Originally unveiled at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month, the Buick Verano is the latest model from Buick. It’s also the brand’s first take on a compact vehicle in years. But the Verano unveiled last month featured a naturally aspirated 2.4L ECOTEC engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission only makes 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Something just didn’t seem to add up, as the car was offering an engaging six-speed but seemingly not enough power. Or perhaps the car had the right engine and the wrong transmission. The Buick Verano Turbo — a car that showed up at the show without even so much as a press release — looks to solve at least one of those problems.
Identifying the model as such was a fairly subtle “T” badge located near the right ass-brow (our term) that can also be found on the Buick Regal Turbo.
The interior featured very wholesome looking brown leather seats, a color Buick likes to call “mocha-chino” (or something else coffee-related that sounds ridiculous to say out loud) and upon the dull thud of closing the door, we quickly realized just how quiet the cabin of the Verano really is. What some may consider just another compact sedan from the outside is really a realm of solitude for those within the vehicle. Unfortunately, opening the hood was prohibited, but rumor has it that a 2.0L boosted ECOTEC engine capable of producing north of 250 horsepower would be found underneath.
Adjacent to the display of the turbocharged Verano was a normally-aspirated model, featuring the standard 2.4L ECOTEC engine coupled with an automatic transmission, which will also be standard.
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Comments
Thanks for the heads up! I love this new Verano turbo and I’d love it even more if it actually got 250hp instead of the previously rumored 220 hp..
I can see myself at some point reaching for this buick product as a quiet luxurious powerfully quick and fun to drive sports sedan of european decent…much like an audi A4 or BMW 328.
I realize many would disagree yet I find american products supporting american workers preferable for my hard earned dollars..
Pretty car and good looking four door daily driver sports sedan..
I’m impressed..
Any idea of the base MSRP on this turbo Verano?????
25 base with it optioning up a little over 30 grand?
Buick Verano is an excellent car. I would personally appreciate the fact that it’s more affordable compared to the entry-level luxury cars from Bmw,Audi, Benz and Mercedes.One would definitely look for better fuel economy also.
The new Buick verano has to be a choice among the customers who don’t expect a spacious but luxurious segment.
Nice post, estimated fuel economy of 2012 Verano is 31 mpg on highways and it sprints from 0 to 60 mph in eight seconds
I have never bought a GM product as they never had anything of interest,as i have always bought SIR or R versions,or GTI’s and i usually prefer hatch backs!! But the last while i have had use of the Buick Regal GS Turbo with the 6 Speed manual i love the power and with the European style double intake fascia and curvaceous body it is a gorgeous car. I am really impressed with the interior quality,and the performance of the car!!! Well done GM. I think i will seriously look at the smaller Verano if it comes with a 2.0 Ho Turbo and a more aggressive front fascia like on its big brother the Regal. If you want to attract a younger buyer to Buick GM, please tone down the chrome on the grill. How about a titanium look,with titanium colored wheels and the new magnetic ride shocks on the Verano Turbo model Yeah i will buy it!! Or the new Cadillac Ats Turbo ( Depending on the price ) and give up my Imports. Keep up the good work and you will have many more converts in the fold . J