Autoblog

Cadillac SRX scores Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Chris Shunk — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Cadillac, Luxury

2010 Cadillac SRX IIHS testing - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash rating system, earning a score of "Good" is the best any automaker can hope for. And if a vehicle receives a score of "Good" for front, side, rear and and rollover crash protection and the vehicle has standard electronic stability control that car, truck or SUV becomes an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The 2010 Cadillac SRX became the 15th midsize SUV to be awarded with the desirable designation after the hot-selling crossover passed the rollover crash protection test with flying colors. The SRX had already received a "Good" score for its performance in the other crash tests.

The current government standard for roof safety is that it needs to be able to support 1.5 times the overall vehicle weight. The roof of the SRX proved to be able to hold 4.14 times its weight, nearly tripling the standards required by the feds. The IIHS tests roof strength by pushing a metal plate against one corner of the roof at a constant rate of speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before the roof collapses by five inches is compared to the vehicle weight to determine the strength-to-weight ratio. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX IIHS testing

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Cadillac SRX scores Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Cadillac SRX scores Top Safety Pick from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling select 2010 Cadillac SRX crossovers over engine failure fears

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 27 May 2010 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Cadillac, Luxury

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

In a completely expected move, General Motors has just recalled 2010 Cadillac SRX crossovers that are equipped with the turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 engine due to the possibility of engine failure. The problem stems from the misuse of gasoline with lower than the required 91 octane rating. If driven aggressively with non-premium fuel, pre-ignition may be induced.

Such cases of pre-ignition can be very serious, with broken pistons or connecting rods standing out as possible results... as was found out not long ago by Automobiles De Luxe after mistakenly filling Caddy's latest 'ute with 88 octane fuel instead of the required 91 octane.

Owners of the 547 affected vehicles are being directed to get their Engine Control Modules reprogrammed free of charge from their favored dealer. More information can be found in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's notice after the break.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading GM recalling select 2010 Cadillac SRX crossovers over engine failure fears

GM recalling select 2010 Cadillac SRX crossovers over engine failure fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 may reopen factories to keep up with high demand

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for high-res gallery

General Motors had a tough 2009, but one very bright spot was the success of some of its newest models. GM North America President Mark Reuss has informed reporters at the Detroit Auto Show that the plants that build the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and Buick LaCrosse are already at full capacity and The General simply cannot meet demand. That's a good problem to have, and GM is working on a backup plan in the event demand for cars and trucks exceeds its current capacity.

The Associated Press reports that Reuss told the media that the solution to too much demand could be to reopen one of the General's shuttered plants. Reuss specifically pointed to the company's Spring Hill facility in Tennessee as a factory that could reopen to augment production, which makes sense in light of the fact that GM recently spent many millions of dollars to upgrade the plant to build the Chevrolet Traverse. Assuming GM can relight the fires at Spring Hill, that money would appear to be well spent, as Reuss reminded reporters that Spring Hill is flexible enough to build several different models.

GM has placed its Janesville, Wisconsin and Spring Hill plants on standby in the event that it needs more capacity when the U.S. auto industry begins to improve. Considering that new plants can cost over a billion dollars, we're thinking that's a pretty good idea.

Gallery: Preview Drive: Cadillac SRX

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: The Associated Press via Yahoo]

Report: GM may reopen factories to keep up with high demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T adds more power and agility to the crossover party

Chris Shunk — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Cadillac, GM, First Drives

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

Last month, we sampled the 2010 Cadillac SRX in naturally aspirated, 265-horsepower guise, and after a week behind the wheel we are convinced General Motors' luxury brand finally has a competitive crossover to take on the segment-defining Lexus RX. Along with Cadillac's unique angular styling and a full complement of amenities, the SRX surprised us with an edgy chassis that wasn't afraid to cut the rug when pulled onto the dance floor.

But while the SRX has some moves, the direct injected 3.0-liter V6 isn't exactly Fred Astaire. It provides just enough motivation for daily driving, but for customers that need more - particularly for those who want to fully enjoy the SRX's underpinnings - Cadillac has decided to offer a second, more aggressive engine to the mix. But with 300 horsepower, the 2010 SRX 2.8T - the first production Cadillac in the US fitted with a turbocharger - aims to please buyers looking for more pop in the pedal... a bit more skip in their step. Does the boosted Caddy deliver? We went to the Milford Proving Grounds to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T adds more power and agility to the crossover party

First Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T adds more power and agility to the crossover party originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Cadillac, New Car Reviews

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

The first generation Cadillac SRX brought General Motors' premium brand into the crossover segment, providing better fuel economy compared to similarly sized SUVs while also delivering significantly improved driving dynamics. We bought into that first-generation, rear-wheel-drive SRX when we reviewed it way back in 2007, but the luxury car-buying public apparently wasn't all that interested. Sales of the sharp handling SRX never took off, largely keeping Cadillac off of the luxury crossover gravy train long dominated by the Lexus RX 350.

Cadillac hopes to change its crossover fortunes with the introduction of the all-new 2010 SRX. This time out, the SRX is very different from the one it replaces, with a fundamental shift from a rear-wheel drive platform (with available all-wheel drive) to a front-drive setup (also with available AWD). Along with that shift in powered wheels, the 2010 model goes with smaller, more efficient powertrains. Cadillac doesn't try to hide the fact that the new SRX is gunning for the RX, but GM's designers and engineers didn't want to simply copy the strong-selling Lexus. Cadillac wanted its crossover to be more expressive inside and out, with state-of-the-art tech and superior driving dynamics. Does the new SRX have what it takes?

Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX

Continue reading Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market

Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX takes a swing at Lexus' RX

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Cadillac, First Drives

2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for a high-res gallery

Cadillac invited a handful of local media to its Milford, MI proving grounds for an early "preview" drive of the second-generation SRX crossover. The first official media launch won't happen until late May, just ahead of the mid-summer on-sale date, but GM wanted to provide a sneak peak at the chassis and hardware underpinning the new SRX. Contrary to popular opinion, the SRX and the Saab 9-4X aren't built atop the Theta platform used for the Saturn Vue and Chevy Equinox. Both vehicles uses a mix of Theta pieces, bits from the Epsilon II platform and a host of new components to create a new premium crossover architecture.

Unfortunately, Michigan weather just didn't want to cooperate with the SRX. After an early event was cancelled due to unseasonably warm weather in February, GM decided to let us loose on a 50-mile local road loop to show off the SRX's new chassis control and vehicle dynamic systems. Read on to find out how it fared.

Gallery: Preview Drive: Cadillac SRX

Continue reading Preview Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX takes a swing at Lexus' RX

Preview Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX takes a swing at Lexus' RX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:59:00 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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Detroit Preview: 2010 Cadillac SRX reborn

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Cadillac

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Cadillac SRX

Almost exactly a year after revealing the Provoq Concept, Cadillac is debuting the redesigned 2010 SRX wearing essentially the same suit of clothes. At that time, the Provoq was thought to be a preview of a new smaller crossover called the BRX, but Cadillac informed us last summer that the "BRX" was actually the all-new SRX.

We'll be seeing the new SRX in production form at the Detroit Auto Show, and while automakers often throw the term "all-new" around, in this case it really seems to apply. There is almost nothing carried over to this version of the SRX compared to the old one, although many of the greasy bits are shared with other GM vehicles. The biggest difference going from the Provoq concept to the production SRX is the powertrain. The Provoq used a Volt based E-Flex powertrain with a fuel cell range extender. The SRX is a far more conventional though fully modern luxury crossover. Read all about the details after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX Live

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2010 Cadillac SRX reborn

Detroit Preview: 2010 Cadillac SRX reborn originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX

John Neff — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST

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

Click above to watch video after the jump

We're technically embargoed from telling you anything about the new 2010 SRX, but that hasn't stopped Cadillac from releasing a teaser video on YouTube of the new wreath and crest CUV sliding around in the snow. Set to replace the current SRX that didn't sell well despite being a perfectly competent machine, the new SRX will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show as the latest model to continue Cadillac's resurgence as a brand that actually matters in the marketplace. The new SRX promises to be much more appealing to the mainstream, especially if you like drifting on frozen lakes, and really, who doesn't? Check out the vid after the jump and let us know if you think the new SRX will do better than Cadillac's first attempt.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX

VIDEO: Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Cadillac SRX caught in full glory

John Neff — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Cadillac

Click above for high-res gallery of 2010 Cadillac SRX spy shots

Our inside sources tell us Cadillac is very close to officially debuting its 2010 SRX crossover, but they can take their sweet time now that we have these new spy shots of the Wreath and Crest CUV in nothing but some checkered tape. With all the baggy covering gone from this prototype, we can clearly see its styling closely mimics that of the Provoq Concept, which Rick Wagoner introduced at CES last January. There are a couple of areas where the realities of production have toned down the concept's flair, but the vehicle's overall shape and detail remains. Built on GM's Theta Premium platform, the new SRX replaces the old model that was larger and a surprisingly poor seller. It was surprising because the old SRX was an athletic CUV that seemed to offer on paper what buyers wanted. This new model appears to be a smidge smaller and will likely offer more fuel efficient engines and a smoother ride. Look for its official debut in the coming days and weeks, but for now glance at our gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2010 Cadillac SRX caught in full glory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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