Autoblog

Cadillac is borrowing a page out of its own book -- one written decades ago -- to offer consumers an interior in the 2007 Cadillac SRX that's hand-crafted by GM's finest.

The luxury crossover offers up a richer cabin thanks to what GM calls its "cut and sew" method, a manual manufacturing process allowing for decorative French stitching and hand-wrapped coverings on the doors, center console and instrument panel. The result is a hand-tailored appearance, higher quality, softer surfaces and an overall more luxurious feel, the automaker says.

Modern technology complements the old world craftmanship with an upgraded sound system for the 2007 model, including a standard Bose audio system with digital surround sound and a jack for an iPod or other media player.

(Full release and more pics after the jump)

UPDATE - replaced pics with sharper versions

[Source: General Motors]

2007 SRX: Cadillac Adds Hand-Crafted Elegance To Its Luxury Crossover

All-new interior enhances award-winning crossover

DETROIT -- The Cadillac SRX crossover, critically acclaimed for its innovative design in one of the industry's hottest new segments, now borrows a page from Cadillac's rich and elegant past. The 2007 SRX, launching in August, debuts a redesigned, hand-crafted luxury interior, bringing elegant Cadillac tradition into the modern world of the crossover vehicle.

The new SRX cabin utilizes Cadillac's new "cut-and-sew" interior process that combines advanced technology with the hand-rendered precision of expert craftsmen. Coverings for components such as the instrument panel, center console and door trim are cut, sewn and wrapped mostly by hand. This enables details such as decorative French stitching, and the near elimination of gaps and seams for a superbly tailored appearance. This is the same painstaking process applied to Cadillac's limited-production STS-V and XLR-V models, bringing old-world craftsmanship into the heart of the luxury marketplace.

"The SRX is the latest and most complete example of our new approach to interiors, blending advanced technology with the hand craftsmanship that was once, and is again becoming, a Cadillac trademark," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "This new interior adds to SRX's compelling package of design, performance, luxury and value, within the practicality of a crossover vehicle."

The 2007 SRX's redesigned cabin is more inviting and luxurious, with softer surfaces, new flush mounted switches and controls, and enhanced storage. The streamlined new design features a clever "hidden" storage compartment on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The wood trim on the passenger side deploys to reveal a surprisingly wide added storage bin above the existing glove box.

Another example of the detailed execution of SRX interior is also found on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The now-universal use of front air bags on new vehicles normally requires a visible "door" or opening in the dash. The hand assembly of SRX's instrument panel enables the passenger front air bag to be invisibly concealed. Craftsmen use a technique called "skiving" to carve tiny perforations into the reverse side of the material, through which the air bag can deploy. This eliminates the conventional plastic cover and the corresponding gaps seen on nearly all other vehicles.

The wood trim on SRX envelops the cockpit, starting on the rear doors and continuing to the front doors and through the instrument panel. The optional trim uses a particularly rich authentic wood called Sapele Pommele. Sapele (sa-pell-i) is an exotic wood from East Africa , rarely used on luxury cars, more often favored by makers of fine home furnishings and high-end acoustic guitars.

SRX's in-vehicle electronics and entertainment also receive a major enhancement for 2007. The renowned Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround ™ digital audio system is available as an option for the first time on SRX. The previous Bose system that had been optional now becomes standard. Also, SRX will offer a "theater" package consisting of Bose ™ 5.1 Cabin Surround ™ , DVD navigation and rear seat DVD entertainment. The audio system now also features an auxiliary port for connecting MP3 devices such as an IPod.

Named Car and Driver magazine's Best Luxury SUV for an unprecedented third consecutive year, the SRX luxury crossover delivers outstanding performance. The standard 3.6-liter V6 delivers good acceleration and fuel economy. The 2007 model also adds a six-speed automatic transmission (Northstar V8 models only) and a new Sport model. The Sport model includes a fresh exterior look with body-colored front and rear fascias and optional 18- or 20-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheels are the largest offered on any luxury crossover vehicle.