Buick has unveiled the 2016 Cascada, the first drop-top vehicle for the brand in the U.S. in 25 years.
DETROIT, MI - A day before before the media gets its first look at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Buick has unveiled the 2016 Cascada, the first drop-top vehicle for the brand in the U.S. in 25 years.
The top of the Cascada lowers in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph, according to Buick. It has a 2+2 configuration, meaning more room for passengers in rear seats.
The Cascada's 1.6L turbocharged engine produces 200 horsepower. The car goes on sale in the U.S. in early 2016.
"The new, 2016 Buick Cascada is a beautiful, engaging convertible that represents the very best of the brand's global development practices," Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick, said in a release. "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 arrives at a time that the Buick brand needs little help boosting sales.
Buick vehicles sales rose 32.4 percent to 20,357 units in December, and they increased 11.4 percent to 228,963 units for all of 2014
Every Buick model posted sales gains in December, including the Enclave, LaCrosse, Regal, Encore and Verano.
More than 40 vehicles are expected to be unveiled at NAIAS. The show runs Jan. 12-25 in Detroit. Press preview days are Jan. 12-13, followed by industry preview Jan. 14-15 and a charity preview on Jan. 16. The show will be open to the public Jan. 17-25. Some 800,000 attendees are expected to pass through the Cobo Center's doors for the event.
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter