Officially Official: 2012 Buick Verano Is One Part Cruze, One Part Reg

[P71_CrownVic]

We're tempted to go ahead and call the 2012 Buick Verano a "baby Regal," because the truth is, the two cars are much more alike than you might think. Since the Verano is based off of the Chevrolet Cruze's Delta II platform (which is relatively large for what General Motors calls a "compact sedan") the new Buick's dimensions are awfully close to that of the larger, Epsilon II-based Regal. What's important to note, however, is that while the Verano is Cruze-based, it uses different materials throughout the interior and it has a totally different look. GM is convinced that there is indeed a market for an entry-level Buick sedan, and the automaker will be showing off its latest creation at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show next week.

 

Like the Regal, the Verano is only available with front-wheel drive. And also like the Regal, a 2.4-liter four with direct injection lurks underhood, producing 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The Cruze, meanwhile, uses different engines altogether, either a normally aspirated 1.8-liter or a 1.4-liter turbocharged four.

 

Very nice looking car. I hope they sell tons of them.

 

 

 

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[00_Extended]

Have not seen many cruze's but that looks almost more Malibu from what I can see on the outside. When I travel I get Malibus almost all the time and I like them.

[P71_CrownVic]

This car is going to be offered with the same 2.0T that is in the Regal. But remember, this is in a Cruze-sized car....so it's much lighter and will be quicker.

 

Could this be a hint as to a Cruze SS in the future?

[jro909]

wow i can see the grandmas lining up for that baby

[P71_CrownVic]

wow i can see the grandmas lining up for that baby

 

Probably...but I'd rock it with the turbo motor in a heartbeat.

 

But then again...everyone that knows me says I'm an 80 year old stuck in a 25 year old's body.

[focijoe]

Looks good for a Buick. It dosen't scream "old lady car" so its an improvement.

[Zane]

I sat in this car yesterday. Very impressive. Don't knock it until you've seen it in person.

[truckofwinandawesome]

I hope The Verano Sells well, and the Engine Choices might open a door to the Cruze owner wanting More Power!

[bluArrow]

Very nice car. There are two of them at the Detroit Auto Show, both with no pricing. Same leather for seating that is found in the LaCrosse, very comfortable. They are sitting next to the Regal section so you can compare the two models easily.

and the Engine Choices might open a door to the Cruze owner wanting More Power!

Not likely in large quanity. Cruze gets the eco motor, Verano gets the power motor. Although there is talk of a Cruze RS model that will be high performance.

 

Oh, and the Verano looks much better in person than in the pictures.