<![CDATA[Jalopnik: tiger woods]]> http://tags.jalopnik.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: tiger woods]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/tigerwoods http://jalopnik.com/tag/tigerwoods <![CDATA[Tiger Woods "Seriously Injured" In Car Crash Near Florida Home]]> Golfer Tiger Woods was "seriously injured" in a car crash after hitting a fire hydrant and a tree in Florida early Friday morning at 2:25 AM. The crash, at low speed, did not deploy the airbags of his Cadillac Escalade.

But that's to be expected. U.S. regulations require deployment of airbags in crashes at least equivalent in deceleration to a 23 km/h(14 mph) barrier collision, or similarly, striking a parked car of similar size across the full front of each vehicle at about twice the speed.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, charges are pending.

CNBC's Darren Rovell says he's fine — via his spokesperson, of course.

But this brings up the only question we've got — why he was driving in anger, intoxication or blindness at 2:25 AM right after Thanksgiving dinner? Could The National Enquirer tailing a 34-year-old NYC woman rumored to be having an affair with the 33-year-old former Buick spokes-golfer have something to do with it? Our thought is maybe. [via Deadspin, Florida Sentinel]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5414063&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Twelve Ridiculous Athlete Car Poses]]> Like other celebrities, athletes and cars are both appreciated for the their stats, yet the combination of the two doesn't necessarily guarantee a great photo op. Don't believe us? Just check out these ridiculous athletes posing with cars below.

Most of these, not surprisingly, come from basketball and soccer players. If you have any great/awful athlete car poses please drop them in the comments below.

Athlete: Andre Agassi
Car: Porsche 911
Why It's Embarrassing: At some point Agassi was convinced to pose with his cars and girlfriend. The Vector from the other post is fairly ridiculous, but there's something about him sitting parade marshal-style in the Porsche that make us giggle.
Photo Credit: John Russell/Getty Images

Athlete: Shaq
Car: Rolls Royce Phantom
Why It's Embarrassing: Because Shaq doesn't take himself too seriously and has apparently never turned down a photo request, we could probably make an entire list out of Shaq poses. We didn't include this one or this one. Technically, he looks ridiculous, but we love him for it.

Athlete: Vernon Wells
Car: Honda Legend (JDM)
Why It's Embarrassing: Unfortunately, you probably can't take that novelty key with you because that Honda/Acura isn't coming with you. Fortunately, you look like you're completely bummed about getting a Honda anyways.
Photo Credit: Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images

Athlete: Dirk Nowitzki
Car: Silver Comet
Why It's Embarrassing: Dirk Nowitzki is giant. Seriously, he could eat the Silver Comet. What do both of these things have in common? Both fall apart in the big game.
Photo Credit: DANIEL KARMANN/AFP/Getty Images

Athlete: Marcelinho
Car: Volkswagen Touareg
Why It's Embarrassing: If you listen really closely you can hear the ocean.
Photo Credit: RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images

Athlete: Spud Webb
Car: Kia Borrego
Why It's Embarrassing: Why did Kia choose Spud to hang around when they announced their sponsorship of the NBA? Because they needed an NBA player small enough to make a Kia look big and Muggsy Bogues is retired.
Photo Credit: Bryan Mitchell/Getty Images

Athlete: Kobe Bryant
Car: Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible
Why It's Embarrassing:Although he wasn't asked, Kobe repeatedly insisted he could win the title without Minnie.
Photo Credit: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images

Athlete: Wayne Rooney
Car: Toyota Prius
Why It's Embarrassing: It's Wayne Rooney. The man is ridiculous
Photo Credit: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images

Athlete: Magic Johnson
Car: Ford Escape Hybrid
Why It's Embarrassing: Magic Johnson, failed late night host and inarticulate commentator, explains how hybrids work and thereby makes himself look sillier than a felt frog with a man's hand up his butt.
Photo Credit: Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Athlete: Evander Holyfield
Car: Buick Riviera Concept
Why It's Embarrassing: Careful, Evander. That door could come down and take a chunk out of your ear.

Athlete: Tiger Woods
Car: Buick Enclave
Why It's Embarrassing: Buick paid Tiger Woods untold millions to be the brand's spokesman, but even with all that money he can't pretend to be excited about the awkward-looking Enclave.

Athlete: Shaq
Car: Lincoln Town Car Cartier L
Why It's Embarrassing: See the carpet on the ground? This is how Shaq gets around his living room.
Photo Credit: JOHN T. BARR/AFP/Getty Images

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5336357&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[GM, Tiger Woods Limp Away From Endorsement Deal]]> Tiger Woods and GM will part ways after five years, a reported $40 million and a lot of Buick Enclave commercials. The press release from GM goes out if its way to suggest any link to what's happening in Washington, D.C is "purely coincidental" so, you know, feel free to blame Tiger's knees instead. But it's weird to see GM claiming the decision came after a search for "budget efficiencies" yet having nothing to do with the lack-of-federal funding. We do have to admit, Tiger Woods was a valuable acquisition for Buick, letting them appeal to the older, affluent golf-watching demographic and younger, affluent multiracial golf-playing demo simultaneously. GM hasn't announced a replacement, but we hear John Daly will do it for free beer and hot wings. Press release below the jump.

GM And Tiger Woods Announce End To Endorsement Deal

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – General Motors and Tiger Woods announced today that they will conclude their endorsement deal effective December 31, 2008.

Both GM and Woods agreed to a mutual and amicable separation that included a desire for more personal time for the 14-time major winner who is expecting his second child in late winter as well as the search for budget efficiencies during a difficult economy for General Motors. For the past nine years, Woods has endorsed GM products around the world and has been heavily associated with the Buick brand in the US, Canada and China markets.

Mark LaNeve, General Motors North American Vice President of Sales, Service and Marketing said, “Tiger has been a great friend to GM and a fantastic asset through the years helping to bring consumer awareness to many new GM products. In light of the news coming out of Washington,” LaNeve added, “This decision is the result of discussions that started earlier in the year and the timing of this agreement with these other activities is purely coincidental.”

In a statement, Woods commented, “I am very proud of the long standing partnership I’ve had with GM and have enjoyed being a part of the company’s dramatic product evolution. We’ve had a lot of fun together and I participated in some unique and rewarding activities. We’ve enjoyed a tremendous partnership over the years and we will maintain strong ties with the many people at GM we call friends.”

[Source: GM]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5097665&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Broken: Buick Just Sold More Cars in China than in the United States of America]]>

The old man used to go on and on about the glory of Grandpa Loverman's 1953 Buick Roadmaster. It was beautifully styled, possessed a powerful straight-eight, had advanced features like... wait for it... power door-locks! Best of all, it was called the frickin' Roadmaster! Car names don't get better than that. Neither, really, do cars. Today's Buicks on the other hand, in the words of Car Tzar Bob Lutz, are damaged. Even if the new rides (like the Outlook Enclave) do manage to follow in the mighty footsteps of their noble ancestor (they don't), they will still have lousy names. Lucerne is reminiscent of dairy products and LaCrosse is only interesting if you recall Jim Brown's college days when he lettered in lacrosse at Syracuse. I won't ruin it for you, but the NFL great enjoyed chasing rich white guys around with a stick. Even so, Jim Brown would never drive a LaCrosse. However, another dominant American athlete, Tiger Woods, would be happy to. My point? I just hope Mr. Woods is aware what they do with tiger dongs in China.

China could save a tarnished GM brand [msnbc.com]

Related:
Breaking? GM Has Enough Problems, Will Not Save Ford...Did We Mention The Buick Enclave?; More: What Happens in Vegas: Buick My Ride [Internal]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=223384&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Sweet Peet Has A Woodsy For GM's Buick Brand]]> Sweet Peet's got a new rant up this week, and in all the hoopla of the LA Auto Show, it's a shame it took us until now to notice it — especially because instead of a rant, it's a positively exuberant love fest for GM's blue-haired brand, Buick. Now I know China is Buick's big market, and the Enclave's some hot stuff — it's certainly a design iteration or two better looking than the Rendezvous (and I'm through with you) and other vehicular nonsense the General's tossed out to represent its "We're Not Oldsmobile" brand during the past few years. (At least since the Turbo Buicks of the 80's.) But you won't see us running a GM PR shot of Tiger "Enclave-Engorged" Woods, "Slick" Rick Wagoner and Buick general manager Steve "Don't Call Me" Shannon with Buick PR man Dave Darovitz's spin-tastic caption underneath it as Sweet Peet does at the bottom of his weekly rant. Our readers demand — and provide — more creativity than that.

Bullish on Buick. [Autoextremist]

Related:
Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger; Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger, Poll Edition; Caption Contest: Tiger Woods And Buick Enclave, So Captioned Together [internal]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=218570&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Breaking? GM Has Enough Problems, Will Not Save Ford...Did We Mention The Buick Enclave?]]>

A non-Jalopnik member of the press asked Rabid Rick if instead of merging with Carlos "Hot Daughter" Ghosn's lineup, why doesn't GM simply merge with — and save — FoMoCo? Mr. Wagoner literally answered, "We have enough problems. We will not be saving Ford." The General does sound like it's intent on saving Buick. Brand Manager Steve Shannon reassured the assembled autojourno throngs that Buick will soon "be making real Buicks again." He went on to explain that instead of trying to put a car in every garage, they are going to only make four models. Also, instead of concentrating on rental cars fleet sales, Buick will focus on retail customers. Glad to hear they've at least claiming a focus.

tigerrick6.jpg

Oh, and there was something about a car — no wait, it's a crossover. While almost totally overshadowed by the world's best golfer, the new Enclave was introduced to us hard drinking press folks when none other than Tiger himself (with Rick riding shotgun) drove through a paper banner high school football style. And... it looks like a fish with chrome teeth. I will say that the interior was nicer than I had been led to believe. And by nicer I mean it looked and felt like an Infiniti. You know; blond plastic wood and softy plastics. Beyond that, it is hard to get a sense of an S0/S1 when all of its doors are wide open and stuffed with men in bad suits holding huge cameras.

While Mr. Woods was whisked out of the building by Special Forces and Mr. Wagoner was busy with the television folks, I did manage to wrangle some face time with Buick brand guru Shannon. As I'm kind of a snotty, incompetent jerk, I hadn't planned on asking him any tough questions. I mean, Tiger had already been quizzed about their handicaps. But when a TV crew cut us off mid handshake, Mr. Shannon insisted that I continue. So be it. "What's a real Buick?" "Are you planning a halo vehicle?" "You already share platforms with Saturn and Chevy, are you going to get a rear-wheel drive platform from Cadillac or Holden?" Turns out that the word "spin" is not just a cute nickname for Jalopnik's editor in chief. In my mind, much like the Enclave, Buick's future is a big — "maybe?"

Related:
LA Auto Show Preview: Tiger Woods...Err...The Buick Enclave Is Finally Here! Huzzah! Huzzah! [Internal]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=217878&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[LA Auto Show Preview: Tiger Woods...Err...The Buick Enclave Is Finally Here! Huzzah! Huzzah!]]> OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! After all of the waiting — all of the "sneak peaks," Tiger Woods photo ops and viral marketing, the Buick Enclave has finally arrived, and we've got the PR pictures — all of them and OMG, we've got them in the gallery below! And we know you're gonna want to see them because if you listen to the "buzz", this CUV could quite possibly be the most amazingest vehicle evah! I mean, once you get past the fact that it's shaped like an over-sized jellybean and that it drives merely "like" a high-end luxury car, only then will you be able to truly appreciate its "interior like a private jet." Fully hyperbolic press release after the jump — and did we mention it features Tiger Woods?

Buick-Enclave-Gallery.jpg

ALL-NEW 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE REPRESENTS THE NEW FACE OF BUICK

LOS ANGELES - Tiger Woods, the world's top-ranked professional golfer and long-time Buick partner, teamed up with Buick to introduce media to the brand's newest vehicle: the all-new 2008 Enclave luxury crossover SUV, on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Enclave was unveiled at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, one of the world's most prestigious art and design schools.

The Enclave is Buick's first luxury crossover SUV. It is purposely built on an all-new crossover architecture and motivated by one of GM's most powerful V-6 engines ever. The Enclave creates its own niche in the fast-growing crossover market by melding elegant interior and exterior design and a confident ride in a quiet, well-crafted roomy cabin capable of carrying up to eight passengers with space for gear. It arrives in dealer showrooms next summer.

"Enclave is the new face of Buick and everything we want in future Buicks," said General Manager Steve Shannon. "It's an absolutely stunning, high-quality crossover SUV that delivers all the product attributes that define the new Buick - a confident ride, relevant technologies, more luxury features, elegant design and a quiet, comfortable and well-crafted interior. These are the hallmark traits of future Buicks."

Enclave will be available in CX and CXL trim levels, with eight exterior and three interior colors, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, a new 275-horsepower V-6 powertrain featuring variable valve timing (VVT) and mated to Buick's first six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated dual-overhead camshaft engine based on GM's global V-6 architecture. It was jointly developed at GM technical centers in Australia, Germany, Sweden and North America. The engine uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.

"The Enclave is just beautiful to look at and a sign of things to come from Buick", said Tiger Woods. "I'm really excited for Buick and the all-new Enclave."

A host of innovative features that are uncommon or unavailable in competitors' vehicles adds to the Enclave's standout status in the segment, including a second-row seat console that unfolds to contribute to a flat load floor when the seats are folded. Also, the armrest slides back and forth. The center console storage area is equipped with a pull-out tray. When removed, the tray reveals a deep space for storing a pair of 16-oz. bottles or other tall items. Enclave also features a power-operated liftgate, Smart Slide second-row seat feature and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with one of the segment's largest display screens.

Peace of mind while maneuvering in the Enclave is enhanced with Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist and a rear back-up camera, which work integrally to provide not only a visual reference of objects directly behind the vehicle, but an audible warning of the objects' proximity. Displayed on the navigation system display screen, icons and audible chimes provide an easy-to-understand reference to items behind the vehicle. Enclave also is equipped with power-adjustable outside mirrors that automatically angle downward when the vehicle is in reverse, providing a view of the curb or parking lines. The mirrors can be programmed so that one, both or none of the mirrors provide this view.

The innovative and exclusive features mentioned above are only a few of Enclave's more than 45 standard and optional features. Highlights include:

* Rear back-up camera
* High-intensity discharge headlamps
* Articulating Headlights
* Power liftgate
* Automatic Grade Shift Logic
* Smart Slide second-row seat
* Voice-activated and touch-screen DVD navigation
* Second-row center console
* Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
* Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel
* Power folding mirrors with integrated turn signal lights
* Heated windshield washer fluid
* Heated front leather seats
* Tiffany-style analog clock
* Bose 5.1 10-speaker surround sound system
* Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
* Factory-installed extended-range remote start
* Large sunroof and skylight
* XM Satellite Radio
* OnStar with Turn-By-Turn voice-activated navigation and more

Delivering on the promise of the concept

The production Enclave delivers on the promise of the concept vehicle that debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The exterior design of the Enclave is a virtual twin of the concept version, while the interior retains the elegant design and craftsmanship that made the concept Enclave popular.

Buick's luxury crossover hints to legendary design cues such as a new waterfall black chrome grille - with a bold tri-shield emblem - and portholes. Enclave's grille represents the new face of Buick that will be shared across future product offerings. The portholes, which are similar in design to those on the new Lucerne sedan, form a distinct "V" shape as they flow out from the grille and into the hood.

Enclave sits on a 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and has a wide, confident stance, with the wheels pushed out to the corners. This creates a "wrapped" appearance between the body and the wheels, which enhances the sure-footed stance. Large, 18-inch flangeless wheels are standard on CX models; 19-inch machined wheels are standard on CXL, while chrome, seven-spoke, 19-inch wheels are available on CXL. Twenty-inch wheels are available though Buick Accessories.

Standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and three-dimensional taillamp housings spotlight the Enclave's craftsmanship and attention to detail. Uncommon in the crossover segment, Enclave's HID headlamps have one bulb for high and low beams. The Xenon HID headlamps are standard, and GM's Articulating Headlights are available. They turn with the direction of the front wheels, providing enhanced illumination around corners.

Interior like a private jet

Enclave's interior is designed as an extension of the exterior form with complementing curves and warm, inviting colors, as well as premium, soft-touch, low-gloss materials. The instrument panel and other interior elements have precise attention to fit, finish and flushness throughout.

Buick's exclusive QuietTuning engineering process reduces, blocks and absorbs unwanted noise from entering Enclave's cabin. Some noise-reducing components include an acoustic laminated windshield, laminated safety door glass, triple door seals, flat-blade windshield wipers, strategically placed sound deadening material in more than two dozen locations throughout the vehicle and outside rearview mirrors and tires designed to minimize noise. The result is a library-quiet interior that allows passengers seated in the third row to hear a conversation between first-row occupants.

When it comes to function and roominess, Enclave looks smaller on the outside but lives bigger inside. The vehicle can be configured for seven or eight passengers, with three rows of seats, and still have space for gear behind the third row. Enclave offers 18.9 cu. ft. (535.2 L) of cargo space behind the third-row seat when in the upright position - a trunk capacity of some large sedans and room that some crossovers cannot match. With 116.2 cubic feet (3291 L) of cargo room behind the first row when all rear seats are folded, Enclave has more maximum cargo volume than the 2007 Lexus RX350 (84.7 cu. ft.), 2007 Volvo XC90 (85.1 cu. ft.), 2007 Audi Q7 (71.8 cu. ft.) and 2007 Acura MDX (83.5 cu. ft.). More than two dozen well-placed storage areas, including the instrument panel, center console and covered rear cargo convenience center, allow items to be stored out of sight.

The first row includes two bucket seats, and the standard third row features a 60/40-split bench seat that can accommodate three adult passengers. The second-row seats come standard with two captain's chairs (two passengers) with an optional second-row center console that features two large storage compartments, two cupholders and is capable of folding flat into the load floor. A second-row 60/40-split bench (three passengers) seat is also available. Seat back bolsters in the third row retract to fold flat and deploy to provide additional comfort. Second- and third-row fold-flat seats extend the load floor and maximize cargo space while providing flexibility between cargo and passenger needs. All seats have a tailored appearance, with premium cloth standard on CX models and perforated leather seats standard on CXL models. The first-row seats on CXL are heated and perforated for increased comfort and enhanced quietness.

Entering and exiting Enclave's third row is made easy by maximizing the door opening and reducing the space between the rear door and leading edge of the door opening. Enclave's car-like step-in heights for the front and rear doors also contribute to easy entry and exit. GM's Smart Slide feature allows entry in the third row with the pull of one handle. With Smart Slide, the second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. Second-row seats also have fore/aft adjustment. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it provides more storage space or additional legroom for third-row passengers.

Enclave drives like a high-end luxury car

Enclave rides on a long wheelbase, with wide 67.3-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks - a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables confident ride and handling, similar to a high-end luxury car.

Enclave's precise driving feel features standard variable-effort power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering supported by independent front and rear suspensions. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum steering knuckles. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked "H" design, which has an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment. This design enables the handling prowess that comes with an independent suspension, but with minimal floor pan intrusion - a feature that helps the Enclave offer generous passenger and cargo space.

The available, intelligent all-wheel-drive system provides increased traction on slippery roads and other driving situations - such as freeway ramps - where increased traction would enhance handling. The system works by delivering a controlled amount of torque to the rear wheels. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels with the best traction.

Enclave is motivated by one of GM's most powerful V-6 engines ever. Surpassed only by the 1987 GNX SFI Turbo, which gave 276 horsepower, Enclave's aluminum-intensive 3.6L V-6 VVT delivers 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. (340 Nm) of torque. It is designed to deliver its performance with world-class smoothness, quietness and durability.

The engine's four-cam phasing operation of the variable valve timing system ensures linear delivery of torque across the rpm band, while features such as electronic throttle control deliver crisp, immediate response and feedback. The engine uses electro-hydraulic vane-type phasers, allowing infinitely variable combinations to optimize performance and efficiency.

A new Hydra-Matic 6T75 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission backs the 3.6L V-6 VVT. It is an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel-drive Enclaves. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. A wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio helps the transmission deliver both performance and fuel economy, enabling up to 7 percent improved performance and up to 4 percent improved fuel economy when compared with current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics. The transmission has been designed so that the Enclave can be flat-towed in FWD and AWD configurations. Enclave can tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg) when properly equipped.

Comprehensive safety system

The 2008 Buick Enclave has a comprehensive safety system designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system - with rollover mitigation technology - and GM's tire pressure monitoring system are standard. Traction control is standard on all models.

Enclave is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two roof rail air bags that cover all three seating rows. Complementing the air bags is GM's rollover sensing system, which activates the roof rail air bags if sensors determine an impending rollover. Because rollovers are typically longer events than non-rollover crashes, the roof rail air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant protection and containment. Additionally, first-row positions feature safety belt pretensioners, which activate at the moment of a crash to take up any slack in the safety belt and hold the passengers in place.

All Buicks including Enclave come standard with OnStar Generation 7 (with a one-year Directions and Connections plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. If a crash activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle and/or summons emergency help.

Like all Buicks, the 2008 Enclave is also equipped with OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. The audio directions are automatically played through the vehicle's stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Enclave is built at GM's new Lansing Delta Township assembly plant in Lansing, Mich. The state-of-the-art, flexible manufacturing complex is designed with people-focused production processes that ensure high build quality and represent the best of GM's manufacturing systems from around the globe. The 2008 Buick Enclave is backed by the industry's best warranty with a four-year, 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as well as five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Enclave will be sold in the U.S. and Canada. Pricing has not been announced.

*SAE certified. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.

Related:
GM And Tiger Woods Engage In Viral Marketing Of The Lame-Ass Kind; Not Out Of The Woods: Buick Continues The Lame-Ass Viral Marketing [internal]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=217683&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Not Out Of The Woods: Buick Continues The Lame-Ass Viral Marketing]]> Thank the lord of motor parts that we've got tipsters like Galvin Wong, a name at an empty and hastily created hotmail e-mail account. Without him, and folks like him, we'd have no way of getting amazing pictures of the tip of the headlight of the new Buick Enclave. That's right, despite finally getting "outed" by the mainstream media this AM, who as an aside, ignored the fact we already dragged them kicking and screaming out of the closet — the Buick marketing team continues their onslaught of attempts at a (dare I even pen the word!) viralgasm over the team's new CUV — the Enclave. Apparently not even a nameless writer at the Detroit News was able to stop the Buick folks from sending e-mails addressed to us from guys like "Mr. Wong." Don't they realize we've been publishing (and making fun of) a full pic of the vehicle for months now that's recevied more unearned media hits than anything viral they've done? So I'd say to Dave Darovitz and the rest of the folks working on the Buick team — it'll take a lot more than some viral marketing to exorcise the demon's of Buick's aged past, and therefore a mental viral picture of our own memories of what has been Buick's key demographic — below the jump.

buick_movie.jpg

GM tries to generate buzz with Web video [Detroit News]

Related:
GM And Tiger Woods Engage In Viral Marketing Of The Lame-Ass Kind; Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger [internal]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=214279&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[GM And Tiger Woods Engage In Viral Marketing Of The Lame-Ass Kind]]>

The General's engaged in some lame viral marketing in the past — like when they tried to pretend cars and trucks were flying because of some silly warranty or something. Everyone knows that the cars were flying because of the secret alien-derived technology they and the feds have jointly developed out in the desert sands of Nevada. Right, that's the very same alien-derived technology that brought us the electric car they so conveniently killed. Men in Black, my ass — more like men in Chevy polo shirts. Anyway, they're trying again to build some buzz off of the Tiger Woods / Buick connection with a bit of viral video purporting to be "behind the scenes" footage of the shooting of the commercial for the Enclave CUV. And let's just say, if it worked at all like Buick's non-viral marketing effort, we'll be expecting some really funny entries in the "what tattoo does the meat-head at the end have on his back" contest. Yeah, we totally expect some funny responses to that one. [Hat tip to Ed!]

FV Report: GM attempts "viral" video for the 2008 Buick Enclave [Straightline]

Related:
Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger; Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger, Poll Edition; Caption Contest: Tiger Woods And Buick Enclave, So Captioned Together; GM's Flying Car Virus [internal]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=213794&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Caption Contest: Tiger Woods And Buick Enclave, So Captioned Together]]>
Although every entry fought hard for the chance to be Jalopnik's next top caption (soon to be a new Fox reality show), unfortunately, as in Highlander, there can be only one — at least until the sequel. It's therefore now our solemn duty to inform the world, and Buick PR man Dave Darovitz, that he should have used commenter frank williams suggestion as the caption of the above photo. Lucky commenter frank williams will receive a selection of automotive trinkets and baubles, including a Chevy Aveo USB key/pen (256 MB and black ink, baby!) pilfered from one of the General's PR events. Just drop that e-mail to us letting us know where to send it, frank williams. Wait, what's that you say — what was the winning caption? My word, in all of this excitement, we nearly forgot to tell you. His caption was:

"Buick: Not out of the Woods yet..."

Related:
Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger, Poll Edition; Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger [internal]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=201898&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger, Poll Edition]]>
Yesterday we asked you to help Buick PR man Dave Darovitz come up with a better caption for the above photo of everyone's favorite "calibanasian" (look it up) and Buick's newest CUV, which y'all seemed to think is trying to be "calibanasian." Although we think you're all winners in our book, we recognize there's a need to pick one caption to rule them all, and as the automotive industry's known to do, we'll pass the buck to you to choose. Why? Because that's the Jalopnik way.

Voting closes Wednesday at noon.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Related:
Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger [internal]

Contest Rules and Legal Shtuff

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=201568&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Jalopnik Caption Contest: Buick's Got An Enclave In The Woods For Tiger]]> Tiger-Woods-Buick-Enclave.jpg
Buick PR man Dave Darovitz is pushing an event featuring Tiger Woods (we can hardly contain ourselves) and GM's CEO Rick Wagoner (oh god, we've lost it — sorry) right before the LA Auto Show to introduce the production version of Buick's new "luxe" CUV, the Enclave. The e-mail we received included the above picture and the media advisory for the event, along with Dave's suggested caption:

Recommended Photo Caption: Tiger Woods, the world's top-ranked professional golfer and Buick endorser since 2000, stands next to the Buick Enclave crossover concept. Woods is slated to join GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner in Los Angeles on Nov. 28 to introduce the production version of the all-new luxury crossover SUV. The Buick Enclave is due in dealer showrooms next summer.

Hmm, wethinks maybe that's not gonna work for the ol' Jalop — not only do we not have enough room to put all that in a headline, but we fell asleep around the word Buick. So instead, we're going to ask you to help us out by captioning this photo in the comments. What's that you say — you're not yet a commenter? Well, try adding a comment with a user name and password of your own choosing — and if we like it we might even let you stay around and keep commenting. Best caption will receive a prize to be announced. Full rules and legal stuff, as always, can be found here.

Related:
Jalopnik Caption Contest: Rock the Vote Edition, Eh? [internal]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=201312&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[The Jalopnik Morning Shift]]> MorningShiftLogo.jpg
&#8226; And here the cars come down the track — and — the winner is — Tiger Woods! [bangkokpost]
&#8226; Yeah, those "temporary layoffs" from yesterday — not so temporary. [Guardian Unlimited]
&#8226; We love happy endings: Woman's car stolen while delivering newspapers. Car set on fire. Local couple donates car to woman. [KCCI]
&#8226; Gas prices are steadily rising, but the American desire for more power is stayin' strong. Tim Allen is proud. [JD Power & Associates]
&#8226; Well good, at least everyone at GM can go down with the ship together. [Marketwatch]
&#8226; Shinto proverb says: Loss of one GM parts supplier may be another parts suppliers gain. [AutoServiceWorld]
&#8226; Toyota totally loves goin' south. Only question is: Where? [Eden Daily News]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=169344&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Buick Lucerne to Get Major Ad Push]]>

Buick's newest hopeful, the Lucerne — the Swissified replacement for the Le Sabre — will suck up 20% of the GM brand's first-quarter ad budget for 2006, or $9 million, according to AutoWeek. It'll even get an endorsement from Tiger Woods (don't be so impressed, they're paying him). The company is going heavy in an attempt to gain sales traction for the pivotal new model, considering the relatively weak showing of its smaller Lacrosse sibling. Buick has also dropped Aerosmith's "Dream On" from its ads. A new slogan, "Beyond Precision," which experts say promises to boost wiggle room by approximately 18%, will dominate Buick's newest messaging.

New Lucerne to dominate Buick ad spending; vehicle to get special Tiger Woods pitch [AutoWeek]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2006 Buick Lucerne [internal]

]]>
http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=138109&view=rss&microfeed=true