Buick Verano Turbo to Offer Segment-Leading Power

General Motors says the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl. gasoline direct-injection engine in the ’13 Buick Verano Turbo coming to U.S. dealers this fall will produce 250 hp and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque, giving it some of the highest output in the segment.

The Verano Turbo’s peak horsepower and torque arrive at 5,300 and 2,000 rpm, respectively, and 90% of peak torque comes between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm to give the engine a wide band of power delivery. Expect 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds, GM says.

The Verano Turbo will be available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

“The 2.0L turbo engine was designed for refinement, higher output capabilities and reduced noise,” says Amy Joss, Ecotec 2.0L assistant chief engineer, in a statement today. “The way it sounds, the power delivery and the refined character are all fitting of a luxury sedan with a fun side.”

The 2.0L turbo earned a 2012 Ward’s 10 Best Engines award for its application in the Buick Regal GS, where it makes 270 hp and 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) of torque.

GM says it chose the high-output Ecotec engine for the Verano because it fits the brand’s philosophy of downsizing without sacrificing power. The car uses a 2.4L 4-cyl. GDI engine, another Ward’s 10 Best Engines’ winner, as standard equipment.

Fuel-economy estimates and pricing for the Verano Turbo will come shortly before production begins later this year at GM’s Orion Twp., MI, assembly plant.

The ’13 Verano will add a backup camera as standard equipment. Buyers will be able to purchase both navigation and IntelliLink infotainment options, whereas previously the technologies only were available separately.

Rear cross-traffic and blind-zone alert safety technologies will come standard on all but base Verano models.

Launched late last year, the ’12 Verano has sold 11,578 units so far in 2012 to grab a 1.2% share of the Upper Small Car segment, according to WardsAuto data. The segment includes 26 entries, including heavyweight sellers such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cruze.

Despite having few direct competitors, GM thinks the Verano will attract buyers looking for a less-conspicuous luxury sedan and greater fuel efficiency.

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