Category: Industry News

Turbo Verano to Come with Manual Transmission and 250 HP

 

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f70/boosted-buick-verano-gets-250-hp-111463/
June 12, 2012
By: Nick Saporito
 

Buick’s Verano essentially created a new segment of small premium sedans in the U.S. Within six short months the segment has expanded with Acura’s ILX, but Buick isn’t resting while the industry fills in the voids of a segment still in its infancy. The brand is upping the performance ante with the addition of a turbocharged variant, one that will generate a healthy 250 horsepower.

Verano is gaining the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that currently resides in the larger Regal. While the Regal has to make do with only 220 horsepower, the Verano has been upped to 250 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. That power is funneled through the option of a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The Verano Turbo will follow a new Buick trend by being an additional premium model within the Verano hierarchy. That means that there will basically be no base Verano Turbo. Instead, the higher performance also brings over side blind-zone alert, cross traffic alert, a nine-speaker Bose sound system and keyless ignition as standard fare. The generous feature list on the turbo is in addition to Buick IntelliLink and a rear-view camera, both of which are standard on every 2013 Verano.

As a side note, after seeing the demands of many here at GMI and elsewhere, Buick is brushing more color to the Verano’s exterior palette with Luxo Blue Metallic.

GMI recently drove the Verano Turbo at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds in Michigan. While we have to withhold our drive impressions until this far, we can tell you what engineering has gone into the Verano Turbo. The car’s front suspension has been firmed up roughly 15-20 percent (tuning isn’t final) and the ZF electric steering rack has different tuning for better firmness. Additionally, the boosted Veranos will have dual exhaust out back and a new, tasteful lip spoiler.

The 2013 Verano Turbo will launch in the fourth quarter of this year as a 2013 model. Pricing has not been announced, but Buick has hinted that it will start under $30,000.

 

Spy Shot of the New Kia Sorento

Next Kia Sorento caught on the ‘Ring
Zach Bowman
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/next-kia-sorento-caught-on-the-ring/
 
Last year, the Kia Sorento took the honor of being the best-selling vehicle in the Korean automaker’s stable. That pace has slowed somewhat in 2012, as both the Soul and the Optima push past the CUV for sales dominance, but the company’s engineers are already hard at work on the next Sorento facelift.Our spy photographers spotted the heavily camouflaged version of the tweaked crossover prancing around the Nürburgring. This is the second time we’ve seen the machine out in open air. As you may recall, the Sorento was last spotted romping around in the snow along with a few friends, including an Audi Q5 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK.With those kinds of benchmarks, there’s a good possibility the next-generation Sorento will offer significant improvements in ride and interior refinement. Word has it the next revision will also bring along a fresh fascia, complete with LED headlights, as well as a freshened rear valance with LED treatments of its own.

2012 Kia Forte Rated the Best Car for College Graduates

From: http://www.kiamedia.com/secure/corporate051812.html
TOTAL CAR SCORE NAMES 2012 KIA FORTE TO “TOP CARS FOR COLLEGE GRADS” LIST
 

IRVINE, Calif., May 18, 2012 – Total Car Score (www.totalcarscore.com), one of the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison websites, has named the 2012 Forte sedan and hatchback to its “Top Cars for College Grads” list. This roster of over-achieving compact cars was released on the cusp of graduation season, as new college grads – along with their parents – look to purchase vehicles that are reliable and cost-conscious, while also considering factors including safety, fuel-efficiency, comfort and performance. Beyond praise for its styling, spaciousness, technology and interior materials, the 2012 Forte was found to be the most affordable vehicle among the cars selected.

“Forte’s achievement of being named to Total Car Score’s ‘Top Cars for College Grads’ list is validation that its low cost and abundance of smart, youthful characteristics make it a natural fit for young adults who are about to enter the professional world,” said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, Kia Motors America. “Furthermore, as the automotive marketplace becomes increasingly competitive with higher-quality cars, the Kia Forte is poised to succeed as one of the most well-built, well-equipped cars in its class.”

Total Car Score provides a comprehensive auto rating system that lets car buyers and enthusiasts compare models from all automotive segments. The “Total Car Score” assigned to a vehicle is an overall industry assessment that combines quantitative car reviews from various major automotive authorities, including the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Kia Forte is one of the best compact car values on the market today,” said Karl Brauer, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. “With standard features like Bluetooth®1 hands-free phone operation, a USB port for iPod2 connectivity and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty3, the Forte offers the technology and long-term quality today’s college graduates seek in a new-car purchase.”

For more information about Total Car Score’s “Top 10 List for College Grads,” visit http://www.totalcarscore.com/car-reviews/news-stories/tcs-identifies-10-best-cars-for-college-graduates.