2016 Buick Enclave Adds OnStar 4G LTE Connectivity

DETROIT – Let the streaming commence! Passengers in the 2016 Buick Enclave can download on the go with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity. It includes a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which can be used simultaneously by up to seven devices.

The Enclave’s connectivity upgrade brings 4G LTE and the Wi-Fi hotspot to the entire 2016 Buick model range, from Encore and Verano to Regal and LaCrosse – and the all-new Cascada convertible. The Wi-Fi hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and it comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial.

“Customers’ daily lives are so entwined with personal devices, so the addition of OnStar 4G LTE and its integral Wi-Fi hotspot is a feature they will rely on,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “It allows busy people to stay connected throughout the day and provides another outlet for passenger entertainment on long trips.”

4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network – 10 times faster than 3G and 100 times faster than the previous generation of OnStar hardware. And with OnStar, it also offers stronger, broader coverage than smartphones on the same network.

Buick’s IntelliLink color touch radio is standard on all Enclave models and enhances the driving experience with a higher level of wireless connectivity and customized options – all while building on the safety and security of OnStar.

Six months of OnStar Guidance service is standard. OnStar’s RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. An opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.

Five Years of OnStar Basic Plan includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services, allowing owners to remotely start and lock/unlock a car (if properly equipped), and activate the horn and lights from anywhere with a data connection. It also includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics which runs monthly checks of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, antilock brakes and more. Dealer Maintenance Notification, which sends diagnostic report directly to a preferred dealer, makes service scheduling simple.

Buick Outlines 2016MY Lineup

Out with the 2015MY and in with the 2016MY for Buick, which has just laid out its product plans for the new model year. 

The only truly new addition to the range is the Cascada, Buick's first convertible offered in North America in 25 years, which is based on the European Opel Cascada, but even though it was announced today as part of the brand's 2016MY lineup following its debut in Detroit earlier this year, it won't actually go on sale until early 2016. 

Until then, Buick has made some trivial changes to its existing lineup for the 2016 model year adding fresh color choices, updating infotainment systems and improving equipment features on certain cars. 

You can see what changed in more detail in the list below. 

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What's New For 2016:

2016 Buick Cascada (Brand New Model):

• - 2+2 convertible with distinctive design, premium features, refinement and 4G LTE connectivity
• - Advanced chassis technologies – including HiPer Strut front suspension – and standard turbocharged performance
• - Insulated soft-top system opens in 17 seconds at up to 31 mph

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2016 Buick LaCrosse: 

• - Updated IntelliLink system with new display screen and two USB ports
• - 20-inch wheels available on premium AWD models
• - Exterior colors: Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic

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2016 Buick Regal & Regal GS: 

• - Buick IntelliLink enhancements with new display screens and more intuitive controls
• - Exterior colors: Ebony Twilight Metallic, White Frost Metallic, Crimson Red Tintcoat and Dark Forest Green Metallic

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2016 Buick Verano: 

• - Premium level of equipment for the segment, including an available rearview camera system and available heated steering wheel
• - Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features comprise the available Driver Confidence package
• - Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (upgraded from previous six-way adjustment)
• - Available 7-inch-diagonal Color Touch radio with Buick IntelliLink 
• - OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (includes 3GB/three-month data trial)
• - New exterior colors: Crystal Red Tintcoat, Ebony Twilight Metallic and Graphite Gray Metallic

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2016 Buick Enclave: 

• - OnStar with 4G LTE
• - Exterior colors: Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, White Frost Tricoat
• - Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels and optional 19-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
• - Tuscan Edition that elevates Enclave’s sculpted beauty with a striking bronze waterfall grille and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels with bronze pockets (available on 1SL and 1SN)

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2016 Buick Encore: 

• - Exterior colors: River Rock Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic and Summit White
• - Revised 18-inch, seven-spoke “Ultra-Bright” wheel finish

2016 GMC Terrain refresh revealed

Posting its best-ever sales year in 2014, the GMC Terrain is hauling in sales, conquest buyers, and profits for the brand. GMC wants that to continue with its refresh for the 2016 model year, which sees the underlying formula left untouched under a raft of cosmetic and trim changes.

There will be four trim levels: SL, SLE (SLE-1 and SLE-2), SLT, and Denali. They all get a front fascia with a lot more character, sculpted with chrome-outlined, C-shaped ornamentation, and all but the base SL version feature chrome accents on the grille. Flanking that, the headlights get new LED DRL signatures and the hood gets a power dome. The Denali gets new 19-inch alloys, models below it get new 18-inch wheel designs, and the sheetmetal color palette expands with the addition of White Frost Tricoat and Crimson Red Tintcoat.

Beyond a revised center console, a mix of cabin offerings spice up the various trims. Premium cloth is the go-to for the SL and SLE, "Saddle Up" leather is an option on the SLT as well as an eight-way passenger seat, and a two-tone, dual-material Light Titanium and Jet Black interior is possible inside the Denali.

Assistance features migrate down, with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert available on the Terrain SLE and SLT for the first time. Engine choices remain the 182-horsepower Ecotec 2.4-liter inline-four, and the 272-hp 3.6-liter V6. 

Buick Enclave gets continental makeover with Tuscan trim

Buick is trying to lend an air of Italian elegance to the Enclave with its newly announced Tuscan Edition that's available on the crossover for the 2016 model year. Named after the famously hilly and fertile region of Italy, the package brings some bronze accents to the CUV.

As the very specific trademark filing for the Tuscan suggests, the special edition adds bronze trim to the uprights in the grille, and the metallic color finds its way into the embellishments on the 20-inch chrome wheels, too. Buyers also get to choose from three shades when ordering the package: White Frost Tricoat, Dark Chocolate Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic.

Beyond those trim upgrades, the Tuscan Edition is just like any other Enclave. The package can only be ordered on the Leather and Premium trims, and all of their features are still available including a power moonroof, park assist, HID headlights and many luxury features inside. As with the rest of the range, power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 with 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque that routes through a six-speed automatic. There's also a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

The Italian-inspired CUV makes its debut at the New York Auto Show in just a few days and brings its bronzer to dealersthis summer.