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.
PHOTO GALLERY
