Verano Takes Quiet Tuning to New Level of Refinement

DETROIT – The all-new 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan, which goes on sale later this year, is expected to deliver one of the quietest driving experiences in the industry – better than key competitors Lexus IS 250 and Acura TSX.

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.

“By positioning the Verano against the very best, our noise and vibration team went above and beyond to deliver the quiet driving experience for which Buicks have become known,” said Chuck Russell, Verano vehicle line director. “Quiet-tuning components and systems are built into every facet of the Verano’s architecture.”

Vehicles generate noise in a number of ways, including the transmission and gears, air induction and exhaust, electro and electromechanical parts, fuel delivery and brake function, as well as road and wind noise.

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:

1. A 5.4-mm-thick acoustic-laminated windshield and 4.85-mm-thick acoustic laminated side glass that minimizes wind noise
2. Acoustic insulation material on both sides of the front steel dash panel and under the hood that reduce engine noise
3. Five layers of acoustic insulation material in the headliner, including a premium fabric on the visible outer layer that muffles wind noise
4. Triple-sealed doors that keep out exterior noise
5. Three layers of acoustic insulation material in the doors that reduces the sound of wet-road sizzle
6. Dual-density carpet on the floor that block coarse road and tire noise
7. Underbody paneling that lowers wind and low road-surface noise while improving fuel economy
8. Liquid-applied sound deadener that supports a solid body structure
9. Specially tuned air intake and exhaust systems that enable pleasing engine sound quality without sacrificing engine performance
10. Isolated chassis components that reduce vibrations over irregular road surfaces for a solid road feel
11. A patented rear suspension that enables crisp road feel and superior ride and handling performance without sacrificing quietness
12. Hydraulic suspension bushings and an isolated engine cradle that reduces or eliminates vibrations.

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.

Among the 200 parts that typically come under scrutiny during noise analysis is the air induction system, which helps engine efficiency and performance. Special tuning elements were made to Verano’s clean air duct to remove harsh frequencies during vehicle acceleration.

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. 

Read More: http://media.opel.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Aug/0822_verano

General Motors to unveil new Buick models

For the longest time now, the automotive community has regarded the Buick models as a “sensible luxury” vehicle like its competitors Acura and Lexus. Meaning, Buick isn’t really in line with performance luxury vehicles like the BMW and Audi whose direct competitor from the General Motors line is the Cadillac. Whenever the name Buick comes up in conversations or when you talk to Buick experts, you’d get the idea that Buick isn’t in par with Mercedes-Benz.

Anyway, like most brands, the automotive community still wonders what the world can expect from the brand in the years to come.

There have been reports that American car company General Motors is gearing up to unveil a redesigned version of the Opel Astra as a three-door Buick Astra model to US consumers. However, we still have no reports about the specifications and engine details.

The Buick Astra model is not the only model that’s been getting the limelight. There’s also the production of the so-called Baby Enclave which is a five-seater compact crossover model which is expected to roll out in the 2013 product line. The Baby Enclave will be built on the brand’s Gamma subcompact platform. This model has also been called the Encore.

Lastly, GM is also producing the Buick Enclave crossover which has been improved with massive upgrades for its interiors one of which is the brand’s IntelliLink infortainment feature. As for the revamped Enclave, it might roll out as part of the 2016 lineup some time in 2015.

Read More: http://buickblog.net/general-motors-to-unveil-new-buick-models/

Recall: 2012 Buick LaCrosse for faulty electronic stability control

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and General Motors are recalling more than 4,000 Buick LaCrosse vehicles for failing to meet federal requirements for electronic stability control, or ESC.

According to NHTSA, certain models of the 2012 Buick LaCrosse were manufactured between June and July with an improperly calibrated Stabilitrak ESC system. The flaw may prevent the control system from detecting malfunctioning sensors and fail to alert drivers of a problem with the Stabilitrak feature. The result: The ESC may activate improperly, causing sudden and unexpected changes to how the sedan handles which may lead to a collision.

GM is expected to alert affected LaCrosse owners this month to bring the to their local dealerships. Mechanics there will reprogram the Stabilitrak's electronic brake control module free of charge.
For more information, consumers can call the toll-free number for Buick (866-608-8080) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov.

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/safety/2011/08/recall-2012-buick-lacrosse-for-faulty-electronic-stability-control.html

Buick Regal GS pricing to begin at $35,310

DETROIT -- General Motors announced today that prices for the 2012 Buick Regal GS, a sporty performance model that aims to endear the brand to younger drivers, will start at $35,310, including transportation costs.

When the Regal GS goes on sale later this fall it will be the most expensive car in the Buick line, trailing only the Enclave crossover -- which starts at $36,600.

With a 270 horsepower 2.0 liter direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine, GM says the Regal GS gets an estimated 27 mpg highway. At first, the GS will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission, but GM says that a six-speed automatic transmission will be available later in the model year.

GM also announced pricing for the 2012 Regal with eAssist, which will start at $29,530, including transporation. eAssist is a $2,000 option on the base model Regal, which starts at $27,530. The 2011 Regal started at $26,360.

The Regal with eAssist gets 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway – exceeding the highway fuel economy of the higher priced Lexus HS Hybrid and the Lincoln MK7 Hybrid, GM said.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110804/OEM04/110809891/1292#ixzz1UjfjZYCr