Opel Cascada is Europe's Buick convertible
09-13-13, 06:35 PM
#16
Opel Cascada close to getting green light for US
Opel Cascada close to getting green light for US
For a company with a long tradition of grand touring convertibles, it's almost unseemly that General Motors doesn't offer a properly relaxed four-seat convertible in North America. There's the Chevrolet Camaro, of course, but it's not big on rear-seat space and it doesn't offer that sort of serene demeanor that many open-air buyers crave. We're thinking of something more refined and, dare we say, elegant. Something a bit closer to the Opel Cascada.
The General's front-wheel drive convertible went on sale in Europe this year, and while it seemed like a natural fit for its Buick brand in America, it's never been sold here. That may be about to change, however. Back in June, CEO Dan Akerson hinted he'd like to see the Cascada available in the US, and now there's word from Edmunds that importation "could happen soon." That's according to an unnamed insider at the company.
So why wasn't the car developed with our market in mind initially? Edmunds says we can blame GM's plans to sell off Opel-Vauxhall while in the teeth of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. Since the company planned to rid itself of the European division to begin with, it didn't see the benefit in spending the extra money to align the Cascada with our regulations. Of course, it later reversed that decision, so if it's to come to the US, some reengineering will be necessary.
The same goes for the Opel Adam (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-opel-adam/), a supermini that some – including Akerson – would like to see sold here. While we do expect the Cascada to grace US showrooms, it's unlikely the same fate awaits the Adam, as it would require even more extensive investment to federalize. Autoblog's own sources tell us that the chances of seeing the Adam come to America are all but nil.
One last curiosity: Edmunds reports that GM may once again import the Buick Regal from Europe. Back when it first launched the fifth-generation model in the States, it imported examples from its plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany. It did so until 2011, but then stopped as North American assembly came online in Oshawa, ON, which was less expensive. It isn't immediately clear why GM would consider restarting importation, especially as the Regal hasn't exactly been a hot seller.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/13/o...reen-light-us/
05-01-14, 07:13 AM
#18
Holden Cascada heading to Australia and New Zealand next year
Astra GTC, VXR and Insignia VXR also arriving
Holden has announced plans to introduce the Cascada next year in Australia and New Zealand.
The Cascada mid-size hard-top convertible was launched back in October 2012 in Europe as an Opel/Vauxhall and pretty soon it will wear the Holden badge for Australia and New Zealand, together with the Astra GTC & VXR as well as the Insignia VXR. All of them are programmed to reach Holden's dealerships in the first half of 2015.
The Cascada is going to be offered exclusively with a 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine linked to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The engine's output numbers have not been disclosed but most likely it churns 170 PS (125 kW) and 206 lb-ft (279 Nm) as it does on the old continent.
Europeans also get an uprated version of this engine generating 200 PS (147 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) in the Cascada Turbo.
Holden has announced plans to introduce the Cascada next year in Australia and New Zealand.
The Cascada mid-size hard-top convertible was launched back in October 2012 in Europe as an Opel/Vauxhall and pretty soon it will wear the Holden badge for Australia and New Zealand, together with the Astra GTC & VXR as well as the Insignia VXR. All of them are programmed to reach Holden's dealerships in the first half of 2015.
The Cascada is going to be offered exclusively with a 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine linked to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The engine's output numbers have not been disclosed but most likely it churns 170 PS (125 kW) and 206 lb-ft (279 Nm) as it does on the old continent.
Europeans also get an uprated version of this engine generating 200 PS (147 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) in the Cascada Turbo.
05-01-14, 10:03 AM
#19
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
One last curiosity: Edmunds reports that GM may once again import the Buick Regal from Europe. Back when it first launched the fifth-generation model in the States, it imported examples from its plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany. It did so until 2011, but then stopped as North American assembly came online in Oshawa, ON, which was less expensive. It isn't immediately clear why GM would consider restarting importation, especially as the Regal hasn't exactly been a hot seller.
The only significant appeal the Regal has is the GS model, which appeals to some enthusiasts who want an American-badged semi-sport sedan with German engineering (it is Opel-based).
01-09-15, 11:08 AM
#20
Buick Convertible Spotted in NAIAS Teaser
Buick introducing a new convertible to its lineup hasn’t been a well kept secret and a photo released by the brand meant to tease its 2015 Detroit Auto Show stand has all but confirmed the car.
Most of the vehicles in the photo are covered up, but seen in the top right hand corner suspended from a section of the stand is clearly the new Buick convertible which will be based on the Opel Cascada sold in Europe.
The new Buick convertible, which will surely wear a new nameplate in North America, is expected to hit the market in 2015 as a 2016 model. In Europe, the car is offered with three engines: a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder, a 1.6-liter turbo four that also burns gas and a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine.
Most of the vehicles in the photo are covered up, but seen in the top right hand corner suspended from a section of the stand is clearly the new Buick convertible which will be based on the Opel Cascada sold in Europe.
The new Buick convertible, which will surely wear a new nameplate in North America, is expected to hit the market in 2015 as a 2016 model. In Europe, the car is offered with three engines: a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder, a 1.6-liter turbo four that also burns gas and a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine.
01-09-15, 06:18 PM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by article
For a company with a long tradition of grand touring convertibles, it's almost unseemly that General Motors doesn't offer a properly relaxed four-seat convertible in North America. There's the Chevrolet Camaro, of course, but it's not big on rear-seat space and it doesn't offer that sort of serene demeanor that many open-air buyers crave.
We're thinking of something more refined and, dare we say, elegant. Something a bit closer to the Opel Cascada.
01-09-15, 07:53 PM
#23
Personally I think those retractable hardtops look goofy on 4 seat convertibles since they have to be made out of three pieces. From a design standpoint, they work great on 2 seat convertibles like the SL Benz because they can make the roof out of two pieces and its easy to intergrate the seam where the rear glass/roof meet.
A NICE, insulated, multilayer fabric top with a glass rear window really makes you second guess that you're in a convertible on a cold morning, they're a lot quieter and warmer than you'd think.
A NICE, insulated, multilayer fabric top with a glass rear window really makes you second guess that you're in a convertible on a cold morning, they're a lot quieter and warmer than you'd think.
01-10-15, 08:48 AM
#24
Buick Cascada Convertible Teased In NAIAS Rendering?
A rendering from Buick, depicting their exhibit at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, contains something curious perched atop a large, swooping arch: a convertible. Since the brand currently has no convertible offerings, we have to presume that this is an easter egg, carefully placed to fuel hype about the Opel Cascada-based Buick convertible, and to confirm its anticipated debut at the Detroit venue.
The Detroit News reached out to Buick, who declined to comment on what exactly we’re all seeing. But they do recall a statement from 2013, wherein then-CEO of General Motors Dan Akerson said that it would be nice to see an Opel Cascada in Buick’s lineup. More recently, we reported back in March on an Opel Cascada spotted state-side, undergoing testing in the mountains of Colorado.
Buick’s exhibit at the Auto Show this year will reportedly be right in the middle of the show-floor, next to Cadillac, Infiniti, and Acura. So, we’re hoping to see a suave new Buick convertible front-and-center at the Detroit Auto Show next week, looking quite like the mystery car in the photo below.
The Detroit News reached out to Buick, who declined to comment on what exactly we’re all seeing. But they do recall a statement from 2013, wherein then-CEO of General Motors Dan Akerson said that it would be nice to see an Opel Cascada in Buick’s lineup. More recently, we reported back in March on an Opel Cascada spotted state-side, undergoing testing in the mountains of Colorado.
Buick’s exhibit at the Auto Show this year will reportedly be right in the middle of the show-floor, next to Cadillac, Infiniti, and Acura. So, we’re hoping to see a suave new Buick convertible front-and-center at the Detroit Auto Show next week, looking quite like the mystery car in the photo below.
01-10-15, 11:10 PM
#25
Lexus Test Driver
Come on guys, look closely at this thing! It's so dated! The front bumper, air intakes, grille, headlights, taillights, chrome trim, Mercury Capri front window... it's two generations behind anything modern right now. THIS CAR WILL FLOP! And it appears small ontop of it all. I see nothing worthwhile here, except rentals and major incentives.
01-11-15, 06:47 AM
#26
2016 Buick Cascada Is a Typical Case of Rebadging, Goes on Sale in Early 2016
Buick has unveiled the 2016 Cascada 2+2 convertible, which is nothing more than a rebadged Opel Cascada that will go on sale in the US in early 2016.
Scheduled to debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the Cascada will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years. For our European readers though, there’s nothing new about the Cascada, which Opel has been selling since March 2013.
With the exception of the Buick badges and grille, the US version of the car will feature the exact same design and technology, with power coming from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200hp and 206lb-ft (280Nm) of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine offers an overboost feature that briefly pushes torque to 221lb-ft (300 Nm). The 2016 Buick Cascada also gets the HiPer Strut front suspension and Watts Z-link suspension in the rear.
It takes 17 seconds for the Cascada to drop its soft top, and it can do that at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Among the car’s features Buick lists the IntelliLink infotainment system with a 7-inch-diagonal color touch screen, Buick OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, electronic rear-seat entry system, electric safety belt presenters, rollover protection bars as well as safety assist systems including lane departure warning, rear park assist, rearview camera and Rainsense windshield wipers.
The Cascada offers 13.4 cubic feet (380 liters) of cargo space with the top up and 9.8 cubic feet (280 liters) with the top down. The rear seatbacks fold down electronically to expand cargo capability for longer items. Interestingly, the 2016 Buick Cascada will be offered with standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
Scheduled to debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the Cascada will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years. For our European readers though, there’s nothing new about the Cascada, which Opel has been selling since March 2013.
With the exception of the Buick badges and grille, the US version of the car will feature the exact same design and technology, with power coming from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200hp and 206lb-ft (280Nm) of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine offers an overboost feature that briefly pushes torque to 221lb-ft (300 Nm). The 2016 Buick Cascada also gets the HiPer Strut front suspension and Watts Z-link suspension in the rear.
It takes 17 seconds for the Cascada to drop its soft top, and it can do that at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Among the car’s features Buick lists the IntelliLink infotainment system with a 7-inch-diagonal color touch screen, Buick OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, electronic rear-seat entry system, electric safety belt presenters, rollover protection bars as well as safety assist systems including lane departure warning, rear park assist, rearview camera and Rainsense windshield wipers.
The Cascada offers 13.4 cubic feet (380 liters) of cargo space with the top up and 9.8 cubic feet (280 liters) with the top down. The rear seatbacks fold down electronically to expand cargo capability for longer items. Interestingly, the 2016 Buick Cascada will be offered with standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/01/201...l-case-of.html[YOUTUBE][/YOUTUBE]
01-11-15, 06:48 AM
#27
2016 Buick Cascada Convertible unveiled with 200 bhp [video]
oes on sale early next year
Buick has officially unveiled the 2016 Cascada, ahead of its debut at the North American International Auto Show.
Set to become Buick's first convertible in 25 years, the drop top is essentially rebadged version of the Opel / Vauxhall Cascada. As a result, it features LED-infused headlights and a soft-top that opens in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The car also has a rakish windscreen, chrome trim and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The upscale styling continues in the cabin as there's high quality materials and metallic accents. Buick declined to go into specifics but confirmed the car will have heated front seats and an IntelliLink infotainment system with a 7-inch display. The model also has electric seat belt presenters and a rear-seat entry system that automatically moves the front seats forward.
On the safety front, the Cascada will have a rearview camera and pop-up rollover bars. There's also rain sensing wipers and a lane departure warning system.
A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine resides under the hood and produces 200 bhp (149 kW) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque - 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) with overboost. It is connected exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Buick Cascada will go on sale early next year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Buick has officially unveiled the 2016 Cascada, ahead of its debut at the North American International Auto Show.
Set to become Buick's first convertible in 25 years, the drop top is essentially rebadged version of the Opel / Vauxhall Cascada. As a result, it features LED-infused headlights and a soft-top that opens in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The car also has a rakish windscreen, chrome trim and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The upscale styling continues in the cabin as there's high quality materials and metallic accents. Buick declined to go into specifics but confirmed the car will have heated front seats and an IntelliLink infotainment system with a 7-inch display. The model also has electric seat belt presenters and a rear-seat entry system that automatically moves the front seats forward.
On the safety front, the Cascada will have a rearview camera and pop-up rollover bars. There's also rain sensing wipers and a lane departure warning system.
A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine resides under the hood and produces 200 bhp (149 kW) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque - 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) with overboost. It is connected exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Buick Cascada will go on sale early next year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
01-11-15, 04:57 PM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
More so the Sebring. It appears a little larger than the Eos....especially if it is done on the Regal/Insignia platform.
I'm a little concerned, though, that Buick is making the same mistake with this car that they did with the Encore.....using an undersized turbo engine. The Cascada uses an engine that would be adequate for a Regal sedan, but a convertible usually gets extra bracing in the frame, which adds weight. That, of course, is necessary to help prevent body/cowl flex from the lack of a solid roof, though Opel products have generally sturdy frames and structures to start with, one reason for their weight and so-so gas mileage.
Chrysler, IMO (and I wrote about this in my latest 200 review last summer), was probably foolish to drop the convertible when the latest 200 version came out. It filled a unique role in the American market......a relatively affordable (though not particularly well-built) convertible with room in the rear seat for to adults...something that the Mustang convertible, with its dinky Pony-car rear seat, couldn't offer.
I'm a little concerned, though, that Buick is making the same mistake with this car that they did with the Encore.....using an undersized turbo engine. The Cascada uses an engine that would be adequate for a Regal sedan, but a convertible usually gets extra bracing in the frame, which adds weight. That, of course, is necessary to help prevent body/cowl flex from the lack of a solid roof, though Opel products have generally sturdy frames and structures to start with, one reason for their weight and so-so gas mileage.
Chrysler, IMO (and I wrote about this in my latest 200 review last summer), was probably foolish to drop the convertible when the latest 200 version came out. It filled a unique role in the American market......a relatively affordable (though not particularly well-built) convertible with room in the rear seat for to adults...something that the Mustang convertible, with its dinky Pony-car rear seat, couldn't offer.
Last edited by mmarshall; 01-11-15 at 05:06 PM.
01-11-15, 05:00 PM
#30
More so the Sebring. It appears a little larger than the Eos....especially if it is done on the Regal/Insignia platform.
I'm a little concerned, though, that Buick is making the same mistake with this car that they did with the Encore.....using in an undersized turbo engine. The Cascada uses an engine that would be adequate for a Regal sedan, but a convertible usually gets extra bracing in the frame, which adds weight. That, of course, is necessary to help prevent body/cowl flex from the lack of a solid roof, though Opel products have generally sturdy frames and structures to start with, one reason for their weight and so-so gas mileage.
I'm a little concerned, though, that Buick is making the same mistake with this car that they did with the Encore.....using in an undersized turbo engine. The Cascada uses an engine that would be adequate for a Regal sedan, but a convertible usually gets extra bracing in the frame, which adds weight. That, of course, is necessary to help prevent body/cowl flex from the lack of a solid roof, though Opel products have generally sturdy frames and structures to start with, one reason for their weight and so-so gas mileage.