More than 90% of the Verano Turbo’s peak torque—more than 234 lb-ft—is available between 1700 to 5500 rpm. Its closest competitor, the 2013 Acura ILX 2.4L, offers a peak of 170 lb-ft of torque, according to GM.

GM says that the choice to use a small-displacement turbocharged engine for a more powerful Verano model is consistent with Buick’s effort to downsize its powertrains without sacrificing performance. Verano and the Regal luxury sport sedan are available exclusively with four-cylinder engines, while the LaCrosse luxury sedan comes standard with a four-cylinder engine paired with eAssist technology, which uses an electric motor and battery to boost both performance and fuel economy. The standard 2013 Regal four-cylinder engine also is equipped with eAssist.

The Verano Turbo will be available with a choice of a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. Acceleration performance is expected to be consistent between the two transmissions.

Fuel economy numbers are not final, but the Verano Turbo is expected to be in line with Buick’s other turbocharged models. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production in late 2012.

Verano’s standard Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic powertrain combination is rated at 180 horsepower (134 kW) and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds; it achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway (11.2 and 7.4 L/100km respectively).