Buick Verano Takes Quiet Tuning to New Level of Refinement
Newest Buick designed to deliver quietest performance in segment
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 efficiency
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.
The use of more than 60 per cent high-strength steel in Verano’s structure helps eliminate squeaks and rattles because the body is stiffer.
“Verano rounds out Buick’s outstanding lineup with a compact luxury car well-suited for Canadians, delivering a premium experience unmatched at this price point,” said Marc Comeau, vice-president of sales, service and marketing at GM of Canada. “Buick has been a pleasant surprise to luxury car shoppers with each new vehicle launch, and as one of the quietest cars on the market, Verano will be no exception."
