!NEW! Buick Cascada: Developed in Germany and Built in Poland

North American International Auto Show: Buick Cascada makes debut in Detroit

Powerful engine: 200 hp 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo 

First Buick convertible in 25 years: Four-seater at US dealers in early 2016

Successful synergies: Both the Buick Cascada (photo) and its Opel sister model were developed in Germany

Impressive presentation at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 12 - 25). Buick revealed its Cascada convertible, an elegant four-seater will go on sale in the USA in the first quarter of 2016. 

Successful synergies: Both the Opel Cascada (photo) and its Buick sister model were developed in Germany

This marks another example of the two brands’ successful collaboration, which already includes the jointly-developed Buick Encore and Opel Mokka, the Buick Verano and Opel Astra sedan as well as the Buick Regal and Opel Insignia.

Small SUV twins: The Buick Encore (photo) and the Opel Mokka are closely related to each other

Small SUV twins: The Opel Mokka (photo) and the Buick Encore are closely related to each other 

Elegant compact sedans: The Buick Verano (photo) and the Opel Astra share same technical platform

Elegant compact sedans: The Opel Astra (photo) and the Buick Verano share same technical platform

Elegant midsize sedans: The Buick Regal (photo) and the Opel Insignia share same technical platform

Elegant midsize sedans: The Opel Insignia (photo) and the Buick Regal share same technical platform

“The Opel Cascada was developed at our International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, where more than 6,000 engineers work on Opel models, but also on products for other GM brands. So we are constantly searching for synergies, and are delighted that there is now another Cascada for a new market with this Buick. This shows our outstanding engineering expertise while also increasing capacity utilization at our Polish plant in Gliwice,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. In Europe, the Cascada has won over customers and trade media alike, resulting in numerous awards including the Plus X Award in Germany and the Golden Steering Wheel in Switzerland. In Portugal, Turbo Magazine named it Convertible of the Year in 2014.

The Buick Cascada is powered by the super-efficient 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp. The four-cylinder unit delivers maximum torque of 300 Nm. The HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension precisely and comfortably transfers power onto the road, ensuring a smooth driving experience. The newest-generation turbo engine in the Buick is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Cascada’s special feature is its high-quality soft-top that opens in just 17 seconds at the touch of a button, also at driving speeds up to 50 km/h. The US four-seater comes with luxurious equipment such as 20-inch alloy wheels and leather seats that automatically slide forward to offer passengers easy access to the rear seat area. Highlights include the IntelliLink infotainment system with a seven-inch color touchscreen.

With the Cascada, Buick offers American customers an extremely emotional product – it is the brand’s first convertible in 25 years. In the USA, convertible market sales increased by three percent to more than 131,000 units from 2009 to 2013. This segment is distinguished by high customer loyalty: 37 percent of customers remain true to convertibles when they buy a new car. However, a good two-thirds of them change brands, which offers plenty of conquest potential for the Buick Cascada.

“We will continue to work closely with Buick in the coming years wherever it makes sense,” says Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. A sound approach, as both brands stand for similar values but do not get in each other’s way on international markets: Buick is sold in North America and China, Opel mainly in Europe. GM has already announced the production of a new Buick model in Rüsselsheim later in the decade. “This enhances capacity utilization at our Rüsselsheim plant, thereby increasing its efficiency,” adds Dr. Neumann.

Buick Enclave SUV

But that’s not all: the Australian brand Holden will also benefit from this global GM strategy. Opel will export vehicles to Australia and New Zealand this year. In addition to the Holden Astra GTC, the especially sporty VXR version and the flagship Insignia, there will also be a Holden Cascada. Dr. Neumann says: “This makes the Cascada a convertible triplet on three continents – a very nice compliment and even more proof of the appeal of our large convertible.”

Holden Astra VXR, Insignia VXR and Cascada convertible

!NEW! Top-Down Luxury Returns with 2016 Buick Cascada

• 2+2 convertible with distinctive design, premium features, refinement and 4G LTE connectivity
• Advanced chassis technologies – including HiPer Strut front suspension – and standard turbocharged performance
• Insulated soft-top system opens in 17 seconds at up to 31 mph

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible with roof down. Vehicle is shown in Technical Grey exterior color, ebony leather interior and 20-inch wheels.

Buick today introduced the 2016 Cascada – a dynamic, stylish convertible that uses innovative powertrain and chassis technologies to complement the driving experience.

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible driving with roof down. Vehicle is shown in Technical Grey exterior color and ebony leather interior.

The Cascada will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years and the latest globally developed vehicle to join the brand’s growing portfolio. It goes on sale in early 2016. 

“The new, 2016 Buick Cascada is a beautiful, engaging convertible that represents the very best of the brand’s global development practices,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “It’s a car that will delight customers with its fun spirit and help drive the momentum that’s fueling Buick’s success.”

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible, interior image taken from the top with roof down showcasing interior storage opportunities. Vehicle is shown in Technical Grey exterior color and ebony leather interior.

The Cascada’s 2+2 configuration offers comfortable room for four adults. Its expressive driving experience is rooted in a rigid body structure, Buick’s sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension and responsive Watts Z-link suspension in the rear – along with a 200-horsepower (149 kW) turbocharged engine.

And when it comes to dropping the top on a whim, it lowers in only 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. When it’s up, superior thermal and acoustic insulation contribute to driving comfort. 

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible, with roof in motion. Vehicle is shown in Technical Grey exterior color and 20-inch wheels.

“Cascada’s driving enjoyment is rooted in technologies that make it more comfortable and refined,” said Aldred. “Its features work harmoniously to provide a safe, connected and confidence-inspiring driving experience.”

Technology and safety highlights include:

• Buick IntelliLink with a seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen featuring Text Message Alerts, Siri Eyes Free for Apple phones with an iOS 6 or newer operating system and navigation

• OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot

• Electronic rear-seat entry system automatically powers the front seats forward by simply pressing the seatback forward. It moves the seats back when the seatback is returned to the upright position

• Electric safety belt presenters that use telescopic arms to slide the upper front safety belt assemblies from behind the front seat into closer reach for easier buckling

• Rollover protection bars that deploy behind the rear seats when the possibility of a rollover is detected

• Lane departure warning, rear park assist, rearview camera and Rainsense windshield wipers.

Distinctive design and thoughtful features

Designed from the outset as a convertible, the Buick Cascada has a flowing, sculpted profile, with fast-raked A-pillars that convey a wind-in-the-hair flair. When lowered, the top folds neatly and completely beneath a hard tonneau behind the rear seats, giving the car a pure open-air aesthetic.

“The Cascada’s design blends the suggestion of speed with sophisticated and uncompromising details,” said Holt Ware, Buick exterior design director. “Most convertibles are designed from existing coupes or sedans, meaning stowage of the top is an afterthought, but not this Buick. It looks handsome and has a premium appearance when the top is lowered – and a perfect, seamless profile when it’s up.”

The windswept exterior design is further accentuated with a sweeping body-side line and sleek headlamps that flow into the front fenders, with Buick’s signature wing-shape light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights delivering a distinctive appearance.

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible with wing-signature headlamp in focus.

Chrome trim bridges between the wing-shaped taillights, which are also LED-lit.

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible. Chrome trim bridges between the wing-shaped LED taillights.

The rear deck lid opens rearward to accommodate the folding softtop. The electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction – including acoustic and thermal barriers – designed for a comfortable ride in various conditions.

Inside, a thoughtfully trimmed and comprehensively equipped cabin reflects Buick’s renaissance. The instrument panel is wrapped with soft-touch material featuring authentic stitching, while heated front seats and steering wheel offer comfort in colder weather conditions.

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible, interior image showcasing the ambient lighting. Vehicle is shown with the ebony leather interior.

The Cascada also has plenty of storage space for the trappings of a weekend getaway, including 13.4 cubic feet (380 liters) of cargo room with the top up and 9.8 cubic feet (280 liters) with the top down. The rear seatbacks fold down electronically to expand cargo capability for longer items.

Turbocharged performance, engaging driving experience

The Cascada is driven by a 1.6L turbocharged engine rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW). With more than 100 horsepower per liter, it’s one of the most power-dense engines in the segment. It delivers strong torque, estimated at 206 lb-ft (280 Nm), with an overboost feature that briefly pushes torque to an estimated 221 lb-ft (300 Nm).

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible, 1.6L turbocharged engine rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW).

Direct injection and variable valve timing complement the turbo engine’s performance with efficiency. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission.

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible, interior image showcasing the center console area which includes the shifter, electrical park brake and the roof mechanism lever.

Power from the turbocharged engine is translated into driving enjoyment via the innovative suspension system, which employs the sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension pioneered on the LaCrosse and Regal.

HiPer Strut is based on the MacPherson strut design and features dual-path top mountings that separate the transfer of spring and damper loads to the body structure. It enhances ride and handling by reducing torque steer; more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control, and improved impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces.

A responsive Watts Z-link design helps center the rear axle during cornering, which helps keep the Cascada’s handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. The linkage’s capability to center the axle during cornering delivers a more-balanced driving experience because the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension.

The Z-link design is also lighter and requires less space than a typical fully independent rear suspension. The lower weight enhances efficiency, while the compact design enables the Cascada’s generous cargo room.

Steering inputs are executed by a fuel-saving, rack-mounted electric power steering system, while stopping power is handled by standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Cascada rolls on standard 20-inch wheels.

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible. Vehicle is shown in Deep Sky Metallic exterior color, ebony leather interior and 20-inch wheels.

A rigid body structure features high-strength steel in strategic areas, reinforced side sills and press-hardened steel in the A-pillars. It is the foundation for the Cascada’s driving experience, contributing to steering precision, ride quality and quietness – as well as safety. A 106.1-inch (2,695 mm) wheelbase enhances ride smoothness while enabling greater rear-seat legroom. 

Model:	2016 Buick Cascada
Body style / driveline:	two-door, four-passenger convertible; front-engine/front-wheel drive
Construction:	steel body-frame-integral (unibody)
Wheelbase (in / mm):	106.1 / 2695
Overall length (in / mm):	184.9 / 4696
Overall height (in / mm):	56.8 / 1443
Overall width (in / mm):	72.4 / 1839
Track (in / mm):	62.5 / 1587 (front and rear)
Engine:	1.6L turbo I-4 DOHC with direct injection
Horsepower (hp / kW):	200 / 149
Torque (lb-ft / Nm):	206 / 280 (221 / 300 with overboost) – estimated
Transmission:	six-speed automatic
Front suspension:	HiPer Strut with direct-acting stabilizer bar
Rear suspension:	compound crank (torsion beam) with Watts Z-link
Steering:	rack-mounted electric, variable-assist rack-and-pinion
Brakes:	four-wheel disc with ABS and stability control
Wheels:	20-inch aluminum
Cargo room (cu ft / L):	13.4 / 380 – top up 9.8 / 280 – top down

!NEW! Opel/Vauxhall Sell Almost 1.1 Million Vehicles in 2014

• Sales and market share increased in Europe in 2014 despite difficult environment
• Company expects further increase this year due to model offensive
• 85,000 orders for the new Corsa E

Driving force: New Opel Corsa E, which has already been ordered 85,000 times, is on its way to the dealers

In spite of the difficult economic environment, 2014 ended on a high for Opel/Vauxhall with the carmaker recording its best sales figures in recent years. According to preliminary figures, the company delivered around 1.076 million vehicles in Europe last year. This is equivalent to an increase of 35,000 cars or three percent. Opel thereby outgrew the overall European market that only registered growth of two percent. Opel’s share of the overall European vehicle market was up for the second year running – by 0.1 percentage points to 5.74 percent. Opel achieved its best sales figures and market share since 2011.

Successful: Opel ADAM has impressed in the trendy small car segment

“We recorded growth in more than 15 markets. Our modern range of cars managed to impress especially in the most important European markets,” said Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group. Amongst others, Opel grew in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain. Opel booked its largest sales volume increases in Poland (+ 42 percent), Ireland (+ 33 percent) and Portugal (+ 28 percent). The market share grew in more than twelve European countries.

Bestseller: Opel Mokka is the star in the sub-compact SUV segment

The economic situation in Russia where sales of the entire industry were down considerably in 2014 had a negative impact on the overall result. “Russia is one of our most important markets. Opel is obviously suffering from the ruble devaluation and buying resistance. The fact that we managed to increase our sales on a pan-European level in 2014 fuels our optimism for this year. We will definitely not rest on our laurels,” added Küspert.

Flagship: Opel Insignia played an important role in the good sales figures of 2014

Opel will continue its model offensive this year. The new Corsa E, which has already been ordered 85,000 times, will be at the dealers later this month. The new entry-level model KARL will follow in the summer and the compact model Astra will arrive at the end of the year.

“We will be able to offer our customers the best small car portfolio of all time with KARL, Corsa and ADAM. And our bestsellers, Corsa and Astra, which make up 50 percent of our sales will be renewed,” explained Küspert.

Opel’s large-scale product offensive will see 27 new models and 17 new engines brought to market by 2018 and the company wants to increase its sales figures further in the years to come. The carmaker has targeted a market share of eight percent in Europe by 2022.