Autoblog

2013 Buick Verano Turbo vs. 2013 Acura ILX 2.4

Michael Harley — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Acura, Buick, Luxury, Comparisons

Answering The $30,000 Entry-Level Luxury Question

Twenty years ago, a comparison between an entry-level Buick and Acura would have matched a Skylark against an Integra.

Twenty years ago, a comparison between an entry-level Buick and its Acura equivalent would have matched a Skylark against an Integra. The unfair battle would have resulted in the compact American's defeat in nearly every measurable category, as the Japanese competitor was arguably at the height of its powers.

Yet the automotive industry has flipped, twisted and merged itself through more than just a recession over the past two decades - it's morphed into a whole different ballgame. Pitting a Buick against an Acura makes perfect sense today, as both automakers are peddling new entry-level models designed to scoop up buyers seeking premium features, luxury appointments and fuel efficiency in a reasonably priced compact sedan package.

Today's battle is between the Verano and the ILX. Instead of wringing out the base models and setting ourselves up for a day-long yawnfest, we chose the most powerful and dynamic variants of each, configuring them with six-speed manual transmissions to liven the pace. This unquestionably made our behind-the-wheel excursion more interesting, but we soon realized that our enthusiast-oriented decision would introduce a whole new set of headaches.

Continue reading 2013 Buick Verano Turbo vs. 2013 Acura ILX 2.4

2013 Buick Verano Turbo vs. 2013 Acura ILX 2.4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Verano nails Five-Star safety rating from NHTSA

Chris Tutor — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Buick, Luxury

Congrats are in order for the 2013 Buick Verano. After its first National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the Verano can brag about its perfect Five-Star overall rating. The car received five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four out of five for the likelihood of rolling over.

The stellar results very closely match one of the Verano's closest competitors, the Acura ILX. That car also got an overall Five-Star rating but only four stars for frontal and rollover. General Motors bragged in a press release that the Verano has standard ABS, panic brake override, StabiliTrak, 10 standard airbags and a collapsible pedal system. NHTSA found the Verano's chances of rolling over at 11.3 percent, and if a rollover did occur, GM says the Verano's head curtain airbags would remain inflated longer to reduce injury.

The Verano's Five-Star rating completes the Buick lineup's Top Safety rating from both NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Read the full press release from GM below.

Continue reading Buick Verano nails Five-Star safety rating from NHTSA

Buick Verano nails Five-Star safety rating from NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Verano goes to Europe, changes name to Opel Astra

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Buick, Opel, UK

The Opel Astra notchback sedan has completed its round-the-world trip. General Motors has based its latest compact on the Delta II platform. Designed by its studios in the U.S. and Asia, it was first sold as the Chinese-market Buick Excelle GT and then in the U.S. as the Buick Verano. Now it joins the Astra five-door hatch, Astra wagon and three-door Astra GTC as the fourth member of the lineup, going on sale later this month in European markets.

Ultimately the compact sedan will get twice as many engine choices as it has doors: seven powerplants will be available at launch. Four gas engines range from 100 to 180 horspower, while three diesels swing from 95 to 130 hp and include two ecoFLEX motors with Start/Stop technology. Early 2013 will see another gas option added, the 1.6-liter turbochared, direct-injected SIDI Ecotec.

Even though it goes on sale this month, it will be 'officially' debuted during Russia's Moscow Auto Show at the end of August. You'll find a press release by scrolling down, and a few high-res photos above. Now we'll wait to see if the transfer goes the other direction, with Buick getting its own version of the Astra GTC.

Continue reading Buick Verano goes to Europe, changes name to Opel Astra

Buick Verano goes to Europe, changes name to Opel Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #269

Dan Roth — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Podcasts, Hybrid, Etc., BMW, Buick, Dodge, Honda, Toyota, Tesla, Electric

Chicago Auto Show recap, Tesla Model X, BMW M6, Toyota Prius C

Episode #269 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, and Autoblog Green's Sebastian Blanco. Topics include a quick recap of the Chicago Auto Show, some chatter about the Tesla Model X and BMW M6, and we finish up with the Toyota Prius C. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #269:

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Honda CR-V
2012 Dodge Durango Citadel
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2012 Buick Verano

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Sebastian Blanco

Runtime: 01:08:32

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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #269

Autoblog Podcast #269 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Buick Verano gets a starting price of $23,470

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Buick, GM

General Motors has announced pricing for the upcoming 2012 Buick Verano, and the compact luxury sedan looks set to bang heads with the segment's best. Starting at $23,470 (which includes the $885 destination charge), the base model 2012 Verano is priced to undercut similar offerings from Japan. The Acura TSX, for example, starts out at $30,495, while the Lexus IS 250 will cost you $34,170.

Three trims will be offered on the 2012 Verano, with the top tier set to start at $26,850. All three versions will be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which is rated at 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The standard features list is filled with items such as 18-inch forged alloy wheels, a seven-inch LED touchscreen in the center stack, the Buick IntelliLink system and a host of other products designed to make your commute an enjoyable experience.

Click past the jump for the full dish on the newest little Buick.

Continue reading 2012 Buick Verano gets a starting price of $23,470

2012 Buick Verano gets a starting price of $23,470 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick to bring Astra GTC to the States, possibly a convertible

Chris Shunk — Fri, 06 May 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hatchback, Buick, GM, Opel

2012 Opel Astra GTC - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time an Opel Astra hit our shores, it dropped the Lightning Bolt and added a Saturn badge. General Motors' harmless little rebadging exercise didn't fare so well last time, but the automaker is looking to have a bit more luck re-purposing the newest Astra as the upcoming Buick Verano. According to sources from Car and Driver, GM may not stop there.

C/D reports that The General is looking to bring the three-door Opel Astra GTC Stateside. The sultry-looking hatch would give the Tri-Shield brand a sporty alternative to the Verano sedan, and a vehicle that could appeal to a younger audience. Since the Astra GTC shares the same platform as the Verano, we're guessing powertrains will be the same, with a choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder pushing 177 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter variant with 220 ponies. An even hotter OPC version of the GTC is rumored to be on the way to Europe as well, but we don't even dare to dream such a glorious dream. Gear shifts should come from a choice of six-speed auto and manual transmissions.

Opel is also rumored to be working on a drop-top variant of the Astra GTC, with the same great-looking rear end but without the Astra name on the boot. The convertible, which will reportedly arrive in Europe toward the end of 2012, will feature a cloth convertible top and the same powertrains as the GTC. The convertible could also make its way to the U.S. with a Buick badge, but details appear to be a lot more sketchy on this model. If Buick does receive a convertible, it will be the brand"s first droptop since the ill-fated Reatta.

Buick to bring Astra GTC to the States, possibly a convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #212: Detroit Auto Show recap

Dan Roth — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #212 of the Autoblog Podcast is the remedy to our post-Detroit Show hangover, with Chris Shunk, Dan Roth and Chris Paukert all weighing in. We start with the Autoblog Garage and then cover some of our personal impressions of the goings-on at Cobo. It's a wide-ranging discussion that covers the Buick Verano, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius V, Ford C-Max, Volkswagen Passat, Ford Vertrek, Hyundai Veloster and Chevrolet Sonic, among other highlights. We prattle on for an hour and twenty-two minutes before we run out of steam and call it a night. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #212: Detroit Auto Show recap

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Lexus GX 460
2011 Audi TTS
2012 Mazda5

News Topics:

Autoblog's complete coverage of the 2011 North American International Auto Show

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:21:53

Get the podcast:
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Autoblog Podcast #212: Detroit Auto Show recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick launching contest for social network fiends

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Buick, GM

Buick is on the hunt for a younger demographic and it's hoping to find it with the help of a new social media campaign. Called the "Quest for the Keys", Buick is turning to Facebook, Twitter and a variety of location-based services such as FourSquare and Gowalla, to have social media users hunt online for clues. The clues will be doled out over the course of three weeks before culminating in a one-day offline scavenger hunt.

Seven cities are currently slated to take part: Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York and Austin. Participants in each city are on the hunt for six keys, each worth $2,000. From that pool of 42 key-finders, three winners will be randomly chosen. The lucky final three will then get to choose a vehicle from the current Buick lineup, including the all-new Verano.

For more information, check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Buick]

Continue reading Buick launching contest for social network fiends

Buick launching contest for social network fiends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Chevrolet Aveo begins production... in Korea

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, South Korea

Chevrolet Aveo - Click above for high-res image galery

General Motors recently announced it will resume work at its Orion Assembly factory. Two models are set to be produced there: the all-new Buick Verano and the redesigned Chevrolet Aveo. The Aveo, which we're still calling "Aveo" despite rumors that the redesigned compact will have a new name, is slated to start production next year. Initially, however, the car will be built at GM's plant in Seoul, South Korea.

The small car will enter the Korean market in the first half of 2011. After that, it will then begin its global rollout, with production starting up in Orion Township.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading New Chevrolet Aveo begins production... in Korea

New Chevrolet Aveo begins production... in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM confirms $145M investment in Orion, ponders new name for Chevy Aveo?

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill

Chevy Aveo show car - Click above to enlarge

General Motors was happy to show off its revamped Chevrolet Aveo at the Paris Motor Show last week. The car is a fresh change of pace from the last generation Aveo, and a strong step forward for Chevrolet in the subcompact segment. It may be a good car, but word on the street around the company's Orion Township plant suggests that The General might be ditching the Aveo moniker. Apparently, GM wants to distance itself from the lackluster last generation car. A new name could go a long way in helping the car get off on the right foot, but seeding a new name in this industry among potential consumers costs tens of millions of dollars, so it would likely be a very costly decision.

Speaking of costly, as expected, GM confirmed yesterday that it will spend $145 million on its Orion plant to build both the Aveo (or whatever it ends up being called) and Buick's first premium small car in over 20 years, the Verano (teaser at right). The investment, GM says, will save 1,500 jobs. The Orion plant, you may recall, was earmarked to produce the U.S. version of the Chevrolet Orlando, a three-row MPV that was subsequently canceled for the States.

You can read about GM's investment in the company's official press release after the jump (note that while GM talks of the Buick Verano by name, it only refers to "Chevrolet's new small car," adding fuel to the name-change fire).

Gallery: Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Sources: Detroit Free Press]

Continue reading GM confirms $145M investment in Orion, ponders new name for Chevy Aveo?

GM confirms $145M investment in Orion, ponders new name for Chevy Aveo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Buick Verano to join Chevy Aveo production at GM's Orion plant

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Buick, GM

Chinese Market Buick Excelle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dealers are working hard to sell every Buick Regal they can get on their lots, and the sporty Regal GS should arrive in the near future to give them a new version to push on car shoppers. If that doesn't do the trick, the smaller Buick Verano premium compact sedan is slated to arrive in 2012. The Verano, Buick's upmarket version of the Chevrolet Cruze, will be built at GM's Orion Assembly plant in Michigan alongside the new Aveo.

General Motors had previously said it planned to restore nearly 1,200 jobs at the Orion Assembly production facility, a plant that used to build Pontiacs. This announcement suggests that it's sticking by that statement - though the automaker may have had some strong incentives to do so.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Buick Excelle in China

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Buick Verano to join Chevy Aveo production at GM's Orion plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #190 - Chrysler profit, Top Gear USA and small Buicks

Dan Roth — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Lexus, Lincoln, Earnings/Financials

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris, Sam and Dan come back for Episode #190 of the Autoblog Podcast, and this time around we talk about Chrysler's profit announcement, the Top Gear USA trailer, Honda's latest recall, the Buick Verano. We also touch on a Ferrari-based Lancia Stratos tribute and GM's prospects for selling Chevrolet Volts. We kick the ball around on a single question before calling it a night right at the hour mark. Thanks for listening, see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #190 - Chrysler profit, Top Gear USA and small Buicks

In the Autoblog Garage:

Ford F450 Super Duty
Lexus RX450h
Lincoln MKT

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 67:26

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #190 - Chrysler profit, Top Gear USA and small Buicks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Buick Verano compact coming in 2012

Zach Bowman — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Buick, Rumormill, Luxury

Chinese-market Buicke Excelle - Click above for high-res image gallery

As July's By The Numbers showed us, American buyers are quick to forget the pain of having to fill up a full-size pickup or SUV when gas prices are in the $4-per-gallon range. Without the guiding hand of Uncle Sam pushing the car-buying public towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, consumers are all about being large and in charge in the passing lane. But According to Automotive News, General Motors is keen to the fact that fuel won't stay cheap forever, and to prepare for a returning tide of buyers rushing to small cars when oil goes sky high again, the company is planning a more diminutive product lineup.

If the Automotive News article is on its mark, we can expect to see a new compact Buick called the Verano as well as a hybrid version of the Lacrosse. There's no telling exactly which architecture the baby Buick will use for its bones, but the Chevrolet Cruze wouldn't be a bad bet in our eyes. Likewise, GMC will see the introduction of a production version of the Granite concept and Chevrolet should have the all-new Aveo join its ranks along with the Spark city car. Automotive News even says that The General is planning to shrink the Impala. Sounds good to us, but when it comes to Buick, these small-car rumors crop up nearly every year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Buick Excelle in China

[Source: Automotive News]

Report: Buick Verano compact coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Excelle GT sedan debuts in China, U.S. version expected next year

Eric Loveday — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Buick

Buick Excelle GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Later this month, the all-new 2011 Buick Excelle GT sedan will hit dealer lots over in China. Ramping up for the release, Shanghai GM, a joint venture between General Motors and China's SAIC Motor Corp., released these pics for us. We had some spy shots for you before and even brought you those daring pics of a naked Excelle GT on the loose, but now we have the official pics.

Over in China, the Buick Excelle GT will be offered with the choice of either a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated engine that churns out 145 horsepower or a more potent 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill pumping out 181 hp. The Excelle GT is built on the same platform that underpins the Chevrolet Cruze, Opel Astra and two-door Excelle XT. More importantly, the Excelle GT sedan provides us with a good idea of what to expect when Buick releases their U.S. version sometime late next year. Reports suggest that a name change will occur before the Buick debuts here, and Verano appears to be the front-runner right now.

Gallery: Buick Excelle GT Debut China

[Source: Buick]

Buick Excelle GT sedan debuts in China, U.S. version expected next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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