Verano Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4 (United States of America, 2014)

Buick revealed its all-new compact luxury sedan, the 2012 Buick Verano, at the North American International Auto Show 2011 in Detroit. It is the brand’s third new model within two years and the first in the compact luxury segment.

As part of the product renaissance at Buick, which started with the Ecnclave, the LaCrosse and the Regal, the Verano goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011. The Verano is fitted with 10 standard air bags, an available heated steering wheel and a next-generation radio system with OnStar-powered connectivity that enables seamless communication between the Verano and the driver’s smart phone. The Verano is powered by an Ecotec 2.4L matted with a six-speed transmission. The engine has a power output of 177 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque. There are plans for the introduction of a 2.0L turbo in the future.

In terms of design the Verano makes use of the Buick design cues introduced on the Enclave and interpreted for the LaCrosse and Regal. The black chrome waterfall grille, the blue translucent projector beam headlamps, the portholes, the chrome accents, the premium wheels and the tailored body-to-wheel relationship are some of the cues that have been incorporated on the Verano. The model gets a sporty profile thanks to the arching roofline that connects the raked windshield and the fast-sloping rear pillars. The look is complemented by large, 17-inch standard multi-spoke forged alloy sterling silver-finish wheels.