As always, this year’s North American International Auto Show will be a busy one for General Motors. The General’s hometown auto show consistently kicks off the automaker’s new year with a series of product announcements and unveilings. This year will be no different, with Buick poised to drop a new model in Detroit.
According to Automotive News, Buick’s North American version of the Opel Cascada convertible will make its debut in Detroit. We heard the Cascada would make the trans Atlantic swim in August of last year, but it wasn’t exactly clear when GM would debut the car until now.
Very little is known about the Buick Cascada and its engine options. In Germany and other European markets, the car is offered with a range of engines, however the 197 horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline option seems to be the most likely candidate for the North American car. The car also starts at 26,320 euros ($31,268 USD) in Germany, which may also represent its North American price point.
Additional information on the Cascada will come to light following Buick’s press conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.
Comments
I think the 1.6T seems to provide less power than is necessary for a car that I believe weighs around 4000 lbs. Maybe they can offer it as the base engine, but those paying the big bucks for loaded versions of this car will likely want the power of the 2.0T.
So for the same price as a 290 hp* Sky Red Line, we now get a 197 hp Cascada. Thanks GM!
If GM is smart, offering a Cascada GS is dead simple – but would probably require Haldex AWD… which Cascada currently lacks, and is FWD only. This car is smaller than Malibu Turbo and torque steer would be quite epic. Hence why 2.0T will probably not make the cut.
* Sky Red Line achieved 290 hp via GMPP Stage 2 tune, a $600 upgrade that GM refuses to offer on modern LNF-derived engines. This despite the Stage 2 tune being proven safe on engines that have hit 300,000 miles and beyond. Thanks GM! (Again).
Chris I have a 290 HP HHR SS and the torque steer is not epic. Yes there is some but it far removed from what I saw in My SSEI or GTP Comp G both with less power.
This is a nice car and will be good to have offered. I too wish it had more power.
But this car is just a small part of Buick and really is not going to make a big difference in their line as a new Lacrosse and Regal will. Also the new Monza based car will be the one that will really set the compass for where Buick is going and how people will look a them.
This convertible to me is just helping to fill space till they get to the products they are working on done.
cascada opc.
http://www.opc-club.de/forum/opel-garage/neues-aus-dem-hause-opel/29170-opel-cascada/index4.html
awd, I do not see any point or need. But why not. one would always be. the size of the craze bad thing. 190 hp 1.6 is much power.
This is not a sports car.
One thing we might be optional in Europe. opc-line package. I do not understand why this package is not Cascadas. other models of the OPC-line package available. Audi S-line. MB AMG editition. BMW M package.
The roll out of Cascada was botched in Europe. 1.6 its enough power, but not for the press who wanted to compare the car to Audi.
An OPC option should have been made available, as well as a 2.0 litter.
Opel rushed Cascada, probably in Ann effort to boost quarterly results. Sometimes waiting its best. Sometimes spending the cash on a hard too varient helps, too.
The current Opel Cascada is unchanged from 2013 and could use some interior and mechanical updates. First off, the car should move to the new D2XX Platform which is going to be much lighter than the old Delta ll. Second, the interior needs Buick’s luxury treatment with better infotainment. I’d also like to see a new 1.8t I4 with around 260HP and 275LB-FT as the standard engine, but a High Output 1.6t I4 with 205HP and 220LB-FT would suffice for now. Either engine should make use of VVT, SIDI, IVVL, as well as Stop/Start. An updated 6 Speed Automatic or 7 Speed DCT would help out with fuel economy. There’s no reason that this convertible shouldn’t get at least 27 City and 38 Highway. Lastly, what’s its name supposed to be? Wasn’t “Velite” just passed through as a trademark for GM?
Why would GM waste money on a platform change this early in the product life cycle. This car failed in Europe, and will not live to see a D2XX platform (Opel had difficulty challenging Audi at this price point and segment and, unless Cascada proves an American success, will no longer compete in the segment).
The purpose of this car is two fold: Up capacity in Europe; provide Buick a pretty niche vehicle that just might pick up a handful of Sebring buyers or wooing a few Audi shoppers seeking a deal.
No word on Envision?
german konfigurator max price what i get is 54500 usd. I believe that something 57000usd is maximum german top spect cascada
Check out their display on the Buick Facebook page. Pretty Cool.