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

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

Key features:

• 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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP2jirHCYEQ&feature=youtu.be

“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.”

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.

Buick Cascada Convertible, still side image with roof down. Vehicle is shown in Technical Grey exterior color, ebony leather interior and 20-inch wheels © General Motors

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.

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

“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.”

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

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.

Buick Cascada Convertible, 20-inch wheel in focus © General Motors

Distinctive design and thoughtful features

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 © General Motors

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.

Buick Cascada Convertible with wing-signature headlamp in focus © General Motors

“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.”

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Buick Cascada Convertible, 1.6L turbocharged engine rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW) © General Motors

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).

Buick Cascada Convertible, showcasing the telescopic arm safety seat belt presenter. Vehicle is shown with the ebony leather interior © General Motors

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

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.

Buick Cascada Convertible, interior image showcasing the center console area, ambient lighting and stitching details. Vehicle is shown with the ebony leather interior © General Motors

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.

Buick Cascada Convertible, showcasing rollover protection bars © General Motors

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.

Each 2016 Buick Cascada built will undergo extensive water testing as part of the production process, ensuring the interior remains watertight in inclement weather © General Motors

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.

Each 2016 Buick Cascada built will undergo extensive water testing as part of the production process, ensuring the interior remains watertight in inclement weather © General Motors

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNSGYl6zUis&feature=youtu.be

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.

The Buick Avenir concept makes its world debut during a special event Sunday, January 11, 2015 on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The flagship sedan offers seating for four, full LED exterior lighting, and 21-inch wheels in its premium sports proportions. (Photo by Jeffrey Sauger for Buick)

General Motors President Dan Ammann introduces the 2016 Buick Cascada at its world debut during a special event Sunday, January 11, 2015 on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The globally developed Cascada offers room for four adults. It will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years. The Buick Cascada goes on sale in early 2016. (Photo by John F. Martin for Buick)

2016 Buick Cascada convertible makes its world debut at a special event Sunday, January 11, 2015 on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The globally developed Cascada offers room for four adults. It will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years. The Buick Cascada goes on sale in early 2016. (Photo by John F. Martin for Buick)

2016 Buick Cascada convertible makes its world debut at a special event Sunday, January 11, 2015 on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The globally developed Cascada offers room for four adults. It will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years. The Buick Cascada goes on sale in early 2016. (Photo by Jeffrey Sauger for Buick)

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