Buick to Debut New Convertible: Thanks to Opel of Europe (Plus BONUS)

[Atomic]

Buick to Debut New Convertible
Thanks to Opel of Europe



Opel Cascada Soft-top Convertible, Above

Atomic, August 2, 2014

Automotive News [July 21, 2014] reports that General Motors is readying the two-door Opel Cascada convertible for sale as Buick's next "halo car" in the United States, possibly in early calendar year 2016 as a 2015-MY vehicle.

No word on whether there will be a name change but my own thinking is that Buick will take full advantage of its first "coupe" in decades and make the ragtop the division's very own with no reference to the car's Opel heritage. It would make little sense using the existing "Cascada" nameplate unless GM was merely carrying the car over as an Opel product to be sold in the states. However, this is not the case according to AN and General Motors' brass supplying an annual update on news of upcoming corporates changes, along with new products in development across the entire GM range of cars, trucks, SUVs and Crossovers:

- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- GMC

As Buick's next "image car" with expected tweaks befitting of this mission, luxury-sports tuning, and touching fulfilling Buick American and Canadian customer expectations of the brand and such, the Buick variant of its European brethren is deserving of a moniker befitting of an new contemporary North American sold Buick. When introduced here in the U.S., the car will likely get the same 259 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo 4 (four) found in the current Buick Regal and Verano sedans. 

In the words of Jalopnik:

The current Buick lineup in the U.S. is perfectly respectable, but it's a little boring. It could really use some spicing up. Since a new GNX isn't likely, we'll probably have to make do with the Opel Cascada, a very nice convertible from Europe... I say it's good news. The Cascada may not be the most sporting car to ever ditch its roof, but it would make a fun addition to Buick's lineup.

With a void left by the demise of the Chrysler 200 soft-top and the even sleeker 200 hardtop coupe/convertible, the uncertainty of a next generation Volkswagen Eos and the loss of the well received Toyota Camry Solara, this new ragtop could appeal to people who want a milder, non offensive looking, simply styled Opel based convertible.

On Wish List / Your Bonus
Atomic



Opel Insignia Estate Wagon*

NOTE: Pic of Estate Wagon* and following quote supplied by auto enthusiast Jalopnik

Onward, Cascada!

[Atomic]

Oops! My error. I mislabeled the Estate Wagon in my initial post. Since corrected, but in the event you saw it and for anyone seeking additional information on the Opel Insignia, an informative link...

Opel Estate Wagon Lineup for 2014-MY

https://www.opel.com/microapps/insignia/countrytourer.php

Above, Featuring Opel Insignia Country Tourer*

*Official Opel International Website

[Atomic]

Car and Driver Magazine
Vehicle Review

Car: 2014 Opel Cascada Cabriolet Coupe*

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2014-opel-cascada-cabriolet-first-drive-review

*Obviously, pre-Buick treatment

[MexicoCityM3]

Looks a lot like your average euro hard top convertible from Renault/VW/Pug. Not a fan of any car in this segment really.

[2o6]

Looks a lot like your average euro hard top convertible from Renault/VW/Pug. Not a fan of any car in this segment really.

It's an untapped market in the US. With the death of the Eos and Chrysler 200, there's no semi affordable four place convertible in our market.

[MX793]

It's an untapped market in the US. With the death of the Eos and Chrysler 200, there's no semi affordable four place convertible in our market.

I'm guessing there's a reason why Chrysler didn't develop a replacement for the 200 'vert and why VW stopped selling the Eos here...

[MexicoCityM3]

I'm guessing there's a reason why Chrysler didn't develop a replacement for the 200 'vert and why VW stopped selling the Eos here...

If you're the only player in the niche it can make sense even if the segment is tiny, that's right I guess. We get the CC Peugeots. I think you'd like them, not that there's anything wrong with that!

George Costanza : Gay Excuse - Not That There Is Anything Wrong With That :-)

[Atomic]

Some Immediate, Rather Fleeting Questions
on my Mind as I Think About
Buick's Upcoming Opel-based Four-cylinder Only
European Cascada Cabriolet Coupe Offering



2014 Opel Cascada Cabriolet, Above

Q: Can Buick improve upon this Opel and address any foreseen shortcomings for the car's NA debut?

Q: Will Americanizing the car damage the stunning European cabriolet coupe in any way whatsoever?

Q: Will the car as it stands today as a sexy 2014 model still be relevant in MY17?

Q: Will the upcoming convertible only body style Buick model Cascada be competitive against rumored rivals coming from Chrysler Corporation and other manufactures in the U.S.?

Q: Will mere nips, tucks and tweaks transform the Opel Cascada into a "tried and true" Buick or simply be little more than a generic ride -- something Buick has worked hard to overcome as of late?

Q: Is the Cascada Cabriolet worthy of Buick's (once coveted) "halo" title? If not, Q: Does the MY14 Opel as it exists in present form have the potential of Buick making all necessary changes to bring the car up to the standard as the division's latest image car from MY17 onward?

Q: Did Buick give up on a high performance coupe worthy of the classic Regal Grand National name and that of a high end, ultra luxurious modern day RWD and/or RWD based AWD Riviera luxury-sports coupe?

Q: Do any of you, fellow spinners/guests have any thoughts, opinions, additional info or insight of the topic, Buick, coupes, luxury cars or related?? Thnx, Atomic

BTW

:

Good to be back after yet another "set back" -- better off left for its own thread where and when appropriate or EVEN BETTER, lightheartedly in NYC at the 2015 NAIAS in April. No worries and thank you for your thoughts, prayers and 1:1 messages. This time, I intend on carrying on here with or without tending to future personal and/or family crises. Cars, posts, posting and Spinners equal THERAPY. That says it all 

Tom a.k.a. Atomic

p.s. This time, I intend on carrying here on with or without personal and/or family crises

[2o6]

I'm guessing there's a reason why Chrysler didn't develop a replacement for the 200 'vert and why VW stopped selling the Eos here...

I don't think that fiat platform can cost effectively accommodate a convertible.


And the Eos is old as shit

[Atomic]

2017 BUICK CABRIOLET
AS ENVISIONED BY BUICK ENTHUSIAST



Depicted Above: The 2014 Opel Cabriolet, Obviously Photoshopped (and Nicely Done, I Think),
Transformed Into One's Expectation of the Upcoming
Buick Convertible "Cabriolet" Coupe Due in North America Early 2016

[hotrodalex]

I'm guessing there's a reason why Chrysler didn't develop a replacement for the 200 'vert and why VW stopped selling the Eos here...

+1

[Atomic]

GENERAL MOTORS ANNOUNCES FIVE (5) YEAR PRODUCT PLAN FOR
BUICK NORTH AMERICAN MARKET
SOURCE: AUTOMOTIVE NEWS JULY 21, 2014

Only two (2) all new vehicle introductions where mentioned for Buick when GM outlined their five (5) year plan to Automotive News/AN last month. News regarding all existing models to follow the listing of these two new Buick entries, below. I am pleased to report that General Motors has no Buick's slated for discontinuation, as projected in July.

NEW MODELS SCHEDULED TO DEBUT / TIMEFRAME

(1) Convertible for MY17 (a.k.a. Model Year 2017)

- Opel Based "Cabriolet" Convertible Coupe and Subject of Thread (Name: TBD) Due 1st Half of 2016

(2) Mid-Sized SUV/Crossover for MY16

- All New Mid-sized SUV/Crossover to be called Envision* (in China, Anyway) Due 2nd Half of 2015

*Slotted in Size and Price-point between the Encore and Enclave SUV/Crossovers / Volume Leader Hopeful

CHANGES TO CURRENT LINEUP / TIMEFRAME

GM confirmed the continuation of all current four (4) door sedans and SUV/Crossovers for its Buick Division with redesigns in the works of each model in its 2014/15 lineup.

(1) Enclave SUV/Crossover

- Redesign Due 1st Half of 2017

(2) Encore SUV/Crossover

- Refreshening Due 1st Half of 2016
- Redesign Due in Calendar Year 2018

(3) LaCrosse Sedan

- Redesign Due 1st Half of 2016

(4) Regal Sedan

- Redesign Due 2nd Half of 2017

(5) Verano Sedan

- Redesign Due 1st Half of 2016

QUESTIONING WHETHER THERE MAY BE ANY SURPRISES
TO CATCH THE COMPETITION OFF GUARD, PERHAPS OR
PROJECTS AWAITING FINAL APPROVAL...
PERSONALLY, I DUNNO. WE CAN ONLY HOPE



No Word of a Production Variant of the Buick Riviera Concept, Above

[Atomic]

THE NEW FACE OF BUICK?

I recall Buick calling the front facia of the Riviera Concept, above, and body lines of the curvaceous coupe to be the influence of designs to come from the division. I hope so, as it should bring an even richer look across Buick entire lineup as new vehicles are introduced or resigned. Buick is said, per AW (07/21/2014) to be upgraded the next generation LaCrosse in size, design and packaging to better bridge the gap between the redesigned Chevrolet Impala family sedan and the luxurious Cadillac XTS. This will not only move the car apart for the Chevy Malibu, it will help differentiate it from the Regal in Buick's very own showroom -- a wise move, I think.

[cawimmer430]

The proportions on these things are all wrong IMO. They look bloated and "short" at the same time.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

This thing will sell by the tens, nay, hundreds of units a year.

Good move buick.

[Madman]

I see nothing wrong with naming it Buick Cascada.  It works just as well as anything else, I guess.  Buick's "old" names (like Regal, for example) have too much negative baggage attached to them.  Whenever anyone I know asks me about mid-sized sedans, one of the cars I usually mention is the Buick Regal.  And when I do, the reaction is always the same.  "Oh no, that's a geezer/old-man/grandma car.  I would NEVER buy that!"  I then try (typically in vain) to explain how today's Regal is nothing like geriatric Regals of old.  I'm certain the Regal's lacklustre sales have EVERYTHING to do with its unfortunate name.  They should have called it Insignia over here, too.  New car, new name, no negative baggage from the past.

I think the Cascada has potential over here, considering it will have essentially no direct competition.  Many convertible buyers just want a comfy cruiser and have no interest in an overtly sporty Mustang or Camaro.  With the Toyota Solara long dead, the Sebring/200 put out to pasture and the VW Eos on it's way out the door, the Buick Cascada becomes the default choice.

I'm a bit surprised to hear the Eos has been a flop, however.  I easily see at least a dozen a day, leading me to believe it was selling well.  Could it be a local anomaly?

[Raza]

The Eos is old now, but I used to see them all the time as well.  Not a bad driving car, either.  Soft and comfy, not a sports car at all, but I would imagine that appeals to most. 

It could do well.  The comfortable convertible market is basically gone, unless you want to shell out for an E class coupe convertible, which start at 60K.  This thing will obviously light no one's hair on fire, but it's attractive enough and with a well appointed interior and a low price tag, it could lure people in.

Although, I don't get the obsession with trying to reinvent Buick.  GM has so many brands in its firm they could easily bring these stylish new cars over under a different badge with much less baggage.  Hell, even Opel would seem shiny, new, and exotic to most car buyers, whereas Buick is old, stodgy, and smells a bit of adult diapers and stories about the war. 

[Tave]

The Regal GS is out of my price range otherwise I'd give it serious consideration towards my next purchase.

[2o6]

The Eos is old now, but I used to see them all the time as well.  Not a bad driving car, either.  Soft and comfy, not a sports car at all, but I would imagine that appeals to most. 

It could do well.  The comfortable convertible market is basically gone, unless you want to shell out for an E class coupe convertible, which start at 60K.  This thing will obviously light no one's hair on fire, but it's attractive enough and with a well appointed interior and a low price tag, it could lure people in.

Although, I don't get the obsession with trying to reinvent Buick.  GM has so many brands in its firm they could easily bring these stylish new cars over under a different badge with much less baggage.  Hell, even Opel would seem shiny, new, and exotic to most car buyers, whereas Buick is old, stodgy, and smells a bit of adult diapers and stories about the war.

Buick outsells both acura and Audi.

[Raza]

Buick outsells both acura and Audi.

Where did I say it didn't? Acura's lineup is among the ugliest and least exciting and Audi is on average much more expensive.

I'm not talking about sales, I'm talking demographics.

[Tave]

[2o6]

Where did I say it didn't? Acura's lineup is among the ugliest and least exciting and Audi is on average much more expensive.

I'm not talking about sales, I'm talking demographics.

Buick's average age is the lowest it's been ever

[CALL_911]

Regal's a good looking car, no question about it

[MX793]

Buick's average age is the lowest it's been ever

64.2?

[Colin]

This thing will sell by the tens, nay, hundreds of units a year.

Good move buick.

.......... that's about the rate at which it has sold in UK/Europe.

I think I've only ever seen one on the road in over a year since it went on sale.

[FoMoJo]

Never liked the Buick grille that was introduced circa 2000.  Most blah grille ever.  They need to change it before I like Buick again.  Used to love them.

[Madman]

This thing will sell by the tens, nay, hundreds of units a year.

Good move buick.

.......... that's about the rate at which it has sold in UK/Europe.

I think I've only ever seen one on the road in over a year since it went on sale.

I think much of that is down to Vauxhall's (and Opel"s) poor image over there.  GM has done about as shoddy a job of managing their European brands as they have of their American ones.  It will take several years and few truly outstanding cars for that reputation to change.  That said, I think the new Astra is a very strong contender in it's segment.  If GM can build on that, it will go a long way to burnishing Vauxhall/Opel's reputation in Europe.

Never liked the Buick grille that was introduced circa 2000.  Most blah grille ever.  They need to change it before I like Buick again.  Used to love them.

I agree on the waterfall grille.  It reminds me too much of the godawful Hyundai XG!

[Raza]

Yeah, it's a great looking car.

[Raza]

Buick's average age is the lowest it's been ever

That statistic means nothing without context. If the average age was 80 and is now 77 and everyone else is 50, it's still an old person's car in image.

[2o6]

That statistic means nothing without context. If the average age was 80 and is now 77 and everyone else is 50, it's still an old person's car in image.

Buick's average buyer age is 57, which isn't too bad for a luxury make. It's not like young people have an abundance of money to buy new cars, especially new luxury cars.