Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

The Name Game: Why the next Buick will be called the Verano

Verano means “summer” in Spanish, though it could easily be a type of coffee or even a brand of crystal. But the idea behind the latest Buick was to snare an upscale, forward-sounding name to lure to new customers. Buick could have gone with an alpha-numeric designation, or even dipped into its heritage for a storied moniker from the past.

2013 Dodge Viper to debut at 2012 New York Motor Show

2013 Dodge Viper to arrive at 2012 NY Auto Show The ultimate American Muscle car – the Dodge Viper – is to return to showrooms with an all new 2013 MY Viper launching at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April. There was a time – in the mire of Chrysler’s woes – when there was a chance the world would lose the mad muscle car that is the Dodge Viper. But Chrysler managed to rise Phoenix-like from the ashes of its financial turmoil, to be given a lifeline from Sergio Marchionne’s desire to rule the auto world with Fiat, and common sense returned.

Reuss: GM considering 'something really fun' for Buick

Buick dealers still salivating over the Riviera concept that General Motors unveiled at last month's Shanghai auto show should take a deep breath: There's little chance that the flashy coupe will ever grace a Buick showroom. But they should view the Riviera -- which GM says points to the brand's design direction -- as a signal that GM is serious about adding pizazz to the Buick lineup now that the 110-year-old brand, which barely survived GM's bankruptcy four years ago, is getting comfortable in its born-again skin. "We've very carefully built Buick back to a brand that has respect," GM North America President Mark Reuss told Automotive News.