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Monday, 5 January, 2009 9:57 PM
2010 Cadillac SRX: A Distincitve
Alternate for Today's Luxury Crossover Consumer
PHOTO
©GM Corp.
2010
Cadillac SRX
DETROIT
– Cadillac unveiled the next-generation 2010 SRX
Crossover today, featuring a completely new design and more-efficient,
high-technology engine choices. The new SRX is a mid-size luxury
crossover coming to the North American International Auto Show next
week.
“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, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a new, 2.8L
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-percent reduction in hydrocarbon
emissions. Fuel economy in the mid-20s on the highway is expected,
but testing isn’t complete.
Performance
and safety are enhanced by an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system
that is designed to optimize 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 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg).
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 fender 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
center stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while
the navigation system rises from the center 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
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 V-6 that
delivers an estimated 260 horsepower (193 kW) and is paired 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 V-6 engine is
expected to raise the SRX’s standard power rating by 5 horsepower,
while achieving an estimated 1 0-15-percent fuel economy improvement.
The 3.0L
direct injection V-6 is a smaller-displacement version of the 3.6L,
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 optimize 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 SRX includes a driver-selectable “eco mode” that
alters transmission shift points to maximize 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 percent
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
maneuver, 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, trailer stability assist and OnStar.The
SRX was also designed to meet European pedestrian protection standards;
and the front bumper is positioned for greater compatibility with
car bumpers.
Production
begins in the second quarter of 2009, with dealer availability shortly
thereafter.
Source: General Motors
PHOTO
©GM Corp.
2010
Cadillac SRX AWD features 6 standard air bags.
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