From the time GM linked its Opel and Buick brands, whenever the German company comes out with a new model, the question arises whether the Detroit automaker should bring it to North America.
Currently, of the six Buick vehicles sold in the States, three are based on Opel models: the Verano compact sedan (Astra Sedan), the Regal mid-size saloon (Insignia) and the Encore small crossover (Mokka).
This week, Opel and its British sibling Vauxhall lifted the wraps off a new model, the Cascada soft-top convertible born from Astra and Insignia underpinnings.
The automaker made it a point to note that at 184.9 inches (4,697mm) long, the Cascada is 2.8 inches (71mm) longer than the Audi A5 Cabriolet, though at 72.4 inches (1,840mm) wide, it's 0.6 inches (-14mm) narrower than the model from the brand with the four rings.
The sleek four-seater gets a hood that opens in 17 seconds at the touch of a button, and at least in Europe, will launch next year with an initial choice of three engines, including GM's brand new 1.6-liter Turbo petrol with 168Hp (170PS), a 1.4-liter petrol generating 138hp (140PS) and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel with 163Hp (165PS).
Opel has said that it will enhance the range with more engines at a later phase.
Officially, General Motors has not said whether it plans to offer the Cascada in North America (under the Buick brand, of course), but according to a report from Autoweek, company sources have suggested that it may have already "been met with approval".
One insider told the news site that, "[GM CEO] Dan Akerson was so thrilled about the Cascada that he asked: 'Why don't we bring it to the U.S.'"
It is also reported that GM's original plan was to offer the Cascada in both convertible and coupe body styles, but Opel's financial situation as well as the economic crisis in Europe forced the company to place the latter's development on hold for the time being.
For today's poll, we would like your opinion on whether GM should place Buick's badge on the Cascada and offer it in North America.
POLL: Should GM Sell the Opel Cascada as a Buick in North America?
18 Comments:
I'm not a fan of convertibles but this car looks sweet.
Yes, but with Hard top!
i'm guessing it woould be marketed as a buick. at least there will be more old people riding in style.
its too chrysler 200 looking...and that isnt a good thing.
Freaking beautiful. This would give GM a total of 3 good looking cars in the US (Camaro & 'Vette)
On of the best looking convertible out there - not just out mid-range convertibles but out of all of them.
This is one of the best Opel cars I have seen so far, and I am not an Opel fan...
But I agree it should be a hardtop version.
Really good looking car this one. And it's a good thing they decided to go for the soft top. It solved the problem that the astra twin top had with the joining of the roof with the rest of the body that resulted in a bad looking profile and rear end. The soft top allows a more sleeker image. The Cascada looks brilliant.
Chrysler 200? Really? Chrysler only wish the 200 looked this good. I think the lines are closer to that of the BMW 6 series convertible, only better!
I think the reaction that Akerson had to the car speaks to the larger problem (still) plaguing GM. If his comment was taken at the time of this car's public reveal, then what was going on during it's development? Seriously, I realize the CEO can be a busy guy, but he should be aware of EVERY car under development to be released by his company. How was this discussion not had at the time the project was green-lit, especially when you take into consideration that Opel needs to sell every car it can? Honestly the teams at Buick and Opel should be working very closely together by now so that when a car that would be mutually beneficial to both groups comes up the pipe, they are presenting it together for both markets. Between this fractured mentality and the creative accounting that seems to be going on there that somehow puts Opel in Vauxhaul so far into the red, it isn't going to be long before GM finds itself staring into the void again....
Hard-top convertibles are a waste of space and weight. The only car that has a hard-top and doesn't sacrifice boot-space or suffer ill weight issues is the MX-5. All the others would be better served by a properly designed cloth top. Hard top convertibles are a fad who's time is winding down.
Bring Astra OPC instead!
Build it along with a hard top and call it the Riviera.
If they keep it looking exactly like that in the photos then yes. If they give they change the taillights and headlights and grille with Buick-like ques then no, keep it there.
It will make a terrific addition to the Buick lineup
Sculpted shape looks very high-end
They should bring it to the US. But not as a Buick shey should make it a Cadillac.
Being an owner of a GS with a stick and brembo, I buy this car in a heart beat
Great Idea
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