Opel at the 83. International Motor Show in Geneva
- Elongated 4-seat mid-size convertible with muscular, timeless elegance
- Sophisticated soft-top system opens in 17 seconds at driving speeds up to 50 km/h
- Outstanding body stiffness combined with HiPerStrut front suspension technology
- Broad powertrain line-up with new generation direct injection gasoline 1.6 SIDI Turbo
- Premium convertible qualities and rich equipment at attractive price
The Cascada, Opel’s new all-season convertible set to arrive at
dealerships from April, is a classy four-seater with an elegant,
elongated silhouette and a high quality soft-top. Positioned at the top
of Opel’s product line-up, the Cascada is a mid-size convertible that’s
distinguished not only by its size (length: 4,696 mm; width 2,020 mm
incl. mirrors), but also by its allure, premium technologies and the
many features it offers.
The Opel Cascada delivers a sharp driving experience with its
super-rigid body, advanced HiPerStrut front suspension – initially
developed for the high performance Insignia OPC – and FlexRide adaptive
damping system. All occupants can enjoy the pleasures of open-air
driving thanks to the premium soft-top that opens at the touch of a
button in 17 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h, or also
via remote control when the car is at a standstill. True premium
features such as electric seatbelt presenters, electric Easy Entry
system, exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated
ergonomically designed seats and invisible safety systems all combine to
make life comfortable and safe.
Featuring a rich standard equipment, the Cascada is available to
order, with prices starting at just 25,945 euros (RRP incl. VAT in
Germany).
After several generations of compact Kadett and Astra convertibles,
Opel returns with the Cascada to an older tradition of prestigious and
rare mid-size, four-seat soft-top convertibles from the fifties and
sixties – like the Kapitän and the Rekord. The Cascada recalls that era
in a decidedly contemporary and refreshing way with the best of modern
technologies.
Attitude: Pure soft-top elegance enables full open-air enjoyment
With its broad stance and a flowing continuity of sculptured shapes
that is typical of Opel, the design of the Cascada reflects the classic
and timeless elegance of “Grandes Routières” from a glamorous, bygone
age. With the top down for open-air driving, the Cascada has an
absolutely clean profile. Behind the fast, gracefully raked A-pillars,
there is no visible roof top cover or rollover protection to disturb its
smooth silhouette. To add some visual drama to this simplicity of line,
a subtle Opel blade contour in the lower body side is mirrored by a
sharp crease that flows upward into the wraparound rear lights. The
gently upswept waistline is highlighted by a chrome strip which sweeps
elegantly around the cockpit. It delineates the boundary between the
roof top and body with fluidity and grace.
“We’ve given Cascada’s body this drama that makes it stand out from
all other convertibles”, says Malcolm Ward, Opel Lead Designer. “And
while most convertibles cultivate their looks with the top down only and
seem clumsy with their roof up, the Cascada always cuts a fine figure.
Even with the roof closed, it has a perfect, seamless profile.”
Tastefully sculpted with a purposeful power bulge, the hood flows
back from a deep grille which features bold chrome applications. The fog
lights are housed in inverted ‘shark fin’ elements, which are visually
highlighted by chrome inserts. Using LED technology, the daytime running
lights in the headlamps and the rear lights both incorporate Opel’s
signature wing feature. In the rear, the new generation of 3D
homogeneous LED modules is spread to give solid, sharp illumination, a
feature typical of premium class cars. A prominent chrome bar linking
the light units set into the trunk lid echoes the bold chrome trim at
the front.
Perfection: Simply the best engineering solutions for Cascada’s soft top
Top quality materials and engineering solutions, selected from
suppliers of the most prestigious premium convertibles, are used in the
Cascada’s soft-top system. Its structure uses magnesium components to
contain its weight, and its rear glass window sits almost flush to the
fabric, with a level of execution that so far is only available in
luxury roadsters. The Cascada’s premium soft-top also features superior
acoustic and thermal insulation from a special layer of polyester fleece
sandwiched between the outer and interior linings.
A standard electro-hydraulic power system, activated via a switch
between the front seats, opens the roof in just 17 seconds at driving
speeds of up to 50 km/h – placing the Cascada among the market leaders
for its soft-top operation. A remote control in the key fob for opening
and closing the roof is also standard equipment for all models. Three
soft-top colors, Black, Malbec-Red, and Sweet Mocca, are available at
launch. They can be coordinated with a palette of ten body colors,
varying from sporty Blue Buzz to elegant Phantom Grey, and luxurious
Dark Mahagony.
Indulgence: Crafted cockpit with outstanding comfort and functionality
The Cascada’s sculpted cabin features striking, sporty design
elements, highlighted by precise, handcrafted details. The wing-shaped
instrument panel – with authentic stitching on its soft, Morrocana
wrapped surfaces – flows into the doors to dynamically embrace the front
occupants. All seats are richly trimmed and available with several
elegantly embossed fabrics and leathers. Up-level AGR certified
ergonomic seats are upholstered in rich fabric or two leather qualities:
the black, perforated trim looks sportier, and the soft, opulent and
warm brandy-colored Nappa leather exudes comfort and luxury. Seat
heating is naturally available for both front seats; the leather seats
can also benefit from heat reflective protection and a ventilation
system: on hot, sunny days, fresh air is drawn through perforations to
optimize front occupant comfort.
The Opel Cascada is comfortable and practical for all-season daily
use, benefiting from a storage and stowage capacity which is
particularly generous for a convertible. Several useful, large storage
areas are located around the driver: in the door, in and under the
instrument panel and, thanks to an Electric Park Brake (standard in the
up-level Cosmo specification), in the center console – just where you
need storage space the most.
Trunk volume with the roof down is 280 liters, while up to 380 liters
are available when the soft-top is up. This positions the Cascada among
the top convertibles in terms of trunk space. To increase its load
volume or to transport exceptionally long objects (e.g. snowboards or
skis), the Opel Cascada benefits from the FlexFold system that
electrically releases and folds down the 50:50 split rear seat-back
rests. This feature, which cannot be offered in hard-top convertibles,
allows to enhance luggage compartment capacity to up to 750 liters and
to transport objects of up to 1,818 mm in length.
Being an all-weather, all-season convertible, the Opel Cascada has
all the features that allow everyday use without any constraints also
during the winter season. In addition to the perfect thermal isolation
of its soft top it also offers a heated steering wheel, parking heater,
quick heat systems and other features which stand for the cars’ everyday
practicality.
Excellence: Superior body stiffness combined with outstanding chassis technology
Body stiffness is a key requirement for open-roof vehicles, having a
major effect on driving dynamics, steering precision, acoustics, safety
and comfort. High body stiffness also conveys a feeling of genuine
quality and solidity. Several measures give the Cascada a superior
balance between torsional and bending stiffness. These include
impressive, crossed steel bars in the underbody and reinforced side
sills. This strong structure provides a solid base for the action of the
suspension components and contributes towards a significant reduction
in noise, vibration and harshness. Compared to Opel’s previous
generation convertible, the Astra TwinTop, the Cascada’s body is 41
percent stiffer in torsion and 27 percent stiffer in bending.
The new mid-size Opel Cascada has an impressive footprint, which benefits handling and stability, as well as the car’s visual appeal. The wheelbase (2,695 mm) is only 40 mm shorter than the one of the Insignia. Front and rear tracks measure 1,587 mm. The front track is 2 mm wider than the Insignia’s.
Cascada’s front axle features Opel’s best chassis technology as
standard, with a HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) suspension layout,
initially developed for the Insignia OPC. HiPerStrut separates the
functions of damping and steering, providing optimum traction and
cornering precision as well as reduced torque steer and improved grip in
all road conditions.
The Opel Cascada has electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering
with speed sensitive assistance. For more direct steering feel and
precision, the electric motor is mounted on the rack, instead of at the
base of the steering column.
FlexRide, Opel’s integrated fully adaptive chassis control system
with three settings (Standard, the comfort-orienterd Tour and the Sport
modes), is of course available in the Cascada. It enhances ride quality,
handling and safety by automatically adapting to different driving
conditions and driving styles, as well as the driver’s selected
preferences. The Opel Cascada can be equipped with 17 to 20 inch
wheels.
Refinement: New generation Direct Injection 1.6 SIDI Turbo ECOTEC gasoline engine
A broad powertrain line-up is available in the Opel Cascada
convertible. A 1.4 liter gasoline Turbo opens the engine portfolio. It
is combined with a manual six-speed transmission and is available with
power ratings of 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp. Both versions deliver up
to 220 Nm of torque with an overboost function.
 |
| Opel 1.6 SIDI Turbo ECOTEC gasoline engine |
At launch, the highlight in the Cascada powertrain line-up is the 1.6
SIDI Turbo ECOTEC gasoline engine. This mid-size, direct injection unit
is part of an all-new engine generation that makes its debut in Opel’s
new convertible and will also power other mid-size and compact models in
the line-up. The 1.6 SIDI Turbo ECOTEC boasts exceptionally smooth
power and torque delivery, as well as an outstanding refinement, which
perfectly fits to a convertible that is mostly used for cruising along.
It delivers 125 kW/170 hp, between 4,250 and 6,000 rpm, and up to 280 Nm
of torque thanks to an overboost function – the best torque value for a
1.6 Turbo engine in this power category. It can be fitted with a manual
six-speed gearbox combined with a Start/Stop system or with an
automatic six-speed transmission of the new generation. The 1.6 SIDI
Turbo ECOTEC also offers an excellent balance between performance (222
km/h top speed and 9.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h) and
fuel efficiency (6.3 liter/100 km, 148 g/km CO2).
 |
| Opel 2.0 CDTI BiTurbo diesel engine |
On the diesel side, the new, sophisticated 2.0 CDTI BiTurbo engine
with 143 kW/195 hp and powerful torque of 400 Nm will have its debuts
before summer. Using state-of-the art, sequential twin-turbo diesel
technology, it delivers an exceptional blend of high performance (up to
230 km/h top speed and 9.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h) and excellent
fuel economy (5.2 liter/100 km and 138 g/km CO2 only). It is mated with a six-speed manual gear box and Start/Stop system.
The well-known and fuel-efficient 2.0 CDTI with 121 kW/165 hp comes
with a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. This
engine delivers up to 380 Nm when overboost is engaged.
The Cascada is the first model in Opel’s line-up to receive the new
generation low-friction, six-speed automatic transmission. It features
an Active Select function which enables manual shifting for a more
sporty driving experience.
Serenity: Sophisticated technology and safety features
 |
| New Opel Cascada with AFL Bi-Xenon lights and Front camera |
The Cascada combines an open-air driving experience with the best of
Opel technology. This includes the intelligent AFL+ Adaptive Forward
Lighting system with up to ten automatic functions, the second
generation Opel Eye front camera with its new, extended functionalities - enhanced Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), a new
Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA), a rearview
camera and an Advanced Park Assist (APA) to ease parking maneuvers, an
ultra-sonic based Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
 |
| New Opel Cascada - Passive safety systems |
The Cascada’s extremely rigid passenger cell is fabricated mainly
from high-strength steel, minimizing body deformation to provide the
greatest possible survival space in the event of a crash. The doors have
diagonally mounted, ultra-high strength steel beams and belt ine
reinforcements. The A-pillars supporting the windscreen are in
press-hardened steel. And for roll-over protection, pyrotechnically
activated spring-loaded high-strength bars automatically deploy behind
the rear seats. These pop-ups are also triggered in other severe crash
situations – when the airbags are deployed – to prepare the vehicle for
possible secondary impacts which could result in a roll-over. Both front
seats benefit from active, two-way headrests and double seatbelt
pre-tensioners – and even the rear seatbelts also have pre-tensioners.
Designed and developed in Germany, the Cascada is built at Opel’s state-of-the art production facility in Gliwice, Poland.
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