NAIAS: 2012 Buick Verano
The baby LaCrosse has been revealed.
www.GMInsideNews.com
Janauary 6, 2011
By: Nick Saporito
The long awaited compact luxury sedan from Buick will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show next week. The Verano is Buick’s third new sedan in two years and is the first in the luxury compact segment. Say hello to the “Baby LaCrosse” – heading to Buick dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year.
As expected, the Verano is basically a sedan version of the all-new Opel Astra with several major tweaks. The entire front and rear fascias are unique to Verano, both of which resemble the larger Buick LaCrosse sedan.
The new Verano will be powered by GM’s familiar direct-injected 2.4-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder; producing an estimated 177 horsepower (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. torque (230 Nm), 0-60 mph performance of 8.0 seconds and an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. GM also states that they will offer the 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine in the Verano after launch (a GS version perhaps?). GM estimates fuel economy ratings of 22 miles per-gallon city, 31 miles per-gallon highway for the 2.4-liter.
The new Buick has the same mechanical suspension as the Chevrolet Cruze, which includes a MacPherson strut-type front suspension with a Z-link/torsion beam rear suspension setup.
“Verano expands our lineup, continues Buick’s momentum and gives us a great opportunity to attract a new generation of customers with a product that delivers on their expectations for design, performance and technology,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. “It is a smart choice that delivers unexpected luxury in a compact sedan – and it will compete head-to-head with competitors from Audi and Lexus.”
Verano’s exterior features standard projector-beam headlamps with a blue ring like the Enclave crossover. Verano also sports Buick’s signature portholes on the hood with 17-inch wheels standard and a selection of two 18-inch wheels optional.
“Verano translates Buick’s sculptural design language in a new size, with all the refinement and attention to detail pioneered by the Enclave and LaCrosse,” said Dave Lyon, design director. “Beyond all that, it’s simply a great-looking car. It has great proportions and sophisticated details that will look great for years to come.”
Inside the Verano interior is very similar to the Opel Astra and Buick Excelle in China, with more details. Verano sports metallic and wood trim accents and has leatherette seating surfaces standard. The same up level leather found in the larger LaCrosse is optional on Verano.
Other interior features include: passive entry, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, touch screen navigation, full Bluetooth and Bose sound system.
Verano is also launching General Motors’ ‘next gen’ infotainment system. The system includes nearly all of the features of Ford’s SYNC system, including: voice activation, USB integration, Bluetooth audio and the ability to send text messages via voice. The new system also integrates with Pandora and other smartphone apps so that the apps can be controlled through the Verano’s controls.
All Verano models come standard with 10 airbags, collapsible pedals and GM’s StabiliTrak. The body is also comprised of nearly 60-percent high-strength steel.
Verano will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year with production taking place at GM’s Orion Township Assembly Plant in Lake Orion, Michigan.
The baby LaCrosse has been revealed.
www.GMInsideNews.com
Janauary 6, 2011
By: Nick Saporito
The long awaited compact luxury sedan from Buick will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show next week. The Verano is Buick’s third new sedan in two years and is the first in the luxury compact segment. Say hello to the “Baby LaCrosse” – heading to Buick dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year.
As expected, the Verano is basically a sedan version of the all-new Opel Astra with several major tweaks. The entire front and rear fascias are unique to Verano, both of which resemble the larger Buick LaCrosse sedan.
The new Verano will be powered by GM’s familiar direct-injected 2.4-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder; producing an estimated 177 horsepower (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. torque (230 Nm), 0-60 mph performance of 8.0 seconds and an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. GM also states that they will offer the 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine in the Verano after launch (a GS version perhaps?). GM estimates fuel economy ratings of 22 miles per-gallon city, 31 miles per-gallon highway for the 2.4-liter.
The new Buick has the same mechanical suspension as the Chevrolet Cruze, which includes a MacPherson strut-type front suspension with a Z-link/torsion beam rear suspension setup.
“Verano expands our lineup, continues Buick’s momentum and gives us a great opportunity to attract a new generation of customers with a product that delivers on their expectations for design, performance and technology,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. “It is a smart choice that delivers unexpected luxury in a compact sedan – and it will compete head-to-head with competitors from Audi and Lexus.”
Verano’s exterior features standard projector-beam headlamps with a blue ring like the Enclave crossover. Verano also sports Buick’s signature portholes on the hood with 17-inch wheels standard and a selection of two 18-inch wheels optional.
“Verano translates Buick’s sculptural design language in a new size, with all the refinement and attention to detail pioneered by the Enclave and LaCrosse,” said Dave Lyon, design director. “Beyond all that, it’s simply a great-looking car. It has great proportions and sophisticated details that will look great for years to come.”
Inside the Verano interior is very similar to the Opel Astra and Buick Excelle in China, with more details. Verano sports metallic and wood trim accents and has leatherette seating surfaces standard. The same up level leather found in the larger LaCrosse is optional on Verano.
Other interior features include: passive entry, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, touch screen navigation, full Bluetooth and Bose sound system.
Verano is also launching General Motors’ ‘next gen’ infotainment system. The system includes nearly all of the features of Ford’s SYNC system, including: voice activation, USB integration, Bluetooth audio and the ability to send text messages via voice. The new system also integrates with Pandora and other smartphone apps so that the apps can be controlled through the Verano’s controls.
All Verano models come standard with 10 airbags, collapsible pedals and GM’s StabiliTrak. The body is also comprised of nearly 60-percent high-strength steel.
Verano will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year with production taking place at GM’s Orion Township Assembly Plant in Lake Orion, Michigan.