Buick Highlights The Reinforced Structure Of The 2016 Cascada Convertible
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Buick is preparing to fill yet another niche in the market with the introduction of the 2016 Cascada. Once arrived as a Buick, the Cascada will complete its global jaunt across the globe, as it is sold in Europe under the Opel badge, and Australia under the Holden badge.
But Buick wants to underscore the engineering behind the 2016 Cascada, and has provided more details on the car’s structure.
The reinforced structure underpinning the 2016 Cascada not only allows for the sculpted sheetmetal to sit as is, but also bolsters the car’s strength and rigidity. This structure allows for the convertible top to be stored below the car’s belt line, while a hard-tonneau cover sits in its place for uninterrupted styling.
It makes cargo management easier, too. With the clever structure, cargo space is increased by 22.4 inches from the trunk to the passenger compartment. Items such as skis can easily be stowed inside with the 50/50 rear seat folded.
“Intelligent design is a hallmark of Buick’s renaissance and the all-new Cascada advances that legacy with seamless integration of great convertible design and safety,” said Holt Ware, Buick exterior design director. “It’s a design that fosters the Cascada’s clean, uninterrupted lines while helping enable confident, top-down driving enjoyment.”
“There are no design compromises with the Cascada,” said Ware. “The structural elements enhance the driving experience, not intrude on it.”
In regards to safety, the structure supports spring-loaded roll bars behind the front seats, which are linked to the airbag system, should an accident occur. When deployed, the roll bars match the height of the windshield.
Finally, the ever-important driving experience. Buick is keen on providing a much more engaged driving experience, and the brand is confident the 2016 Cascada will deliver. Responsive driving dynamics are derived from reinforced rocker panels with increased cross section, underbody reinforcements including X-braces, V-braces and additional brackets and a reinforced “torsion box” bulkhead behind the rear seats that incorporates the pop-up roll bars.
Due to the increased structural rigidity, engineers were able to tune the suspension and steering with a higher degree of precision, since there was no need to compensate for classic flex.
The 2016 Buick Cascada will be the first Buick convertible sold in 25 years, and will reach showrooms early next year. It remains to be seen if the car will cover a niche. But, thus far, Buick has had a pretty good track record with their white space mentality.
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While the car may be on an older platform, this fact shouldn’t be held against Cascada.
The design trumps BMW efforts in terms of styling. This car fits Buick well in that it’s athletic but not for drivers with a need for speed.
It fits the traditional Buick market position.
Trumps BMW?
Like Donald Trump in a Buick convertible? Comb-over flying?
Ya, that fits the Traditional Buick market position!
The Cascada looks like a really nice car. If priced “appropriately” it should sell !!!
Does anyone know of a decent Buick Cascada forum?
The buickforums.com site seems to be pretty dead – even when I was researching the Regal before and after it had come out, it left a lot to be desired. Compared to the Saturnfans or Camaro5 forums, that site doesn’t appear to have an as active membership.
Aside from GM Authority, GM Inside News might be the best one out there?
If anyone can point me to a dedicated Buck Cascada forum, I’d be most appreciative.