the market. For November 2023, we have a trio of SUVs coming in at various sizes and price points including the Buick Envista, Toyota Grand Highlander and Mercedes-Benz GLS. And if you're looking for a convertible sports car, the BMW Z4 is one that should make your shortlist, as it finds its way into this month's of Editors' Picks, as well. In case you missed previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on whatÂ’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get an EditorsÂ’ Pick designation. Those are the ones weÂ’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody whoÂ’s curious and asks the question. The list that youÂ’ll find below consists of every car we rated in November that earned an EditorsÂ’ Pick. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid Max View 25 Photos Quick take: The Hybrid Max is the one to get, but the Grand Highlander comes highly recommended for its added space, nicer interior and fuel efficient powertrains. Score: 7 What it competes with: Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Nissan Pathfinder, VW Atlas, Mazda CX-90 Pros: Two hybrid powertrain options; exceptional cargo space; usable third row; refined and quiet ride. Cons: Expensive for the segment; the lesser hybrid powertrain is noisy and slow. From the editors: Senior Editor, Electric, John Beltz Snyder — "The Grand Highlander is a nice alternative to the standard Highlander for the Toyota faithful for its usable third row. The choice of powertrains is a huge boon, too, whether you want a fuel-sipping hybrid, or solid gas engine or a more robust hybrid with extra performance. YouÂ’re just going to have to pay a little more for it all." In-depth analysis: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Review: A strong, new three-row contender   2024 Buick Envista 2024 Buick Envista Sport Touring front three quarter View 19 Photos Quick take: The Envista is one of our top subcompact SUV picks. It packs tremendous value into a compelling design that looks far more expensive than it is. A homerun for Buick.