BUICK VERANO INCREASES APPEAL WITH 2.0L TURBO ENGINE AND ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES
07/01/2012
Buick
Buick introduced the Verano in 2011 to bring luxury, technology, sophistication, craftsmanship and responsive performance to the growing market for premium compact sedans. For the 2013 model year, Verano expands its appeal by offering luxury buyers a powerful, efficient 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine option. Verano also adds advanced safety features expected in a luxury car, such as a standard rearview camera and available crash-avoidance technologies.
Verano seats up to five and is available in four models for 2013 - the generously equipped base Verano (1SD) and uplevel Convenience (1SG), Leather (1SL) and Verano Turbo (Premium 1ST group). Starting with the Convenience group, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert crash-avoidance technologies are standard on all uplevel models.
Verano Turbo will be available in the fourth quarter of 2012, and includes an Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with standard six-speed automatic, dual exhaust, sport pedals and rear spoiler. A six-speed manual transmission is available.
At an estimated 250 horsepower (187 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque, the Ecotec 2.0L turbo increases the performance of an already capable, responsive luxury sedan. Effortless power from one of Ward's 10Best Engines also makes Verano Turbo deceptively quick, with acceleration from 0-60 mph in an estimated 6.2 seconds.
Verano's standard Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic powertrain combination also delivers refined, responsive performance. It is rated at 180 horsepower (134 kW) and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds, yet still achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Like its larger LaCrosse and Regal sedan siblings, Verano is distinguished by thoughtful design, meticulous attention to detail, sculpted Buick brand cues; advanced interior acoustics including Buick's trademark QuietTuning; and soft-touch interior surfaces with world-class fit and finish.
Verano also provides a premium level of standard equipment for the segment - such as an available heated steering wheel - not found on the Lexus IS 250, Acura ILX or Infiniti G-Series sedan. Verano also has more passenger room than the Acura ILX and Lexus IS 250.
Buick's easy-to-use IntelliLink radio, which debuted last year on the Verano, is now also available in combination with GPS-enabled navigation for 2013. Buick IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver's smart phone - via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls - to a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio.
IntelliLink also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA(R) Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio(R).
Available XM Travel Link (SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription required) includes refueling locations with pricing information, weather and movie theater locations.
Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with each vehicle's infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Other technologies complementing IntelliLink are an available nine-speaker Bose Premium Audio system with custom equalization and subwoofers; and OnStar-powered smartphone apps that help owners remotely control key OnStar functions.
Verano exterior
Verano sports the Buick design cues introduced on the Enclave and carried through on the LaCrosse and Regal. An arching roofline connects a steeply raked windshield and fast-sloping rear pillars to give the car a sporty and elegant profile.
Strokes of chrome accent Verano, along with signature features such as a black chrome waterfall grille and portholes. Blue translucent rings around the projector beam headlamp and chrome exhaust tip (dual exhaust on 1ST) add to the sophistication and attention to detail.
Verano rides on standard 18-inch forged alloy, machine face, silver-finish wheels. A premium 18-inch forged alloy, split-spoke wheel in Manoogian Silver finish is available on the leather and 1ST models.
Exterior colors include Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat and Carbon Black Metallic (all for an additional charge), along with Summit White, Quicksilver Metallic, Mocha Bronze Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic and Luxo Blue Metallic.
Verano interior
Verano's interior is marked by exceptional seat comfort and support, as well as premium, soft-touch materials. Metallic and wood trims and warm ambient lighting make the cabin an inviting environment.
Neutral and medium titanium colors are offered on interiors with leatherette/fabric seating surfaces, while Ebony, Cashmere and a unique Choccachino color are offered on the available leather-trimmed interiors.
Additional interior standard and available features include:
Push-button engine start
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard
Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
Six-way power driver's seat
Heated, leather-appointed seating
Electronic parking brake
Console armrest that slides and locks
Power windows with driver's express up/down and express down in the rear (1SL and 1ST models are equipped with a front passenger express-up feature)
Steering wheel radio controls
Heated outside rearview mirrors and self-dimming inside rearview mirrors
Uplevel front and rear reading lamps.
Buick's exclusive QuietTuning is designed to block or absorb sound and dampen or eliminate vibrations. It is included in every facet of the Verano's architecture to make it the quietest compact sedan on the road and quieter than many midsize and full-size cars.
Verano's quiet cabin is supported with numerous features including acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals and refined chassis dynamics. Even its 18-inch standard wheels are specially manufactured to minimize road noise.
Audio system with IntelliLink adds available navigation
Buick's IntelliLink system is standard on all Verano models, including vehicles equipped with the available GPS-enabled navigation.
IntelliLink is intuitive and integrates online services such as Pandora(R) internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio(TM) using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled smartphones. Additional features:
Seven-inch, LED high-resolution color display with touch-screen control
Bluetooth with hands-free (for phone calls) and audio-streaming protocol support
Address book download
USB port
Auxiliary audio input port
Redundant steering wheel controls
Enhanced voice recognition
AM/FM/Audio CD/MP3 Player
SiriusXM Satellite Radio and data services (with three months of service)
Supports playback of MP3 files stored on flash memory drives.
The IntelliLink screen also serves as the display for the standard rearview camera system. A premium nine-speaker Bose audio system with custom equalization and subwoofers is available and is optimized for Verano's refined interior acoustics.
Verano powertrains
Verano is equipped with a choice of two four-cylinder engines: the standard Ecotec 2.4L and an available Ecotec 2.0L turbo.
The available Ecotec 2.0L turbo, new to the Verano for 2013, makes an estimated 250 horsepower (187 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm). It provides on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but with the efficiency of a four-cylinder, and is tuned to deliver unique performance, efficiency and quietness. Its development applied the best practices of technical centers in Europe and North America.
Named one of Ward's 10Best Engines in the 2012 Buick Regal GS, it has been subjected to one of the toughest, most comprehensive validation processes ever at GM, including millions of miles of real-world road testing in a broad range of climates and environments.
Verano's standard Ecotec 2.4L with direct-injection, dual-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing provides responsive performance. Rated at 180 horsepower (134 kW) and 171 lb.-ft. of torque (232 Nm), it provides EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 32 mpg. The engine is also E85-capable.
The Ecotec 2.4L is designed with features that reduce noise and improve its durability. Each piston has its own directed jet that sprays oil toward its skirt, coating its underside and the cylinder wall with an additional layer of lubricant. The extra lubrication cools the pistons, reducing friction and operational noise.
Fuel-saving, six-speed automatic transmissions with Driver Shift Control are standard with both engines.
The F40 six-speed manual transmission is available on the turbo-equipped Verano, and features higher torque capacity with smooth-running performance.
Verano chassis and suspension
Verano's refined, responsive suspension system includes decoupled MacPherson struts in the front that provide greater separation of extreme road conditions - large potholes, for example - from everyday driving conditions.
A technically advanced Watts Z-link design helps center the rear axle during cornering, which helps keep the Verano's handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. The linkage's capability to center the axle during cornering delivers a more-balanced driving experience because the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension.
The Z-link design is also lighter and requires less space than a typical fully independent rear suspension. The lower weight contributes to Verano's fuel economy, while the compact design enables more trunk space.
Steering inputs are executed by a fuel-saving electric power steering system, featuring a dual-pinion rack.
Stopping power is handled by standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Panic Brake Assist, as well as StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control.
Panic Brake Assist develops additional brake pressure when an emergency braking situation is detected.
Verano also is equipped with GM's enhanced smart pedal brake override technology, which helps prevent unintended acceleration by reducing engine power when the brake and accelerator are depressed at the same time.
Verano safety and crash-avoidance features
The Verano is equipped with numerous technologies that help drivers avoid crashes, and help protect occupants in the event a crash occurs. For 2013, Verano's standard rearview camera helps drivers see people or objects behind the vehicle.
Verano's strong, unitized body structure incorporates 60-percent high-strength steel in key areas to enhance strength and crash protection by helping to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Also new to Verano, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert technologies help drivers avoid collisions by using radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see - and provide visible and audible warnings. These technologies are standard on uplevel Verano models.
Verano's other primary safety, crash-avoidance and post-crash features include:
Ten standard air bags, including frontal, head curtain side air bags, front and outboard rear-seat side-impact air bags and knee air bags
Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver's intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both
Collapsible pedal system, which allows the pedals to detach during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Panic Brake Assist
GM's enhanced smart pedal brake override feature reduces engine power when the brake and accelerator are depressed at the same time, to help reduce unintended acceleration
Available rear park assist
OnStar with Automatic Crash Response
OnStar details
Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on Verano. OnStar is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology.
OnStar's RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. A new, opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.
Verano will also come with new OnStar button icons. Drivers will notice an updated look for the Hands-Free Calling button, blue OnStar button and red Emergency button.
More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.