NEW YORK – The new 2004 Buick Rainier offers a level of performance, ride comfort and style that sets it apart from other mid-size sport utility vehicles. Rainier, a five-passenger, full-frame vehicle based on General Motors' award-winning mid-size utility architecture, is the first truck-based SUV in the Buick lineup.

Rainier launches Buick full-force into the truck market, a product strategy that began after a nearly 80-year hiatus with the Rendezvous crossover in 2002, and continues with the Rendezvous Ultra and an all-new crossover sport van recently announced for future production. Rainier arrives in dealer showrooms in September 2003.

"Between Rendezvous and Rainier, Buick showrooms will be must-stop shopping for anyone looking for a utility vehicle," said Chris Mazglad, Buick truck marketing director.

In addition to outstanding power and performance, the Rainier provides sure-footed, refined handling; a cockpit that places the driver firmly in control; a spacious, versatile interior; and superior safety characteristics, including dual-stage front air bags and available side air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger.

When it comes to performance, Rainier’s Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine – with 275 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque – delivers a level of power that drivers can really feel.

The Rainier offers an optional all-aluminum, Vortec 5300 V-8 engine, Buick’s first V-8 in eight model years. This broadens the vehicle’s market appeal and enhances its performance and utility. Exclusive to Rainier on GM's short-wheel-base, mid-size SUV architecture, the V-8 SFI (sequential fuel injection) engine provides 290 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The V-8 delivers a commanding driving experience, giving Rainier excellent low speed and highway acceleration characteristics.

Both powerplants are mated to the rugged, electronically controlled, GM Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed transmission. Known for smooth operation, precise shifting and robust performance in a variety of driving conditions, the 4L60-E is used in both performance sedans and light trucks.

With its choice of two powerful engines and strong body-on-frame construction, Rainier carries solid truck credentials. However, its silky feel and performance on the road are more akin to a fine touring car, the result of precision tuning to achieve an excellent balance in ride, handling and acoustics.

All 2004 Rainier models feature an exclusive QuietRide system with laminated front and side glass as well as extensive use of increased sound absorption material throughout the vehicle.

Rainier's touring ride qualities, blended with the agile handling of a sports sedan, are the product of its sophisticated chassis control systems. The world-class independent front suspension and standard electronically controlled rear air suspension meet the most demanding conditions.

Rainier’s all-wheel-drive on-demand system provides owners with a feeling of security in a variety of driving conditions.

Rainier is available with two-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

"Rainier adds a new dimension to the Buick family of vehicles with a fully functional, all-wheel drive light truck with off-road capability," said Mazglad. "With all these attributes, Rainier will be equally at home at the country club, towing the ski boat or at the theater."

Rainier’s refined powertrains and precision-engineered chassis system contribute to a comfortable, quiet ride – a Buick hallmark throughout its 100-year history.

The exterior and interior design cues are distinctly Buick. Its vertical bar pattern grille has a chrome crown, chrome surround and tri-shield center insignia. Rainier features exclusive eight-spoke 17-inch wheels, the understated elegance of a monochromatic interior with chrome accents and rich, dark burled walnut woodgrain in the instrument panel, door trim and center console.

The exterior is stylish and contemporary with bold, expressive lines set off by the precisely executed, clear, jewel-like headlamps with offset high/low beam fixtures; standard fog lamps with chrome surround; sculpted wheel flares and shoulders; crisply defined ruby red taillights that also have a jewel-like appearance; and two-tone front and rear fascias. The front and rear fascias are body color over gray, with the gray carried through the rocker panel appliqués.

The interior is spacious, comfortable and among the roomiest in the segment in terms of head, shoulder and hip room. It can easily seat five adults. With the split 60/40 rear seats in the down position, the rear compartment has more than 85 cubic feet of storage space.

The focus of the interior design is on Buick's signature upscale luxury, refinement and sophistication. The interior features a cockpit-oriented driver's command center with readily accessible controls, handsome instrument cluster with highly readable gauges reminiscent of Rendezvous, and a user-friendly driver information center.

The Buick signature is immediately recognizable upon entering the cabin with bright Buick embossed chrome sill plates, a silver foundation on the instruments accented with green needles, and the rich tones of the dark burled walnut woodgrain instrument panel. The dark burled walnut woodgrain also is used on the surrounds for the chrome interior door handles.

Front bucket seats and rear seating areas are rich perforated leather, and all door panels are trimmed in soft-touch materials. Front seats have standard memory and available heat functions. The heated seats have separate controls for the back and seat bottom.

Other interior features include:

• Standard dual-zone automatic heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system – so efficient there can be a 25-degree difference between the driver and front seat passenger side – and rear seat fan controls.
• Rear-seat passengers also have rear-seat audio controls and, for increased safety of the center rear-seat passenger, a three-point safety belt.
• Standard OnStar, which includes remote unlocking and diagnostics and emergency assistance. Hands-free personal calling, destination guidance and concierge services are available.
• Available comprehensive personalization and memory features including auto power door locks, remote keyless entry, outside rearview mirrors, power driver seat positions, dual-zone climate control and select stereo settings.
• Standard Driver Information Center provides vital vehicle functions and trip computer operation at the touch of a button. The center can easily be personalized for two primary drivers of the vehicle.
• Available Bose Stereo System features digital technology, six speakers and CD system. An in-dash, six-disc front-loading changer also is available.
• Available rear-seat entertainment system with DVD player and screen.
• Available navigation system.
• Available XM radio.
• Standard steering-wheel-mounted controls for stereo system, heating/AC and trip information.

While Rainier’s forward-looking design characteristics go hand-in-hand with its silky street and highway performance, beneath its cosmopolitan styling lives a very nimble driving machine, capable of bounding over an unpaved, two-track trail or tackling any number of off-road conditions that are off-limits to conventional passenger cars.

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Contact:
John Wray, Buick Communications
Phone: 313-665-1478
E-mail: john.wray@gm.com