Motor Authority - blog Category: SRX

On the far corners of GM's Milford proving grounds, you see lots of streaks broken. Rubber streaks, left behind by test Corvettes and Camaros running off in ways you don't want to imagine. And as he shuttles a new 2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo in the wake of greatness, our GM test driver explains his last black mark on the track--a braking loss at 147 mph.

It ended without drama, but it made us all the more anxious to take the wheel of the latest SRX, a turbocharged version of the new crossover Cadillac puts in showrooms in October. While stock SRX crossovers get a direct-injected 3.0-liter V-6 with 265 horsepower, the 2010 SRX Turbo sidles up to... On the far corners of GM's Milford proving grounds, you see lots of streaks broken. Rubber streaks, left behind by test Corvettes and Camaros running off in ways you don't want to imagine. And as he shuttles a new 2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo in the wake of greatness, our GM test driver explains his last black mark on the track--a braking loss at 147 mph. It ended without drama, but it made us all the more anxious to take the wheel of the latest SRX, a turbocharged version of the new crossover Cadillac puts in showrooms in October. While stock SRX crossovers get a direct-injected 3.0-liter V-6 with 265 horsepower, the 2010 SRX Turbo sidles up to the stop sign on the GM proving grounds with a full 300 horsepower, 221 pound-feet of torque, and a slightly smaller displacement of 2.8 liters. All said and done, and coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, the stock 2010 SRX hits 60 mph from a standstill in about 8.5 seconds and consumes unleaded gas at a rate of 18/25 mpg. The turbo version? Cadillac estimates 0-60 mph times drop to the mid-7-second range with the new engine. What we notice first, around the tight turns that corkscrew into rural Michigan woods, is the engine's lack of a distinct turbo whistle or wastegate noise. Boosted engines customarily whistle while they work, but this turbo V-6 damps out the distinction from the non-turbo V-6. It's just faster--and with a much flatter torque curve, it's a steady pull forward that will feel familiar to those of you who've driven the VW/Audi turbocharged engines. The 2010 SRX offers only six-speed automatics, but with the turbo version, there are some driver-selectable tweaks to be made. The CTS' paddle shifters are nowhere to be found, but the SRX Turbo automatic offers a Sport mode that holds gears longer and tightens steering and shift points, and an Eco mode that remaps the throttle and cues quicker upshifts to conserve fuel. In Eco mode, engineers report a 1-mpg increase in fuel economy, though since the EPA averages the Eco mode with steady-state driving, the Turbo's fuel economy ratings are still rated at 16/23 mpg. That's still competitive with the Audi Q5, Benz GLK and BMW X3, none of which comes close to the SRX Turbo's power output. The SRX Turbo also tows 3,500 pounds. The drivetrain is the only difference from other normally-aspirated, all-wheel-drive SRXs. The Turbo version shares the Haldex all-wheel-drive system, "FE3" suspension settings and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) with the most expensive non-turbo SRXs. CDC is like the driver-selectable system in the Audi Q5; it's not perfect and gives the steering and ride some "digital" quality, but there's no doubting its smooth, composed ride and clean, responsive steering at speed.In fact, the 2010 SRX has some of the best steering and ride feel in this class, more like a sports sedan than a kludgy crossover like, oh, say, the Lexus RX350. Our objections with any of the 2010 Cadillac SRX crossovers are few. If you don't care for its highly stylized shape and wide-ranging use of metallic plastic inside, you're out of luck--and you're in a minority. Pricing is appropriately rich, for better or worse. The SRX Turbo runs just under $50,000, essentially $3000 more than a well-optioned, non-turbo SRX. At least there are precious few boxes to tick on the order form; once you've selected the all-wheel-drive SRX, you opt for the turbo engine, then add on chrome wheels, heated seats and an entertainment system if you like. A $55,000 sticker price is within easy reach. And still, the 2010 Cadillac SRX is among our favorites in this class. It's a glitzy good-looker, ranking with the more sophisticated Audi Q5 in this department. It feels better than the other Germans, and handles with more authority than the XC60. Is it truly the tops in its class? Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the SRX as Motor Authority pits it against the Q5 and other challengers. ----------------------------- Cruise the High Gear Media network! Click over to TheCarConnection for experts reviews of every new vehicle; MotorAuthority for luxury and performance-car news, reviews, and spy shots; GreenCarReports for news and reviews of the latest earth-friendly cars; and CelebsandCars to see how the stars roll.2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo in MichiganSneak peek: 2010 Cadillac SRX at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show Read More

Cadillac’s North American model lineup is about to expand with the addition of two exciting new models: the 2010 model year SRX crossover and CTS Sport Wagon. The first model to go on sale will be the SRX, which Cadillac has confirmed today will be priced from $34,155 when it arrives in showrooms next month. The CTS Sport Wagon, meanwhile, will arrive later this summer.

The midsize luxury crossover segment remains strong in the U.S. despite new vehicle sales reaching 30-year lows. The segment currently accounts for nearly one quarter of all luxury vehicles sold in the U.S. market, and with its fuel-efficient engines and generous... Cadillac’s North American model lineup is about to expand with the addition of two exciting new models: the 2010 model year SRX crossover and CTS Sport Wagon. The first model to go on sale will be the SRX, which Cadillac has confirmed today will be priced from $34,155 when it arrives in showrooms next month. The CTS Sport Wagon, meanwhile, will arrive later this summer. The midsize luxury crossover segment remains strong in the U.S. despite new vehicle sales reaching 30-year lows. The segment currently accounts for nearly one quarter of all luxury vehicles sold in the U.S. market, and with its fuel-efficient engines and generous equipment list the SRX is poised to become a success. Key competitors include the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and BWW X3 and X5 SUVs. Cadillac has decided to offer the SRX with a single engine option, in this case a 3.0L direct-injected V6 with 260hp (193kW) and 221lb-ft (300Nm) of torque on tap. Its makers say fuel economy in the mid-20s on the highway is expected, but testing isn’t complete. A six-speed Hyrdra-Matic 6T70 automatic transmission also gets revised ratios to help cut fuel usage, while a standard AWD system improves handling in both dry and inclement weather. Standard safety equipment includes a range of front, side and curtain airbags plus dual pre-tensioners and load limiters on the front seat belts. A rollover mitigation sensor ties into the traction control system to kelp keep the shiny side up, and trailer stability assist helps keep the cart from getting before the horse. Production of the vehicle will be handled at GM’s Ramos Arizpe facility in Mexico, which will also be responsible for Saab’s upcoming 9-4X crossover. For more details on the SRX check out our previous story by clicking here.2010 Cadillac SRX crossover Read More

Sporty, luxurious crossovers, like the crossover niche in general, haven't had the success the industry might have hoped for. Nevertheless, there is a definite market for the vehicles, and Cadillac has just unveiled its latest contender for the driveways of those buyers.

Cadillac gave us a sneak preview of the 2010 SRX at the 2008 Pebble Beach Show, and later in a video as it flung snow about, powersliding over a frozen lake. Designed to offer similar aggressive style and sporty handling to the award-winning CTS sedan but also with clear cues from the fuel-cell Provoq concept, the SRX crossover features the a pair of direct-injected V6... Sporty, luxurious crossovers, like the crossover niche in general, haven't had the success the industry might have hoped for. Nevertheless, there is a definite market for the vehicles, and Cadillac has just unveiled its latest contender for the driveways of those buyers. Cadillac gave us a sneak preview of the 2010 SRX at the 2008 Pebble Beach Show, and later in a video as it flung snow about, powersliding over a frozen lake. Designed to offer similar aggressive style and sporty handling to the award-winning CTS sedan but also with clear cues from the fuel-cell Provoq concept, the SRX crossover features the a pair of direct-injected V6 engines and the option of AWD. The smaller of the two engines, at 2.8L, packs 300hp (224kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) thanks to its turbocharged induction. The larger 3.0L unit, which is just a reduced-displacement version of the 3.6L direct-injection V6 found in the CTS, offers 260hp (193kW) and 221lb-ft (300Nm) of torque. Cadillac says fuel economy "in the mid-20s on the highway is expected, but testing isn’t complete." The six-speed Hyrdra-Matic 6T70 automatic transmission also gets revised ratios to help cut fuel usage. An AWD system improves handling in both dry and inclement weather. “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.” Four-wheel discs with 13.6x1.2in (345x30mm) rotors up front and 12.4x0.9in (315x23mm) in the rear offer ample stopping power for attacking twisty canyon roads or slowing a trailer on the highway. With seating for five and 61.18cu ft (1,732.4L) of cargo area with the seats folded down or 29.2cu ft (826.8L) of cargo space behind the second-row seats, the SRX is also capable of towing up to 3,500lb (1,590kg) with a maximum tongue weight of 350lb (158kg). To get to the maximum figures, however, you'll need to equip the optional towing package. Standard safety equipment includes a range of front, side and curtain airbags plus dual pretensioners and load limiters on the front seat belts. A rollover mitigation sensor ties into the traction control system to kelp keep the shiny side up, and trailer stability assist helps keep the cart from getting before the horse. The SRX begins production at the Ramos Arizpe facility in Mexico in Q2 2009, and hits the showroom floor immediately after. Pricing has not yet been announced.2010 Cadillac SRX crossover Read More

The Cadillac SRX has been officially revealed. Click here to view the story.

Cadillac's new SRX crossover isn't due to hit the streets until mid-2009, but the company released a preview of the car as it will look in production guise at this year's Pebble Beach Auto Show, and now a video of the car thrashing through what appears to be a Michigan winter has been revealed.

Already the car has been caught several times by spy photographers as it undergoes testing. The key themes General Motors is emphasizing in the new crossover SUV are the fresh appearance and dynamic styling.

Perhaps seeking to shake off some of the staid perception of... The Cadillac SRX has been officially revealed. Click here to view the story. Cadillac's new SRX crossover isn't due to hit the streets until mid-2009, but the company released a preview of the car as it will look in production guise at this year's Pebble Beach Auto Show, and now a video of the car thrashing through what appears to be a Michigan winter has been revealed. Already the car has been caught several times by spy photographers as it undergoes testing. The key themes General Motors is emphasizing in the new crossover SUV are the fresh appearance and dynamic styling. Perhaps seeking to shake off some of the staid perception of the brand, which is, in part, already happening thanks to the CTS and its supercharged big-brother, the CTS-V, Cadillac is pitching the new SRX as a continuation of that new design inspiration. The appearance shares enough of the styling of the two sedans to make missing the connection difficult. It also shares thematic traits with the Provoq Concept shown earlier this year. Before the car goes on sale about a year from now, it will make the rounds at the major car shows, starting later this year, possibly with the Paris Motor Show in October. The company is saving the car's technical details until then, but hints at AWD capability with its talk of wet-weather traction and possibly the inclusion of the 3.6L direct-injected V6 by reference to 'excellent driving dynamics'.2010 Cadillac SRX Sneak Preview2010 Cadillac SRX plays in the snow Read More

The Cadillac SRX has been officially revealed. Click here to view the story.

Though little is known about the expected all-new 3.0L 'High Feature' (HF) V6 engine at General Motors, the latest reports indicate it will be headed into the engine bays of both the 2010 Cadillac SRX and the Chevrolet Equinox. The engine has been in development for some time, and early indications are that it will be good for 250hp (186kW).

In the Equinox, a new 2.3L direct-injection four-cylinder will also be available, but it appears that the V6 may be the standard engine for the SRX, with the 3.6L direct-injection V6 being that car's upgrade path, reports GM... The Cadillac SRX has been officially revealed. Click here to view the story. Though little is known about the expected all-new 3.0L 'High Feature' (HF) V6 engine at General Motors, the latest reports indicate it will be headed into the engine bays of both the 2010 Cadillac SRX and the Chevrolet Equinox. The engine has been in development for some time, and early indications are that it will be good for 250hp (186kW). In the Equinox, a new 2.3L direct-injection four-cylinder will also be available, but it appears that the V6 may be the standard engine for the SRX, with the 3.6L direct-injection V6 being that car's upgrade path, reports GM Inside News. Previous reports had placed the output of the SRX's smaller V6 engine at around 210hp (157kW) with the 3.6L unit generating 300hp (224kW), but with the expected power rating of the 2.3L four-banger in the Equinox nearing the 200hp (149kW) mark, it would make sense for the 3.0L HF engine's rating to more nearly split the difference. Spy shots of the SRX reveal that much will be shared under the skin with the next-generation Saab 9-4X, since both are built around a heavily revised version of GM's Theta platform. Visually, however, the vehicles are expected to be quite different, with the Saab's rounded profiles giving way to sharp angles and edges in the Cadillac. The Equinox meanwhile will gain increased importance for GM's SUV lineup as the future of its full-sized SUVs transitions to the more economical Lambda platform. The Equinox's option of a powerful four-cylinder and a smaller and more efficient V6 in the form of the HF could be just the ticket for finding the company's way through future CAFE standards and fuel prices that are likely to return to higher levels. On the other hand, the lack of power and size leaves much utility on the table, and it remains to be seen whether Americans will be able to give up their full-size SUVs on a permanent basis. Fuel efficiency and other data are even more nebulous than the power figures for the 3.0L HF V6 at this point, but given the mid-size SUV application, expect highway economy figures in the low to mid-20mpg range for the SRX and possible nearing the upper 20mpg range for the Equinox.2010 Cadillac SRX Sneak Preview2010 Cadillac SRX spy shots August 2008 Read More

The Cadillac SRX has been officially revealed. Click here to view the story.

Spy shots of Cadillac’s future midsize SUV emerged and now images of its Saab cousin, the upcoming 9-4X, have surfaced as well. Both cars are built around a heavily revised version of GM’s Theta platform although their styling will differ significantly. Comparing the images, the Saab prototype clearly has a different A-pillar to the Cadillac and the faint outline of a traditional Saab grille can be seen through the camouflage.

According to the Saab prototype’s registration details, it’s a running a 284hp (209kW) petrol V6 engine mated to a... The Cadillac SRX has been officially revealed. Click here to view the story. Spy shots of Cadillac’s future midsize SUV emerged and now images of its Saab cousin, the upcoming 9-4X, have surfaced as well. Both cars are built around a heavily revised version of GM’s Theta platform although their styling will differ significantly. Comparing the images, the Saab prototype clearly has a different A-pillar to the Cadillac and the faint outline of a traditional Saab grille can be seen through the camouflage. According to the Saab prototype’s registration details, it’s a running a 284hp (209kW) petrol V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It’s also fitted with 255mm tires on 18in wheels, measures in at 495cm in length and 192cm across, and tips the scales at a hefty 2,180kg. No further details have been released about the Cadillac model but recent reports claim the new model could keep the SRX name, and be available with either a 210hp (157kW) 2.8L V6 or a 300hp (224kW) 3.6L V6. The new SRX will be targeted at premium compact SUV and crossover models such as the Land Rover Freelander (LR2) and BMW X3 and could be fitted with diesel and hybrid powertrains in addition to a regular petrol lineup. These latest spy shots give us a clue as to what the new car’s profile will look like, and its general proportions. However, there’s also a revealing interior shot, showing a neat centre console with signature Cadillac layout for the controls and vertical air vents. GM has also confirmed that the SRX will spawn a sister model for Saab based on the 9-4X concept car from January’s Detroit Auto Show. Also, both vehicles will be built a plant in Mexico starting early next year. 2010 Cadillac SRX spy shots August 2008 2010 Cadillac SRX spy shots June 2008 2010 Saab 9-4X 2008 Cadillac Provoq concept2010 Cadillac SRX spy shots August 20082010 Cadillac BRX spy shotsCadillac BRX and Saab 9-4x comparison2008 Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept Read More