15th January, 2009

Cadillac has unveiled the next-generation 2010 SRX Crossover, featuring a completely new design and more efficient, high-technology engine choices. This new model was previewed in Pebble Beach, California, USA, last August. The new Cadillac SRX is a mid-size luxury crossover heading to the Detroit Motor Show this week. And this Mexican built model is under consideration for Australia.

“The all-new SRX is a fresh and compelling crossover aimed squarely at the priorities of luxury buyers,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “With new technologies for increased efficiency and safety, the redesigned 2010 SRX Crossover focuses on both the emotional and pragmatic sides of the luxury consumer.”

The 2010 SRX is designed for efficient performance, including the choice of two high tech six cylinder engines that are new to Cadillac – the smallest displacement engines it offers in North America. A new, 3.0 litre direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a new, 2.8 litre turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both engines employ technology that helps produce strong performance that is typical of larger displacement engines. Direct injection enables a 25 per cent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions.

Performance and safety are enhanced by an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that is designed to optimise vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions. The AWD system includes an advanced electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that distributes torque as needed from side to side along the rear axle, as well as from the front to rear axle. The pre-emptive, active-on-demand system provides an extra measure of capability in wet or icy conditions.

The 2010 SRX rides on a wide track that was designed to deliver a nimble, responsive driving experience. It seats five, with generous occupant and cargo room, and can tow up to 1,587 kilogrammes.

Distinctive design and craftsmanship

“Cadillac is known for bold design. The 2010 SRX Crossover builds on that reputation,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac global design director. “As with the 2008 CTS, we advanced our Art and Science design to create a crossover for style-conscious customers. The exterior features a dramatic diving gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest.”

A multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac’s iconic vertical headlamps – with light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting – are the face of the SRX. They blend into a tightly wrapped, sweeping body that tapers downward at the rear, giving the vehicle a sporty profile, Dean said.

The SRX features a wide stance, minimal overhang and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. A bold accent line dives across the body side and culminates at a chrome front guard vent that incorporates a side marker lamp. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics.

“Inside the new SRX, technical precision blends with old-world craftsmanship,” Dean said. “Hand-cut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel and ambient lighting details convey a finely tailored cabin.”

An integrated centre stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while the navigation system rises from the centre of the instrument panel. A signature example of the SRX’s attention to detail is the Cadillac script logos in the front door sill plates that illuminate when the doors are opened.

Advanced technology and entertainment systems

The 2010 Cadillac SRX features numerous advanced electronic systems. Highlights include a “pop-up” navigation screen with three-dimensional imaging; adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in 'synch' with vehicle steering; power liftgate with adjustable height setting; integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment.

Bluetooth compatibility is standard, as is OnStar’s turn-by-turn navigation service for buyers who do not select the car’s navigation system option.

Efficient performance

The SRX is powered by a new, fuel-efficient direct injected 3.0L V6 that delivers an estimated 193 kW and is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct injection results in more power, better fuel economy and lower emissions, all will a smaller displacement package. As a result, the new V6 engine is expected to raise the SRX’s standard power rating, while achieving an estimated 10-15 per cent fuel economy improvement.

The 3.0L direct injection V6 is a smaller displacement version of the 3.6 litre, direct injection engine featured in the CTS sport sedan and named one of the world’s 10 Best Engines for 2009 by Ward’s Automotive. Along with direct injection technology, the 3.0L engine employs variable valve timing to optimise power and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission helps save fuel by lowering the engine’s rpm at constant highway speeds, while manual shift control enables greater driver interaction when desired. The new Cadillac SRX includes a driver-selectable “eco mode” that alters transmission shift points to maximise fuel economy.

“The 2010 SRX will deliver excellent, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather,” said Bob Reuter, global vehicle chief engineer. “The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. This system sets a new benchmark for all all-wheel-drive systems, giving the driver control and confidence on any road surface.”

Traction control is taken a step further on AWD models with the rear eLSD. In icy or wet conditions, the system can transfer up to 100 per cent of torque to the wheel that has more grip. The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high-speed manoeuvre, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the vehicle more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

The suspension includes a real-time damping system in conjunction with AWD that adjusts shock damping rates in response to road conditions for a smooth ride quality.

Enhanced safety

SRX’s safety features are designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash. A strong body structure and chassis that absorbs crash energy is complemented by the use of martensitic steel in the fully enclosed rocker sections. Martensitic steel is one of the strongest available and its use in the rockers helps protect against intrusion during a side-impact crash, while also maintaining the structure during front and rear crashes.

Additional safety features include standard head curtain side air bags, standard front seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags, front safety belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, rollover mitigation sensors, a pedal release system and trailer stability assist.

The SRX was also designed to meet European pedestrian protection standards; and the front bumper is positioned for greater compatibility with car bumpers.

Availability

Production begins in the second quarter of 2009 in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, with North American dealer availability planned for shortly thereafter.

An Australian release is possible at some later, if Australians 'warm' to the Cadillac brand. GM's famous top-of-the-line brand will be in local showrooms next month, with the release of the Cadillac CTS.

Exterior Dimensions

Overall length (mm):	4,833
Overall width (mm):	1,910
Overall height (mm):	1,668
Wheelbase (mm):	2,807
Front track (mm):	1,626
Rear track (mm):	1,620

Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity (front/rear):	2 / 3
Headroom (mm):	front: 1,009 rear: 976
Legroom (mm):	front: 1,047 rear: 923
Shoulder room (mm):	front: 1,481 rear: 1,430
Hip room (mm):	front: 1,408 rear: 1,391
EPA passenger volume (L):	2,848.6
EPA interior volume (L):	3,675.5
Cargo volume behind first-row seats (L):	1,732.4
Cargo volume behind second-row seats (L):	826.8

Capacities

Trailer towing maximum (kilogrammes):	3.0L: 1,136 (without towing package) 3.0L: 1,590 (with towing package) 2.8L: 1,590 (with towing package)
Maximum tongue weight (kg):	158
Fuel tank (litres):	79.5
Cooling system (litres):	3.0L: 11.7 2.8L: 11.9

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.