First Drive: 2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD V-8
| 2004 Buick Rainier CXL AWD V-8 |
| Base price | $37,000 (est) |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, rwd or awd, 4-door, 5-pass SUV wagon |
| Engine | 5.3L/290-hp V-8, OHV, 2 valves/cyl |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 7.5 (est) |
| On sale in U.S. | Currently |
Buick's Roadmap
· '04 Rainier is first short-wheelbase GM T360 SUV to get V-8 power
· '04 Rendezvous Ultra gets a 245-horsepower version of the 3.6-liter DOHC high-feature V-6 also used in Cadillac's CTS sedan
· '05 Park Avenue, and perhaps LeSabre, get 32-valve 4.0-liter all-aluminum V-8 from Olds Aurora. Expect 280-300 horsepower if variable valve timing makes jump from Cadillac's 4.6-liter Northstar in 2006
· '05 Regal, all-new cousin to Pontiac Grand Prix
· '05 "sport van" is next-generation minivan with SUV-styling cues
· '06 rear-drive 4.6-liter V-8 luxury sport sedan