2016 Buick Cascada Drops its Top at NAIAS
Another debut for Buick at this year's NAIAS is making the Cascada Convertible. As a matter of fact, this will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years. The stylish car utilizes new powertrain and chassis technologies, and just like the Avenir Concept, it has room only for four. The rigid body structure of the car feature sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension (based on the MacPherson strut design) and responsive Watts Z-link suspension in the rear. Oh, and have we mentioned the 200-horsepower (149 kW) that the turbocharged engine produces?
Since it is a convertible, it is important to mention that the top drops only for 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. 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 has a flowing, sculpted profile and windswept exterior design. Sleek headlamps flow into the front fenders, and feature integrated swing-shape light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights. Adding more to the distinctive appearance are the chrome trim bridges between the wing-shaped LED taillights.
Inside, the car is thoughtfully trimmed and comprehensively equipped. Take a look at the instrument panel, which is wrapped with soft-touch material. An authentic stitching is also at hand, while the heated front seats and steering wheel offer additional comfort.
The engaging driving experience is ensured by the 1.6L turbocharged powerplant, which is rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. Direct injection and variable valve timing complement the turbo engine's performance. The power unit is also backed by a six-speed automatic transmission.
The electric power steering system executes the steering inputs, while the stopping power is handled by standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Cascada runs on standard 20-inch wheels. The rigid body structure of the car includes a high-strength steel in strategic areas and it is the foundation for the Cascada's driving experience. The wheelbase measures 106.1-inch (2,695 mm), which of course enhances ride smoothness while enabling greater rear-seat legroom.
The Cascada Convertible goes on sale in early 2016.
2016 Buick Cascada Convertible Specifications:
| Model: | 2016 Buick Cascada |
| Body style / driveline: | two-door, four-passenger convertible; front-engine/front-wheel drive |
| Construction: | steel body-frame-integral |
| 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 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 |
Source: Buick
