To those who laughed when I reported this way over a year ago...
Buick Goes Topless With 2016 Cascada
7
Drop-top coupe shares many aspects with Opel sibling
www.GMInsideNews.com
January 11, 2015
By: Nick Saporito
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After a break from major product reveals for Buick, the brand is back in play with the reveal of the 2016 Cascada convertible. The Opel-derived vehicle will come stateside in 2016, confirming long-standing rumors that the car was headed to U.S. shores.
Cascada marks the first Buick drop-top since the Reatta convertible’s short stint nearly 25 years ago. The car also strengthens ties between Buick and Opel. In fact, Buick even borrows the Cascada moniker from Opel in this case. This shared aspect foreshadows the rest of the convertible as well.
Like the European model, the Buick will be powered by GM’s 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder. Cascada is the first confirmed product to launch in North America with the 1.6-liter turbo, however more are expected in the near future. In this application, the engine generates a respectable 200 horsepower and 206 foot-pounds of torque. The engine features an overboost feature that temporarily bumps torque to 221 foot-pounds. In all applications, the torque flows through a six-speed automatic transmission. It appears Buick isn’t bringing over the six-speed stick from the Opel model, much to our disappointment.
The soft-top Cascada features what Buick calls a “2+2” seating configuration, meaning four adults should be able to ride in reasonable comfort. Riders who want wind in their hair can lower the insulated soft top in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
Comfort should be further enhanced by a reinforced chassis and HiPer Strut front suspension, which includes dual-path top mountings that separate the transfer spring and damper loads to the body structure. The results are more linear steering, smoother ride, and thankfully, less torque steer.
Cascada’s rear suspension is the same Watts Z-link setup currently found under the Buick Verano. GM alleges the design is lighter than a fully independent rear suspension, though it is also likely a cheaper setup.
Inside, the Cascada is also entirely carryover from the Opel version, which is a good thing. The overall design theme will be very familiar to those who have ridden in a Buick Verano, also derived from an Opel mode. Material quality is expected to be high, with real stitching on the dash and soft-touch material throughout. Controls should also be familiar to Americans because Cascada is new enough to feature GM’s global infotainment setup, which means this car will be “Americanized” as much as possible.
Cascada’s seats feature a power function that moves the seat forward or back to position just by pressing on the seatback. This motion makes it easier for rear seat passengers to enter and exit the backseat of this two-door convertible.
As always, the list of features on this Buick is vast and predictable. The Cascada will feature the latest OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and in-car WiFi. Additionally, lane departure warning, rear park assist, rearview camera and Rainsense wipers are added.
There are still a few unknowns about the Cascada, such as fuel economy, price point and where it will be produced. Our case for the latter is that the car will be imported to North America from Gliwice, Poland, where the Opel version is manufactured.
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www.GMInsideNews.com
January 11, 2015
By: Nick Saporito
After a break from major product reveals for Buick, the brand is back in play with the reveal of the 2016 Cascada convertible. The Opel-derived vehicle will come stateside in 2016, confirming long-standing rumors that the car was headed to U.S. shores.
Cascada marks the first Buick drop-top since the Reatta convertible’s short stint nearly 25 years ago. The car also strengthens ties between Buick and Opel. In fact, Buick even borrows the Cascada moniker from Opel in this case. This shared aspect foreshadows the rest of the convertible as well.
Like the European model, the Buick will be powered by GM’s 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder. Cascada is the first confirmed product to launch in North America with the 1.6-liter turbo, however more are expected in the near future. In this application, the engine generates a respectable 200 horsepower and 206 foot-pounds of torque. The engine features an overboost feature that temporarily bumps torque to 221 foot-pounds. In all applications, the torque flows through a six-speed automatic transmission. It appears Buick isn’t bringing over the six-speed stick from the Opel model, much to our disappointment.
The soft-top Cascada features what Buick calls a “2+2” seating configuration, meaning four adults should be able to ride in reasonable comfort. Riders who want wind in their hair can lower the insulated soft top in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
Comfort should be further enhanced by a reinforced chassis and HiPer Strut front suspension, which includes dual-path top mountings that separate the transfer spring and damper loads to the body structure. The results are more linear steering, smoother ride, and thankfully, less torque steer.
Cascada’s rear suspension is the same Watts Z-link setup currently found under the Buick Verano. GM alleges the design is lighter than a fully independent rear suspension, though it is also likely a cheaper setup.
Inside, the Cascada is also entirely carryover from the Opel version, which is a good thing. The overall design theme will be very familiar to those who have ridden in a Buick Verano, also derived from an Opel mode. Material quality is expected to be high, with real stitching on the dash and soft-touch material throughout. Controls should also be familiar to Americans because Cascada is new enough to feature GM’s global infotainment setup, which means this car will be “Americanized” as much as possible.
Cascada’s seats feature a power function that moves the seat forward or back to position just by pressing on the seatback. This motion makes it easier for rear seat passengers to enter and exit the backseat of this two-door convertible.
As always, the list of features on this Buick is vast and predictable. The Cascada will feature the latest OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and in-car WiFi. Additionally, lane departure warning, rear park assist, rearview camera and Rainsense wipers are added.
There are still a few unknowns about the Cascada, such as fuel economy, price point and where it will be produced. Our case for the latter is that the car will be imported to North America from Gliwice, Poland, where the Opel version is manufactured.
Press Release said:
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