Buick Verano (North America)

The Buick Verano is a compact car manufactured by General Motors' Buick brand from 2011 to 2016. It debuted at the North American International Auto Show on January 10, 2011, during a preview of Buick's then upcoming 2012 model.[1][2][3][4] It is the first compact marketed by Buick in the United States since the 1998 Buick Skylark. Verano is Spanish for summer.[5]

The Verano, the Buick Excelle GT,[6] which was developed for the Chinese market, and the Opel Astra/Vauxhall Astra sedan share General Motors' Delta II platform with the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Orlando, and Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Tourer.

Jim Federico, Executive Director and Vehicle Chief Engineer for Verano, led the vehicle development team and David Lyon, Buick design director, styled the exterior. [7][8]

Description

The Verano is essentially a North American-market version of the Chinese-market compact Buick Excelle GT. The Verano's unibody construction uses galvanized steel for its front fenders, hood, roof and door panels and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) bumper covers.[1] It incorporates acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, a five-layer interior roof liner, sound absorbing mats, recycled denim insulation and specially manufactured 18-inch forged alloy wheels, which minimize road noise.[1] Buick's VentiPorts reappeared at the Verano's introduction, a styling feature unique to Buick dating back to 1949.

The standard powertrain is a 2.4 L Ecotec direct-injected DOHC I4 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4 L engine is rated 180 hp at 6,700 rpm and 171 lbft of torque at 4,900 rpm. The engine is flex-fuel capable, meaning it can use either gasoline, or E85 ethanol (2012–13)[9] • 2.4L, or any combination of the two fuels. EPA fuel economy estimates are 21 mpgus city and 32 mpgus highway for gasoline.[10][1] A 2012 on-road mixed highway-city review by the website MPGOMATIC showed an average 26.5 mpgus on E85, and 29 mpgus for gasoline.

A 2.0 L turbocharged version became available in late 2012, for the 2013 model year, as did a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2.0 L turbo engine is rated at 250 hp and 260 lbft of torque. GM estimated acceleration from 0 - 60 mph is 6.2 seconds, matching the number posted by the Buick Regal GS.[11]

For 2016, the Verano added a new Sport Touring Edition which included unique 18″ aluminum black pocket wheels and a rear lip spoiler.

The Verano was phased out from the US market after the 2017 model year. The second generation Verano is sold exclusively in China,[12] leaving Buick without an entry-level sedan in the US market.

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