2012 Buick Verano Takes Quiet Tuning to a Whole New Level

The all-new 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan, which is just now arriving at our dealership, is expected to deliver one of the quietest driving experiences in the industry – better than key competitors Lexus IS 250 and Acura TSX.

The 2012 Verano is Buick’s first compact luxury sedan and is the third new model in the past two years from the brand. Buick noise and vibration engineers fine-tuned Verano to the highest standard of quietness by replicating the hushed interior of another luxury sedan – the Buick LaCrosse. MSRP for the base model is $23,470 and fully loaded should be about $30,000 – less rebates and/or incentives.

Additional interior standard and available features include:
• Push-button engine start
• Dual-zone climate control with standard air conditioning (automatic climate control available)
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated leather-appointed seating
• Electronic parking brake
• Console armrest that slides and locks
• Power windows with express up/down in the front and express down in the rear
• Steering wheel radio controls
• Uplevel front and rear reading lamps.

Verano’s heated steering wheel and heated seats are linked with the remote start feature. In temperatures lower than 45 F (7 C), the steering wheel heater and seat heaters automatically activate.

Power comes from the 2011 Buick Regal’s 2.4L Ecotec 4-cylinder engine making 177-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Buick Verano will run from 0-60 mph in 8 seconds and should get 31 mpg on the highway. GM says that a 2.0L turbo engine will be offered in the near future. We’re guessing that will be the same 2.0L 4-cylinder Ecotec turbo from the Regal lineup, which produces 220-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque – now that should be an interesting matchup.

A dozen noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are used throughout Verano’s body structure for increased cabin isolation and quietness – all without adding net weight to the car. This includes acoustic-laminated windshield and side glass, extra acoustic insulation throughout the vehicle, specially tuned air intake and exhaust systems to quiet the engine, and improved suspension components.

In addition, Verano uses heat-activated baffles in various pillars, crossbars and other structural members to seal and close sections of the body structure that could transmit noise or allow water leaks. The heat-activated baffles are inserted at strategic areas of the body structure and expand in paint ovens to fill the structural cavities.
The sound of silence in the Verano resulted from hundreds of virtual and physical tests on the car’s body structure, tires, chassis, interior and powertrain under a variety of conditions to eliminate or reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Road noise was measured on a variety of surfaces and in a wind tunnel, as well as in thermal and cold chambers. A four-post shaker rig was used to evaluate squeaks and rattles.

Verano’s acoustic engine cover, alternator and refined engine accessory drive system are designed for quiet operation, and its six-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to operate at lower – and less noisy – speeds on the highway. The use of more than 60 percent high-strength steel in Verano’s structure helps eliminate squeaks and rattles because the body is stiffer.