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A tale of low octane fuel, a grenaded Cadillac SRX and GM's response

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Cadillac, Luxury

2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently, under certain circumstances when gasoline with lower than the required 91 octane rating is pumped into the 2010 Cadillac SRX with the available 2.8-liter, 300 horsepower turbocharged V6, a "mega knock event" can be induced, leading to a complete grenading of the engine. Not good.

The worrisome issue was discovered by Automobiles De Luxe, which happened to be road testing one of Cadillac's latest 'utes. The driver inadvertently pumped in 88 octane fuel, which led to the aforementioned mega knock event and subsequent destruction of the engine. General Motors says it wouldn't have happened if the correct grade of gasoline had been used.

So, open-and-shut case, right? Better use the premium. Not so fast. GM expedited the vehicle to its test center in Warren, Michigan, tore down the engine and came up with a "new calibration" for the engine's computer that will eradicate the possibility of such an event. Six 2010 Cadillac SRX turbos are being field tested in Death Valley to ensure the problem is solved.

The fix will be applied to all new 2010 SRXs and customers will get the revised calibration during regular dealer servicing. Nicely done, Caddy. We hold out hope that this is a sign that the New GM reacts much faster to potential problems than the Old GM.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T

[Source: Automobiles De Luxe]

A tale of low octane fuel, a grenaded Cadillac SRX and GM's response originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Cadillac lowers price on CTS Sport Wagon to give it more breathing room from SRX

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Crossover, Cadillac, Luxury

Cadillac shoppers wanting the CTS Sport Wagon basically expect a little bit more car for a little bit more money than a CTS. But when they got to the showroom and saw the bigger SRX crossover cost $6,000 less, the Sport Wagon fell off the charts. So Cadillac has dropped the price of the Sport Wagon by about $1,300 in a bid to give the CTS hauler more of a chance on the sales floor.

Now the CTS Sport Wagon starts at $38,265, while the SRX is $33,330. Before the price drop, the wagon was above the $40K mark, which added that psychological barrier to the sheer dollar amount. Load up either an SRX or a CTS wagon and you'll end up around $50K.

Now, is that initial $5,000 difference still too big, or is it close enough now to keep people's eyes on the Sport Wagon prize. Car shoppers have embraced crossovers in general. As such, even with the price changes, the SRX probably doesn't need to sweat having sales poached by the CTS Sport Wagon. The former has mainstream appeal, and the latter remains a niche product.

[Source: USA Today]

Report: Cadillac lowers price on CTS Sport Wagon to give it more breathing room from SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevy Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Good news has been in short supply for General Motors so far this year, but increased demand for its new products shows that the worst of times may be in the rear view mirror. Automotive News is reporting that GM may increase production of four new vehicles due to heavy demand. The new-for-2010 Chevy Equinox and Camaro, Cadillac SRX and Buick LaCrosse are reportedly under consideration. Equinox sales are so brisk (13,157 sales in August) that GM is considering adding production of the efficient crossover at a second plant. Expanding Equinox production could also happen if GM adds a third shift to its CAMI facility in Ontario.

One reason for the potential production increases stems from this summer's Cash for Clunkers bonanza. Inventory is now so low for many vehicles that a bump in production is inevitable. GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson reportedly told AN that the company knew it would have to eventually bump production and that its new products have done the best job of outstripping demand. GM is likely hoping that these fresh faces are hot enough that a sustained production bump is necessary, which may mean that some laid off employees could be called back to work.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: 2010 Cadillac SRX live [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Wagon, Crossover, Cadillac

Click image above for live gallery of the 2010 Cadillac SRX from Detroit

When the 2010 Cadillac SRX rolled onto the stage at the Detroit Auto Show, we knew what was to expect. But seeing it in the sheetmetal gave us a new found respect for the styling of the Caddy crossover.

It's an all-new vehicle for Cadillac, replacing the very competent, but slow-selling current model. The only carryover is the name, although a lot of the mechanicals have appeared in the corporate garage before. It also signals a switch for the General, as they've ditched the larger powertrains for an efficient direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 and a 300 horsepower, 2.8-liter turbocharged unit. Sounds like it will have performance to match its sexy good looks. Read all about the details and watch the live reveal after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Cadillac SRX

Continue reading Detroit 2009: 2010 Cadillac SRX live [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: 2010 Cadillac SRX live [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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