2015 Rolls Royce Wraith
MotorWeek wasn’t around in 1938 to drive the last rolls-royce wraith, but the advanced nature of that chassis; adjustable shocks, welded rather than riveted frame; made wraith cars highly distintive. now, rolls is reviving the wraith name in hopes of bringing new prospects to their brand, with a design that is one again different, and way ahead of the curve.
Even in the stratosphere of ultra-exclusive vehicles, the two-door 2015 Rolls-Royce Wraith stands out as a very unique vehicle. Oh, and it’s the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever. Either one of these would be a great reason for purchasing this rolling piece of prominence, but our reasoning would be the Wraith’s actual behind the wheel experience. Yes this Rolls is intended to actually be driven by the owner.
Based on the Ghost sedan, it offers extreme isolation from the outside, and less fortunate world, but where it differs is it is relatively more fun to drive, at least as far as we’re concerned, when it comes to a Rolls-Royce.
The experience is a bit of a throwback, to a time when high-end cars were made to ride smooth, and be mechanical wonders; not the sensor-intensive, computer controlled, luxury standards of today.
So it’s not as sporting as a Continental GT, but rolling on a wheelbase that’s more than a foot longer, stretching over 10-feet, it rides like a whole other class up of vehicle.
The power it delivers, all 624-horsepower, and 590 lb-ft. of torque may also seem extreme. But it’s the effortless delivery that is truly remarkable. As is its very striking fastback design, which surely would look more at home on the French Riviera than around our offices in Owings Mills, Maryland.
But whether on the move or standing still, it is quite a presence; and that’s before you swing the huge doors open to the rear. And since they open so wide, don’t worry about reaching out to close them, just summon the invisible butler with the push of a button and stay put.
The majority of the behind the dash technology comes from BMW, but there are a few special elements such as GPS based shift logic for the 8-speed automatic transmission. And the 10-inch infotainment display can stay hidden for a more traditional look. Plus the amazingly extravagant StarLight headliner is Roll’s alone.
Even under those fiber optic stars, there’s plenty of other aspects to fall in love with in the back seat. And you might want to stay put as long as possible, not only because of the sheer luxury and amenities you’re wrapped in, but because it’s not the easiest space to climb out of.
Climbing out of the hole at our test track took some restraint to keep from luxuriously melting the rear tires, so we were only able to achieve a 0-60 time of 6.8-seconds in less than ideal track conditions. Disappointing, since it should easily be under 5.0-seconds.
Its great road presence doesn’t quite translate to track work, as muscling the Wraiths 5,200-plus pounds of bulk through tight turns also calls for some restraint, and if you don’t, better try a “Hail Mary” or two.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are not as out-of-whack as you’d expect, 13-City, a most respectable 21-Highway, and 15-Combined. But that still earns a Gas Guzzler tax and a very poor Energy Impact Score, burning through 22.0-barrels of oil per year with annual CO2 emissions of 9.5-tons.
Rolls thinks the U.S. will be the biggest market for the Wraith, so I guess there will be more than a few 1-percenters shelling out the close to $300,000 required. Plan on spending much more to make yours unique however, as ours had almost $100,000 in options.
So unless you plan on living in it, which one of our staffers briefly contemplated, it’s probably not the most practical of purchases. And compared to a Continental GT, it’s a much pricier one. But you do get amazing exclusivity, which is what this price bracket is all about. As this apparition will indeed be rare to catch a glimpse of, and we’re most glad we did.
Specifications
- Engine: 6.6 liter
- Horsepower: 624
- Torque: 590 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds
- EPA: 13 mpg city/ 21 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 22.0 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 9.5 tons/yr
2025 Buick Enclave
Buick’s Biggest Utility Gets More Premium Look, Less Premium Powertrain
Buick is now an all SUV brand with the three-row Enclave sitting at the top of their lineup. And for this all-new third generation, it looks like Buick has finally given it the true flagship treatment it deserves. Reason enough for us to see what else new this posh performer has in store.
Don’t think of this 2025 Buick Enclave as just a new third generation of Buick’s largest three-row SUV, but more of a total reboot for a luxury segment pioneer. Part of that reinvention is swapping out the 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, that has been the heart of this large crossover since it arrived on the scene for 2008, for a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Though using two fewer cylinders, it rates 18 more horsepower at 328. The gain in torque is even greater, climbing from 266 to 326 lb-ft.
Power from a start and when tooling around town feels pretty good, but you do notice that engine working hard under the hood; there is more engine noise and it’s not as smooth as many competitors who have also made the switch to turbo-four power. Max towing rating remains at 5,000 lbs. The new standard automatic transmission loses a gear, dropping from nine to eight, a simplifying move we applaud. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option with all trims.
The Enclave rides on the same front-wheel-drive based chassis that supports the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. It remains the most luxurious of the three, though all have made big upward strides. And that luxurious feel is very evident inside where things appear special without flaunting it. Materials are vastly improved over the last gen, especially in top Avenir trim which is the choice for most Enclave buyers.
Front seats are very comfy, well suited for long days of highway travel. It’s hard to miss the 30-inch ultra-wide display, similar to Cadillac’s. It is big, but not intimidating as operation is very logical and you can easily configure things as you want them, including bringing the nav screen up full in front of the driver.
Front seats are very comfy, well suited for long days of highway travel.
Between the seats is a very substantial console with lots of storage space and standard wireless phone charging. There is definitely room for full-size adults in all three rows of seating. Big, plush captain’s chairs with all trims for the second row; and a less plush but still comfortable three-place third row.
GM’s Super Cruise has now made it to Buick’s lineup, available as a standalone package for any trim. It remains a favorite of ours for hands-off highway cruising. Despite feeling adequately powered on the street, the Enclave’s turbo-four felt a little out of its element at our Mason Dixon Dragway test track. There was very little jump off the line, just a slow wind up to 60 of 8.0 seconds, with the quarter-mile completed in 16.0 seconds flat at 92 mph.
We could really feel the Enclave’s weight in our handling course, about 150-lbs. over last year, even with less motor under the hood. But there was very little body roll, and no excessive oversteer or understeer. In panic braking runs, there was good feel through the pedal, and solid stops from 60 averaging a fine 111 feet.
To all of our eyes, the Enclave is bigger yet much better looking than before. Now more sophisticated using Buick’s PURE philosophy which emphasizes Purity in design, Unexpected details, Refined finishes, and Exceptional execution.
With all-wheel drive, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 19 City, 24 Highway, and 21 Combined; we managed a great 24.9 mpg of Regular. That’s a slightly below average Energy Impact Score, consuming 14.2 barrels of oil yearly, with 7.0 tons of CO2 emissions.
No more Essence or Premium Enclaves, as the new gen brings new trim names along with it; the base option now being Preferred which starts at $46,395, and unless you choose white, you’ll be paying extra for all exterior colors. Just a short step from there to the Sport Touring for $48,795, and then a much bigger bounce up to Avenir at $59,395.
With so many big utes now aimed at luxury and near luxury buyers, it’s getting harder and harder for Buick to stand out. Being an all-utility brand, with one of the freshest lineups in the industry, will no doubt help. The 2025 Buick Enclave is a very stylish, well-equipped, well executed large three-row crossover that’s priced right.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 2.5-liter turbo-4
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 328
- Torque: 326 lb-ft.
- EPA: 19 City | 24 Highway | 21 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 16.0 seconds at 92 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 111 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 24.9 mpg (Regular)