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2006 Buick Rendezvous


2006 RENDEZVOUS GETS ADDED POWER, QUIET TUNING AND ONSTAR – ALL STANDARD
Source: GM Media

Rendezvous enters 2006 with new levels of power, quietness, safety and security – all as standard equipment – to make Buick’s premium crossover vehicle one of the most comprehensively equipped vehicles in its segment.

Highly ranked by consumer groups, all Rendezvous models for 2006 except the CXL Plus are equipped with GM’s 196 horsepower (146 kw) 3500 3.5L V-6 engine in place of the 3400 3.4L V-6.

The CXL Plus, which succeeds the Ultra as the top-of-the-line Rendezvous for 2006, is powered by GM’s 3.6 V-6 VVT (variable valve timing) engine. Rated at 242 horsepower (181 kw), this state-of-the-art powerplant delivers 90 percent of its peak torque where it is most useful – between 1500 and 6000 rpm – while returning outstanding fuel efficiency.

OnStar made standard
Rendezvous, like all Buicks, now features GM’s OnStar safety and security system as standard equipment in all versions for 2006. OnStar uses a new sixth-generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar’s Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling, which enables drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

New QuietTuning package for silent and smooth comfort
Rendezvous joins all other Buick models for 2006 in receiving GM’s comprehensive QuietTuning initiative, designed to reduce or tune out unwanted noise and harshness throughout every area of the vehicle. Attention to areas such as exterior aerodynamics, component isolation and fine-tuning of all related elements result in achieving the quietest ride and most desirable frequency ranges for every Buick car and truck.

Notable QuietTuning initiatives for Rendezvous include the use of laminated front side glass; revised or additional foam seals for the outside rearview mirrors and door handles; and the application of denser sound-absorbing material on the inside hood, within the instrument panel and on the engine compartment wall just ahead of the interior.

Elegant exterior upgrades
Using a cue from the 2005 Rendezvous Ultra, a monochromatic exterior appearance is standard on all models for 2006. New exterior colors include the availability of Sagemist Metallic and Blue Frost Metallic on all models, along with a pair of optional two-tone exterior color combinations offered as an option on the CXL: Dark Platinum Metallic lower/Platinum Metallic upper, or Sandstone Metallic lower/Cappuccino Frost Metallic upper. Additional changes for 2006 include a revised front grille design with the new, large, Buick Tri-shield emblem.

Five-passenger seating is standard on the Rendezvous CX and CX Plus, with each model equipped with a second-row bench seat that can seat three across. A third-row seat, which comfortably seats two adults, is available on both those models and standard on CXL and CXL Plus, expanding seating capacity to seven, including the driver. With the third seat folded flush and the second row of seats removed, Rendezvous boasts a class-leading 108.9 cubic feet (3,084L) of cargo capacity.

Rendezvous is available with all-wheel drive. If one or both front wheels lose grip, the advanced all-wheel drive system goes into action progressively, with no buttons to push or levers to move. The system helps drivers make use of all available traction by not only transferring torque from front to rear, but from side to side between the rear wheels – an ability not found in many competitive systems.

An independent front suspension and innovative short-and-long-arm ( SLA ) rear suspension give Rendezvous the smooth ride of a premium sedan. An automatic level-control system, included in the trailer package, is available as an option. An on-board compressor regulates air bladder-assisted rear shock absorbers to maintain a level vehicle when heavy loads are carried or a trailer is attached. An auxiliary pressure outlet, rubber air hose and pressure gauge are provided in the rear for the convenient inflation of a tire, sports gear or beach toys. The available towing package is rated to pull loads of up to 3,500 pounds.

Safety and security features
In addition to GM’s OnStar system, Rendezvous comes with a full complement of standard safety and security features, including dual-stage frontal air bags, safety cage construction, remote keyless entry, PASS-Key III theft deterrent system, Rear Park Assist and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (AWD model). Side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants are also available.

The Rendezvous has GM’s Passenger Sensing System (PSS). PSS uses the latest sensing technology to turn the front passenger air bag on or off. If the sensor system detects an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, the front passenger air bag is designed to automatically turn off so it does not deploy in the event of a frontal collision. A status indicator on the instrument panel alerts occupants that the passenger air bag is on or off.

Even with this system, GM strongly recommends placing child passengers in an appropriate child seat secured in the second or third row of the vehicle. Never install a rear-facing infant seat in front of an active air bag. GM also recommends that all children 12 and under ride in the rear seat when possible.



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