2012 Buick Verano compact teased

Buick is teasing its future compact sedan called the Verano.

A picture of the small car was released on Thursday along with the news that General Motors would spend $145 million to upgrade a factory in Lake Orion, Mich., to build the Buick and a Chevrolet small car. The Verano would be a 2012 model.

Published reports have indicated that the new Buick could share parts with the Chevy Cruze. No further details were released. GM’s Delta platform underpins the Cruze, the Chevy Volt and a range of other vehicles.

The improvements to the plant are expected to be finished by summer 2011, which would allow for a Buick launch later in the year. The upgrades are part of a project that totals $600 million.

The picture shown depicts Buick’s trademark waterfall grille and portholes.

"Verano will bring premium styling, performance and content to Buick buyers wanting a smaller car than Regal," GM president Mark Reuss said in a statement. "The investment in Orion Assembly also extends GM's local small car footprint, again increasing the number of U.S.-made small vehicles available in showrooms."

By Greg Migliore