Autoblog

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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Edmunds praises Volvo XC60, pans Cadillac SRX in new entry-lux CUV comparo

Michael Harley — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Reviews

2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo's new XC60 sits at the top of the pack when it battles head-to-head against the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK350, and Cadillac SRX, says Edmunds in its latest four-way comparison. The entrants, each new members of the expanding Compact Luxury Crossover segment, were all selected for the battle based on size and their less-than-$40,000 starting prices. Veterans such as the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Infiniti EX35 were left home as they aren't rookies to the field.

With a resolutely last place finish, the Cadillac SRX was clobbered over its outward visibility, weight, lack of overall space (despite being the largest of the bunch), and cramped second-row seating. The fact that the Edmund's test car was a base FWD model didn't help either.

Tied for second place were the GLK350 and Q5, both praised for their power, ride, and handling. The Mercedes came up short in overall utility, while the Audi took some hits for its electric power steering.

According to the testers, the XC60 "won by a hair" thanks to its generous cargo capacity, second-row comfort, and "safety features galore." While the Swede offered plenty of power, it suffered from poor fuel economy and less-than-satisfying handling. So, how did a not-fun-to-drive Volvo CUV climb to the top of the comparison (one that Edmunds says, "none of our editors would personally choose")? You'll have to read their story to find out.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo XC60

[Source: Edmunds]

Edmunds praises Volvo XC60, pans Cadillac SRX in new entry-lux CUV comparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:00 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, 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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Cadillac SRX coming this summer, priced at $34,155

Michael Harley — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Crossover, Cadillac

2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for our live reveal gallery

The second-generation 2010 Cadillac SRX will be rolling into showrooms later this summer with a base price of $34,155. Jumping into the crowded luxury crossover segment, Cadillac hopes to lure customers with the SRX's fuel efficient 3.0-liter direct injected V6, technical features, and versatility. Of course, they've thrown in a dose of Cadillac's "visual appeal and driving character," says Steve Shannon, executive director of marketing for Cadillac. "We believe the Cadillac SRX offers emotional appeal to a segment previously devoid of much of that," he added.

Joining the Cadillac SRX later in the summer will be the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. The Sport Wagon mirrors the CTS sedan in design and features, yet it offers nearly double the cargo space. The standard engine in the CTS Sport Wagon will be the same 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 as is found under the hood of the upcoming SRX. Check out the press release after the jump for more details.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX Live

Continue reading Cadillac SRX coming this summer, priced at $34,155

Cadillac SRX coming this summer, priced at $34,155 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM pledges to use plug-in hybrid tech in only one brand

Chris Shunk — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Crossover, GM, Saturn

The Saturn Vue was supposed to be GM's first plug-in hybrid, but the pending loss of Saturn leaves the General's upcoming plug-in tech without a vehicle or brand. The Vue plug-in was originally going to arrive in 2011 in a cooperative demonstration test fleet with the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) and nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Vice Chairman and former head of GM Powertrain Tom Stephens explained on the GM Fast Lane blog that while Saturn won't get plug-in tech, one of the four remaining brands will.

Stephens won't spill the beans with regards to which brand or vehicle will utilize plug power, but he did specify that the 2011 timing will not be effected. Bob Lutz's replacement is looking forward to speculation as to which brand and vehicle would be used, so we don't want to disappoint. Since the original time frame of the Vue plug-in launch is unchanged, we're guessing that either the Chevy Equinox or Cadillac SRX would be suitable replacement vehicles, since the three vehicles share a similar platform. Stephens also said that the Volt and the unspecified plug-in are but two of 12 hybrid and electric vehicles that GM plans to introduce by 2012.

[Source: GM Fast Lane blog]

GM pledges to use plug-in hybrid tech in only one brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 09:26:00 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 Drive

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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VIDEO: 2010 Cadillac SRX in detail

Chris Shunk — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Crossover, Cadillac

Click above to watch video after the jump

The current Cadillac SRX is a competent vehicle, although it hasn't come close to selling as many units as the Lexus RX350, let alone the Acura MDX. GM is looking to change that with the thoroughly revised 2010 Cadillac SRX. Gone are the station wagon looks and rear wheel drive, and in its place is a new front drive platform and sheetmetal that looks the part of a true crossover contender. General Motors has ditched its larger powertrains for an efficient 3.0L, direct injected V6 and a 300 horsepower, 2.8L turbocharged unit that have the potential to quell fears that the new 2010 model will be lacking in the performance department. We had the chance to speak with Cadillac Marketing Director Steve Shannon to get an in-depth tour of the new SRX, and you can get the inside story in the video after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX Live

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Cadillac SRX in detail

VIDEO: 2010 Cadillac SRX in detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:58:00 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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Next-gen SRX and Equinox to also get DI 3.0L V6

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: I.C.E., Crossover, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Rumormill

If current rumors prove accurate, General Motors has big plans for its line of high-feature V6s, and with good reason. These six-cylinder engines make class competitive power and are very smooth. Thanks to direct injection, the engine range also offers excellent fuel efficiency when mated to GM's equally new six-speed automatic transmission. We recently heard that a new 3.0-liter version of this powertrain duo would make an appearance in the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse, and now we're hearing the engine will also be optional in the upcoming Chevy Equinox and standard in Cadillac's new SRX. Expect the new 3.0-liter V6 to offer around 250 horses and fuel efficiency slightly under 30 mpg on the highway. The Equinox's standard engine will be a new 2.3-liter direct-inject inline four-cylinder unit making something north of 200-horsepower, while the uplevel Caddy SRX should get the optional 300-plus horsepower 3.6L powerplant as found in the CTS.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Next-gen SRX and Equinox to also get DI 3.0L V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Saab 9-4X shows up early

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, GM, Saab

The LA Auto Show is still a couple months away, but images of vehicles set to be unveiled in the land of fruits and nuts are already leaking onto the web. GM's Chilean website had the above photo of the production Saab 9-4X available for all to see earlier today, so now we know the production model looks almost identical to the 9-4X Biopower concept from last year's Detroit Auto Show. We'd be interested to see if the concept's integrated tail pipes and large front/side air dams make it to production but, judging from spy photos we've seen, probably not. The 9-4X will be built on the same platform as the upcoming front- or all-wheel-drive Cadillac SRX, which will also be unveiled this auto show season.

We don't have many details on the 9-4X just yet, but it will have a turbocharged 2.0L engine with 245 hp and 265 lb-ft mated to a six-speed automatic. The concept also ran on ethanol, which is also likely for the production vehicle considering that two thirds of all vehicles in Sweden are of the flex fuel variety. Other engine choices could include GM's 3.6L V6, which is likely to be found under hood of the SRX at launch, and an upcoming 250-hp 2.9L diesel. Either way, European customers will likely have an engine lineup twice as large as what we'll be offered in the U.S.

UPDATE: Saab has confirmed that the image above is not the production 9-4X, but rather a creative photoshop of the 9-4X Concept from last year's Detroit Auto Show produced by third-party reps down in Chile.

Gallery: Saab 9-4X - spy shots

[Source: Motor Authority]

LA Preview: Saab 9-4X shows up early originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac Provoq concept evolves into 2010 SRX

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Cadillac

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

If the vehicle pictured above looks vaguely familiar, it should. We basically saw it last January at CES and the Detroit Auto Show as the Cadillac Provoq concept. Replace the slatted grille with a standard Cadillac unit and the E-Flex fuel cell drivetrain with a conventional gas V6 and you have the new 2010 Cadillac SRX. The new SRX should be on the streets by this time next year replacing the current tall wagon that has only been marginally successful. Going forward, Cadillac has basically taking the first-gen SRX and split it into two vehicles, each of which is more focused on a particular segment. This vehicle that continues to wear the SRX badge will be a chunkier, more SUV-like vehicle, while those looking for a more car-like ride can go for the new CTS Sport Wagon. Cadillac isn't give out a lot of details about its new CUV yet, but that rarely stops us from some speculation. While the current SRX is based on the same Sigma platform used by the CTS and STS, the new one has a different architecture. It is also believed to have a transverse-mounted drive train with the possibility of front or all-wheel-drive. Based on its size, it is thought to be an improved, next generation version of the Theta mid-size CUV platform currently used by the Saturn Vue. The SRX, which has previously been referred to as the BRX, will share this new platform with the upcoming Saab 9-4X CUV. For now GM is only releasing these three images, but the vehicle itself will probably debut early in 2009, perhaps at the Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX

Gallery: Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Cadillac Provoq concept evolves into 2010 SRX

Cadillac Provoq concept evolves into 2010 SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:01:00 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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2010 Cadillac BRX/Provoq will become new SRX

Chris Shunk — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Cadillac, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of 2010 Cadillac Provoq spy shost

If you're a big fan of the current Cadillac SRX, you'll be happy to know that the name will soldier on past 2010 when Cadillac's first CUV is replaced by the production version of the Provoq concept, which is often referred to as the BRX. Inside Line is reporting that GM execs decided the SRX name has enough cache with customers to continue using it instead of the rumored BRX. While the name will stay the same, the vehicle will be entirely new with a FWD platform shared with Saab that replaces the current RWD Sigma one that also underpins the CTS and STS. Engines are rumored to be a base 2.8L V6 and and the direct-inject 3.6L powerplant tuned to around 300 ponies. The new platform will also give GM the opportunity to use technology like its plug-in two-mode system in future Cadillacs without re-engineering it from the ground up.

Gallery: Cadillac BRX - spy shots

[Source: Inside Line]

2010 Cadillac BRX/Provoq will become new SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's in a name? GM wrestles with crossover designation

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Wagon, Crossover, GM

GM is apparently just as confused as the rest of us when it comes to naming that crossover/CUV/sport wagon/tall-wagon-thingy sitting in the driveway. In general, a crossover is a unibody vehicle that looks like an SUV, but handles and gets fuel mileage more like a car. SUVs are body-on-frame vehicles, generally built on a truck platform. The differences are sometimes minute, but that is only part of the problem. The bigger problem here is what to call this segment as a whole.

In the early days of SUVs, some people called all of them Jeeps. They were trucks for passenger vehicle duty, exemplified by the Jeep Cherokee. As more manufacturers started offering them, a slew of nicknames popped up to represent the segment, but SUV ended up being the one that stuck. Despite the fact that "sport" more often refers to what you can do with the stuff you are hauling, rather than how the thing drives.

So now we are faced with a similar dilemma in the emerging crossover category. GM ad execs are trying to figure out the best way to pitch their new entries in the field. GM has three new crossovers (the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave) coming out at the end of the year that they are not sure how to label. "We changed the SRX advertising for Cadillac earlier this summer to call it a crossover," Mike Jackson, GM North America's vice president of marketing and advertising, said in an interview with Automotive News.

Read on for more after the jump...

[Source: Autoweek]

Continue reading What's in a name? GM wrestles with crossover designation

What's in a name? GM wrestles with crossover designation originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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