Today, General Motors revealed the 2012 Buick Verano at the North American International Auto Show. As you already have known for a few days, the compact sedan will be equipped with GM’s now-common 2.4 liter direct-injected ECOTEC four cylinder (pro code LAF) good for 177 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. A 2.0 liter turbo-charged ECOTEC engine will soon follow.
The Delta II-based Verano will contain plenty of quiet-tuning systems to reduce the relatively high NVH levels that compact cars are known to have. The hushing technologies include patches of sound dampening material placed throughout the body structure, sound insulation material between rear-body components made of recycled denim, and even a suppressed exhaust note — all of which adds up to what the Verano’s Vehicle Line Executive (VLE) Jim Federico claims will be the quietest compact on the market when it goes on sale during the fourth quarter of this year.
According to Buick marketing chief John Schwegman, the Verano aims to bridge the gap between more upscale economy compacts such as the Volkswagen Jetta and the sportier, more premium Lexus IS by giving a more soft-core approach to the driving style while offering premium luxury amenities. Though that may be the case, we are puzzled that an engaging manual transmission found its way into a presumably soft-core machine and not something like eAssist.
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Comments
I really like the new buick Verano…I didn’t when I first heard about it but that 177 hp Direct injection 2.4 liter really quite nicely separates it from the 1.4 turbo cruze..
Enough so that between the upscale body styling, the upscale interior….and the upgraded powerplant…The new verano is a personal favorite among the small inexpensive four door daily driving vehicles..
I can’t argue with the 220 hp turbo 4 thats rumored for the verano…
Europe loves manual transmissions but here in the USA….over 95 percent of buyers opt for automatics…
yes I would prefer a Dualclutch transmission buts a never gonna happen at GM so the 6 speed automatic would rule.
As far as handling goes? Lets just say I’m sure the Opel based Buick will surprise even Alex …
Lexus who? Infiniti what? This new buick will easily out do them at a price 20 percent less…(for those who are interested in saving a few bucks and buying AMERICAN!)
Low to mid 20’s sounds about right for a low optioned turbo??
that would be fun. IMO