Buick lifts its top with Cascada (pictures)

Buick's new Cascada is the only convertible in its current lineup. The cloth top powers down in 17 seconds while the car is traveling at speeds up to 31 mph.

The front of the Cascada shows some new styling cues for Buick design, including subtle LED running lights.

Heavy contours mark the sides, and 20-inch wheels will come standard.

A single tailpipe at the rear expels the exhaust from a turbocharged, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine.

The tonneau cover on four-seater convertibles tends to necessitate a tubby look, which Buick mitigates through front and side styling.

The soft top uses an acoustic layer, which should lower road noise when occupants want a little shade.

Front seats incorporate side bolsters, hinting at Buick's sporting intention with the Cascada.

Buick calls the Cascada's seating 2+2, meaning the rear seats will be a strain for a full-size adult.

The Cascada's dashboard shows conservative styling, as it uses real gauges instead of an LCD panel. The center touchscreen serves as the interface for Buick IntelliLink.

The six-speed automatic transmission includes a manual shift mode.