NAIAS 2015: 2016 Buick Cascada Marks Brand Return To Convertibles
Revealed ahead of its 2015 Detroit Auto Show debut, the 2016 Buick Cascada marks the brand’s return to the convertible game after a 25-year absence [Live photos now available – CA].
The 2+2 convertible — based on the Opel model of the same name — can seat four adults comfortably, with its top able to provide more of the same when up, both in regards to warmth and noise. Said top can be taken down in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
Speaking of speed, power for the Cascada comes via a 1.6-liter turbo-four with direct injection and variable valve timing, capable of 200 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, 221 lb-ft with overboost. A six-speed auto will direct that power to the front.
Heading back inside, those who take their Cascada to the beach house for a weekend getaway will have 13.4 cubic feet of cargo space to use with the top up, 9.8 cubic feet when the top is down. The electronically controlled rear seatbacks fold down to provide more storage space, as well.
Other features include: Buick IntelliLink connected-vehicle system with Apple iOS 6+ compatibility; pop-up rollover protection bars that activate upon detection of potential rollover accidents; OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi; standard safety features such as lane departure, rear park assist, rearview camera and Rainsense windshield wipers; HiPer Strut front suspension, derived from the Regal and LaCrosse; Watts Z-link rear suspension; and a rigid body structure composed of high-strength steel, reinforced side sills, and A-pillars made with press-hardened steel.
The 2016 Buick Cascada is set to go on sale next year.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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Agree, it looks like a VW Eos which largely was favoured by a niche market of affluent, mature females. The Eos was however, considered to be overpriced. If this Buick is priced more reasonably (or offered in a de-contented) version it may become a preferred choice 'on campus'. Don't write GM off. It is doing well in China. Opel does have some good ideas/designs. The trucks/Cross-overs making them money. As long as management does not screw up royally (again), they can remain viable.
"Skylark" was ruined forever by the N-body variant from 1985 to 1997. Some had classic Buick styling (the 1992-1997 coupe) but the marketing just wasn't there. I saw two mid-90s Oldsmobile Achievas yesterday and recalled selling them starting in late 1991. Easy "sell" at the $199 a month lease for the $14,090 sedan. My 1995 Olds Cutlass Supreme convertible (built in the last week of production!)will be for sale soon to make room for the new Buick Cascada. All Buick needs is a $299 lease and it will fly out of showrooms. My wife and I flew to Washington state to buy a 2000 Olds Silhouette GL and saw the '95 convertible at the same dealership parked on an elevated display facing the highway. So we bought two vehicles that day in 2006.