Buick Version Of Opel Cascada Still Possible According To Reports
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When it comes to convertibles, there are really two kinds. First, you have hardcore performance models meant to make your jowls wiggle at speed. Secondly, you have comfortable, touring models that aren’t necessarily for open-top track times, but rather just for the sake of fun in the sun.
As of now, the only convertibles that GM makes are the 2014 Camaro Convertible, and the new 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible (soon). The last “soft” convertible that the U.S. market has had access to was a form of the Pontiac G6. Yet this may change.
In Europe, the Opel Cascada was released earlier this year as a front-wheel-drive comfy four-seater, and according to Edmunds, could be stateside sooner than we think, and most likely as a Buick model. Even General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said that he’d like to see the Cascada for sale in the U.S. market, and it’s a rumor that just won’t die.
Are all the signs pointing to yes? We hope so.
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Edmunds is listening at the Frankfurt IAA … but when their correspondent Richard Bremner writes that “The Cascada is loosely based on the Opel Insignia/Buick Regal”, he is wrong. The Cascada, although Opel presents it as a “midsize cabrio”, is is based on the same GM platform Delta II as the Astra and its Buick twins and the Chevrolet Cruze.
This news seems promising, I hope they don’t let us admirers of this car down. As for the commentary about it being loosely based on Insignia/Regal architecture, I caught that too. I knew right away he had it wrong.
I would love to see this states side. I understand it to be a modified Verano essentially, so I think it would be a good fit.
Modified Regal (Mk. 2 SWB Epsilon). The Verano (delta) is smaller.
That’s the impression which Opel wanted to create, that the Cascada is a car by itself, a midsize convertible, and not an Astra convertible. Your opinion is a living proof of this marketing being successful.
Actually, look at the dimensions (all in mm = Millimeter, except turning radius in meter; the with is with outside rear mirrors/mirrors folded):
Dimension: Cascada • Astra sedan/Verano • Astra Combi • Insignia
Wheelbase: 2695 • 2685 • 2685 • 2737
Length 4696 • 4658 • 4698 • 4842
Height 1443 • 1500 • 1535 • 1498
Width 2020/1839 • 2013/1814 • 2013 / 1814 • 2084/1858
Turning radius 12,2 • 11,5 • 11,4 • 11,4
So, the Cascada is rather a LWB Delta II based car, “longer” by 1 (in words: one) centimeter. An inch is 2.54 cm. Its overall length is even 2 mm shorter than the Astra Combi (“Sports Tourer”)
If it were to come, what would the Cascada be coming to Buick as? A Verano Convertible? Could it come as early as a 2015 model?
As in the Opel range, a Buick labeled Cascada would certainly be presented as a car by itself, not as a body style variant of the Verano (Astra sedan, Buick China Excelle GT).
My wife bought one of the last g6s… She loved it, and it’s her baby. I really hope the Cascara comes to the States… It looks like a beautiful car. It doesn’t hurt to have an affordable, practicable, fun car.
The general was entering the bad fiscal era, and commercials were far and few between, but my wife is still beings questions like “who makes it?. It’s a convertable? what a beautiful car.”
The public had no clue that the g6 was out there. If the Cascada comes over as a nick, or whatever, I hope GM gives it some air time. Fun, practical, affordable… Equals a winner.
I would most certainly consider this vehicle if it is available in two years when my lease on the Regal expires. It really looks great as an Opel I think it would be a good Buick.