Opel Cascada (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Opel Cascada (2013) | These are typical Cascada momentsHeading to the top of Opel's line-up, the Opel Cascada is a midsize convertibles not only by its size (length: 4.697 mm, width 1.840 mm excl. Mirrors) but also by its allure and the premium technologies and features it offers. The Opel Cascada provides a sharp driving experience thanks to its super-rigid body, HiPerStrut front suspension and FlexRide adaptive damping system. Thomas Sedran, Deputy Chairman of Management Board of Adam Opel: "The midsize segment cabriolet is only occupied by very high-priced cars from premium manufacturers. With the Cascada, Opel offers all the typical features and qualities of a premium midsize convertibles, but at an affordable price.

The Opel Cascada's provides a superior balance between torsional and bending stiffness thanks to several measures Including impressive underbody crossed steel bars and reinforced rocker profiles. Compared to previous generation Opel's cabriolet, the Astra TwinTop, the Cascada's body is 43% stiffer in torsion and 10% in bending. The new Opel midsize Cascada naturally has a more impressive footprint than the 2006 compact Astra Twin Top. The wheelbase is 71 mm longer, the front tread 56 mm and the 70 mm wider rear tread. HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) separates the functions of damping and steering and provides highest traction and cornering precision as well as reduced torque steer and improved grip under all circumstances. The Opel Cascada has electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering with speed sensitive assistance. FlexRide, Opel's integrated, fully adaptive chassis control system is of course available in the Cascada. The Opel Cascada can be equipped with 17 "to 20" wheels.

The Opel Cascada combines an open-air driving experience with the best of Opel technology. This includes the AFL + Adaptive Forward Lighting system with up to 11 automatic functions, the second generation Opel Eye front camera with its new, extended functionalities (enhanced Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning, new Following Distance Indication and Forward Collision Alert), a rear -view camera and an Advanced Park Assist that EASES parking maneuvers, an ultra-sonic based Side Blind Spot Alert, ergonomic front seats, a heated steering wheel, and Hill Start Assist. Doors have diagonally mounted ultra-high strength steel beams and beltline reinforcements. In case of a roll-over, pyrotechnically activated spring-loaded high-strength bars automatically deploy behind the rear seats. Front seats both benefit from two-way active headrests and double seat belt pre-tensioners and even the two rear seats have seat belt pre-tensioners.

A broad powertrain line-up will be available in the Opel Cascada convertible. The highlights in the Opel Cascada powertrain line-up will be the 1.6 SIDI Turbo ECOTEC gasoline engine. It delivers 125 kW/170 hp, between 1.650 and 3.200 rpm - and 280 Nm thanks to an overboost function. This engine will be available with manual and automatic 6-speed transmissions. The new, low-friction 6-speed automatic transmission in the Cascada features an Active Select function that Allows manual shifting for a more sporty driving experience. More powerful versions of both gasoline and diesel engines will be Launched in the Opel Cascada at a later stage.