Exclusive: Welburn says Buick toying with idea of Verano GS, Verano Hybrid

January 11, 2011May 11, 2012 Omar Rana 2011 Detroit Auto Show, 2012, Buick Verano, Buick Verano GS, Compact Cars

The 2012 Buick Verano made its public debut here at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show yesterday. Following the press conference we had a chance to sit down with GM’s Vice President of Global Design, Ed Welburn.

The first question we asked? Is Buick contemplating producing a high-performance version of the Verano that would be badged ‘Verano GS?’ Short answer… yes.

“We are doing many different things here at GM and we are toying with the idea of a Verano GS,” Welburn said. He went on to say that designers have already done sketches of a high-performance Verano but the company is currently waiting on feedback from the customers on the new 2012 Verano before making any decisions.

We also asked Welburn whether or not a Verano Hybrid is a possibility since GM sees Buick as a competitor to Lexus, which has 5 hybrid vehicles in its lineup. Welburn said that the Verano Hybrid is also something being considered by the brand – however, we don’t expect anything official anytime soon.

Click here for our post on the 2012 Buick Verano from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.