Media Europe

The all-new Cadillac SRX: a distinctive alternative in today's luxury crossover market segment

2009-02-27

Back to overview

Print   |  Word   |  Share This   | 

The all-new Cadillac SRX features a completely new design combined with an efficient, high-technology engine. The new SRX is a mid-sized luxury crossover which goes on sale in Europe with model year 2010.

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

The new SRX is designed for efficient performance, including a high-tech six-cylinder engine that is new to Cadillac. The new, 3.0L direct injected V6 engine employs technology that helps produce strong performance typical of larger-displacement engines. Direct injection enables a 25-percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. Fuel economy comparable with a mid-size family car is expected, but testing isn’t yet complete.

Performance and safety are enhanced by a standard 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, in addition 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 new 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 2,000 kilograms.

Distinctive design and craftsmanship
“Cadillac is known for bold design. The new SRX Crossover builds on that reputation,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac Global Design Director. “As with the new 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 new SRX features numerous advanced electronic features. Highlights include a “pop-up” navigation screen featuring 3D imaging; adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering; power lift gate with adjustable height setting; integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment. Bluetooth compatibility is standard.

Efficient performance
The SRX is powered by a new, fuel-efficient direct injected 3.0L V6 that delivers an estimated 262 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 with a smaller-displacement package.

The 3.0L direct injection V6 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 3.0 liter 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 revolutions per minute at constant highway speeds, while a manual shift lever control enables greater driver interaction when desired. The new SRX includes a driver-selectable “eco mode” that alters transmission shift points to minimize fuel consumption.

“The new 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 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.

Along with the 20” wheel package, the suspension includes a real-time damping system that adjusts shock damping rates in response to road conditions for 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 airbags, standard front seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side airbags, 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.


PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

Transmission

Chassis / Suspension

Brakes

Wheels / Tires

Exterior Dimensions

Interior Dimensions

Capacities

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication. Please visit our Media web site at http://media.cadillaceurope.com for updates.