As we moved closer to the year 2000, video game technology significantly became more lifelike, and among the most captivating simulations at that time was unquestionably the Gran Turismo series From Sony and Polyphony Digital, the game was so intricate that Buick saw it as an effective promotional strategy to have one of their vehicles modeled and showcased in a special demonstration disc. This enabled players to take a virtual spin in the car. Instead of featuring just one model, however, brand's sportier entries , like the GSX, Grand National , or even the turbocharged 1997 Regal For GS, the selected vehicle was the boxy Rendezvous SUV. Huh ?
A Memorable Auto Show Launch
The Buick Rendezvous made its initial public debut in February 2000 at the Chicago Auto Show , just two months following the release of Gran Turismo 2 The car company may have felt somewhat slighted that none of its vehicles were featured in the GT The franchise's second chapter was marked by the creation of a special demonstration disc to celebrate the Rendezvous' launch in Chicago. This project, developed by Polyphony Digital using the same technology as the previous game, aimed to showcase additional content. GT2 The disk featured a collection of actual press photographs of the new Buick, along with excerpts from contemporary automotive reviews and marketing materials. The game also includes quotes from future GM President Mark Reuss, who was involved in the Rendezvous’ engineering team.
The game features an easy test drive option where you can take control of the Rendezvous for a brief ride. Only one vehicle is provided: a high-end CXL model equipped with all-wheel drive and powered by a 3.4-liter V6 engine delivering 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, finished in the distinctive Pewter Metallic color used during the car’s introduction. This driving experience isn’t particularly thrilling; however, this contrasts sharply with the demo disc’s Club Race feature. In this segment, you compete against five AI opponents using unmodified versions of the Buick on the nighttime rendition of Clubman Stage Route 5. Should you secure first place—right? —you’re rewarded afterward. GT2 'Ss signature replay mode, featuring camera views upon camera views upon camera views.
Gran Turismo Physics Didn't Improve The Appearance Of The Rendezvous
After the initial excitement over how the vehicle handles fades away, the Rendezvous appears less impressive out on the racetrack. Particularly during replays, you can see the crossover leaning heavily on its side walls and having its tires pushed up against the wheel wells; plus, it experiences significant digital understeer whenever you take corners aggressively. However, this isn’t what the Buick was designed for anyway—its purpose is marketed within the game as combining the plushness of a high-end saloon with the roominess of a minivan along with the robust capabilities expected from an SUV all wrapped up in one package. Sadly, these qualities do not come across clearly through the simulation, prompting questions about whether Buick’s promotional strategy back around 2000 had much impact once the actual vehicles hit dealerships starting in late 2001.
Nevertheless, it remains an entertaining artifact from automotive history – serving also as a startling reminder that GT2 It has been over twenty-five years since then, and it’s amusing to look back at how automobile manufacturers marketed their cars during the technology-focused decade of the 2000s. Although the Buick Rendezvous may not be built for racing, we’d still jump at the opportunity to dive into such a experience.
Source: Polyphony Digital, Jeeves on YouTube