All-new 2017 Buick Verano sedan breaks cover

Buick is replacing its entry-level Verano luxury sedan with a redesigned model, unveiled at the Shanghai auto show, that draws styling elements from the stunning 2015 Buick Avenir and 2008 Regal concept cars.

GM claims the sinuous styling will give the Verano a super-slick drag coefficient of 0.27—aerodynamics that should aid highway fuel economy. The exterior is further distinguished with wing-shaped LED headlamps and taillights that promise to become new Buick signature elements.

Power will come from GM’s new corporate 160-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In China (where Buick sells a lot of cars), it will get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, we expect it will get a six- or eight-speed automatic when it comes to the United States next year.

The 2017 Verano’s chassis architecture will be shared with the the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze, as well as the Buick Envision, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain, SUVs.

—Eric Evarts

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