(January 6, 2010) DETROIT — The all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan, the brand’s third new model in the past two years and first in the compact luxury segment, will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show on Monday.

Verano goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011, the latest model in a product renaissance that began with the Enclave and continued with the LaCrosse and Regal. Like them, Verano is distinguished by luxury and technology, including 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 will be Buick's lowest-priced sedan when sales begin this fall. Although pricing has not been announced, industry sources say Buick is considering a base price in the $20,500 to $22,000 range. Buick's lowest-priced car currently is the Regal, which has a $26,995 base price including destination.

An Ecotec 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and six-speed automatic powertrain combination is standard and delivers an estimated 177 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. torque, 0-60 mph performance of 8.0 seconds and an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. A 2.0-liter turbo engine will be offered in the future.

“Verano expands our lineup, continues Buick’s momentum and gives us a great opportunity to attract a new generation of customers with a product that delivers on their expectations for design, performance and technology,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. “It is a smart choice that delivers unexpected luxury in a compact sedan – and it will compete head-to-head with competitors from Audi and Lexus.”

The Verano shares GM's global compact vehicle platform with the Chevrolet Cruze. The dimensions and underpinnings of the two cars are essentially the same.