Since the launch of the second-generation Enclave for the 2018-style year, Buick has introduced an exclusive dual-clutch four-wheel drive (AWD) formula for high-end finishing grades (Premium and Future). While the Essence style featured a “traditional” all-wheel drive configuration, opting for all-wheel drive in the Premium and Future styles, the hardware was upgraded to a more complex formula with a dual-clutch automatic locking rear differential (G99) that allows the vehicle to independently adjust the torque of each of the rear wheels , as necessary, depending on road conditions. Now, GM Authority has learned that the Buick Enclave 2021 will bring the most complex double-clutch four-wheel drive formula to the Essence version.
This means that “normal” all-wheel drive will be replaced by the most complex formula on all Buick Enclave 2021 models that offer all-wheel drive, adding Essence, Premium and Future. Meanwhile, the essential Preferred setting is only available as a front-wheel drive.
All Buick Enclave 2021 models will continue to be powered by GM’s 3.6 L (310 horsepower, 266 lb-ft torsion) V6 LMY petrol engine along with GM’s nine-speed automatic transmission.
The most complex four-wheel drive formula includes an electronically positioned dual-clutch axle, which offers impressive and vehicle traction in harsh driving environments such as wet, muddy or snowy conditions, reducing torque to a wheel where skating is detected, and diverting it to a wheel with increased traction. The formula is also able to achieve better handling and curves on dry roads, offering more in corners by sending torque to the outer wheel that suffers a downward force getting better traction, instead of the inner wheel.
The dual-clutch four-wheel drive formula has made its way in an increasing number of GM crossovers, adding the Buick Enclave and the new Buick Envision 2021. In addition, GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT4, XT5 and XT6 are also supplied with the formula, as well as Chevy Traverse and Blazer to differentiate high-end styles from declining styles. By the way, the Enclave’s twin/mechanical platform, the Traverse, completely loses the dual-clutch all-wheel drive formula for the 2021 style year.
It should also be noted that GM originally planned a mid-cycle upgrade for the Buick Enclave 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the 2022-style upgrade (read more about the Buick Enclave 2022).
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So the four-wheel drive of the double clutch was suspended on the Traverse and the Acadia, but Buick was added to make Buick look more exclusive? Someone at GM must have hit his head and have rational thinking.
It gives a convincing explanation as to why, for a popular Traverse, I hope the next generation big CUV is rwd/awd.
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