Autoblog

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.


[Source: KGP Photography]

For eons, the image of a Cadillac ingrained into our minds was that of an XL cruiser wafting down the highway consuming asphalt and small rodents without complaint. That perspective is set to change, as Cadillac plans to drop the slow-selling STS and DTS models, and instead focus its efforts on creating another CUV, a new mid-sized sedan and an entry-level RWD offering.

The plans to redesign the SRX crossover have been nixed due to poor sales, and in its place a new V6-powered, five-passenger CUV, likely to be dubbed the BRX, will go on sale in 2009. More importantly, Cadillac plans to focus its sporting credentials by expanding the CTS lineup to include both a wagon and a coupe, all in an effort to sway consumers interested in the segment-leading BMW 3-series.

Going after the Bavarian boys won't be easy, so in addition to the expansion of the CTS line, Cadillac's replacement for the STS and DTS will take aim at the BMW 5-series, with a high-performance RWD sedan. That, coupled with a proposed entry-level sedan will round out the new Cadillac lineup.

Although the Automotive News article doesn't cite a timeframe for this somewhat radical proposal, we'd expect to see some of Cadillac's new wares popping up in quick order, beginning in Detroit next year.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

While Cadillac's latest offerings have been significantly improving the iconic American luxury marque's appeal, the SRX, despite being a very good car, has been a bit of thorn in its lineup. Fortunately its replacement, earmarked for a 2011 launch, is shaping up to be a car-length or two in the right direction.

Instead of the rather van-like current model, the replacement is reportedly taking a smaller form to target the likes of the BMW X3, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK and company, which may come as a shock for American buyers who are more attuned to Cadillac SUVs of Escalade proportions. Although designed with the European market in mind, unlike the BLS sedan, the new crossover will be offered in the US.

Although the new crossover will share in Cadillac's current "Art & Science" design language, with a sharp crease running up the hood flanked by vertical headlights and slab-sided flanks et al, the SRX replacement is expected to have a more rounded greenhouse.

Sharing its platform with Saab's upcoming 9-4 crossover (itself a replacement for the likewise larger 9-7x) and some mechanicals from the General's latest and versatile Epsilon platform, insiders predict a range of engines including GM's latest direct-injection 3.6-liter V6, a new six-cylinder diesel, and the possibility of hybrid and ethanol power alternatives.

[Source: Motor Trend]

The current SRX looks good, its interior was updated for '07, it seats seven, it's a Crossover with somewhat decent MPG, and for some reason it just hasn't caught on yet. There were only 22,000 SRXs sold in 2006, which equals about one-fifth of Lexus RX350 sales. Disappointing sales and pushed back updates fed speculation that the vehicle could even be phased out.

However, looking at this mule leaves evidence that there may be more SRX in our future. The large mesh air-intakes up front replace the lower light assembly found on the '07 model and the addition of V-Series brakes and wheels look darn cool on pretty much anything. There are some sweetly-revised tail lights and the headlights look tweaked as well, while somebody over at Cadillac has a sense of humor, as the SRX is sporting a set of Buick Lucerne portholes at the A-pillar. The holes could be helping to increase air-flow for a bigger, badder engine. We can only hope, but we doubt they're meant for production. An earlier Autoblog review of the SRX was very favorable, and we're hoping to see more SRX Caddy's in the near future.

[Source: Leftlanenews]

NOTE: The rest of the Autoblog team has weighed in, and we're 90% certain this is a mule for the high-performance SRX-V.

Click on the photo above for a gallery of high-res images of the 2008 Cadillac CTS

General Motors upper-crust Cadillac division has been trying to make some headway on the home ground of its rivals from Stuttgart, Munich and Ingolstadt for over a decade with only limited success, or outright failure if you consider the case of the BLS. Cadillac will be having a big European re-launch at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, showing a bunch of new and revised products. The new 2008 CTS that was unveiled to much praise in Detroit in January will make it's European debut in Geneva. The SRX cross-over has been something of a wallflower for Cadillac since it's initial introduction, gathering little attention or sales. A revised version will debut in Switzerland likely wearing a new grille, similar to the the one that adorns the new CTS, and definitely equipped with the upscale cut-and-sew interior. The SRX also inherits the six-speed automatic from its STS-V and XLR-V brethren.

[Source: General Motors]

Click above image for photo gallery

The Cadillac SRX sold a little over 22,000 units in 2006. Based on our time spent behind the wheel, we're guessing that a lot of the angular crossover's buyers are satisfied customers. Marketed as an SUV upon release, Cadillac later relented and has (correctly) positioned the SRX as a CUV. After all, the SUV moniker summons mental images of a vehicle that might not offer a forgiving ride for its occupants. The SRX is the opposite of all that.

Follow the jump for the review in full.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage - 2007 Cadillac SRX

Click to enlarge

UPDATE 1: Post body has been updated to reflect complete information. GM press release and additional photos (all hires) have also been added.

One of the SEMA project cars mentioned in GM's release last week was a Cadillac's SRX design study prepared with input from women's fashion designer Dana Buchman. A quick perusal of her 2007 collection reveals that the Tribeca denizen's clothing designs are classy and understated, themes that she carries forward in her SRX show car.

Automobile magazine notes that the Buchman SRX was a decent starting point, seeing as it had the new-for-2007 "cut and sew" interior, which is attractive on its own merits. After seeing the Dana Buchman treatment, however, one hopes GM finds a way to justify a run of special editions, as she transforms the passenger cabin into a truly lush, chocolate-themed environment.

She used leather, silk, and suede to elevate the surroundings to a higher level, and it's a feast on the eyes. Brownstone leather covers the seats, dash and upper door panels, while lighter Cashmere-colored hides trim the consoles and lower door panels. The aforementioned silk is what the carpets are made of (not at all practical, but good-looking as applied here). The Cashmere tone reappears in faux suede on the headliner , pillars and sun visors. A snakeskin fabric pattern lines the storage bins and outlines the vanity mirrors. We particularly like the quilted seat pattern, which looks like something you'd find in a Mulliner-enhanced Bentley, and the shiny chrome trim on the center stack surround, steering wheel, and corner vents looks completely appropriate here.

The back seats are custom 40/40 buckets, and their occupants can enjoy refreshments from the custom refrigerated snack/beverage drawer in the rear center console, which also incorporates aluminum-ringed cupholders set in "Cocoa granite" Corian (the countertop material). Though not mentiones specifically in the release, the Corian also appears to adorn the forward center console and dashboard trim as well. Autoblog can be read on-the-go thanks to a KVH mobile internet system with Wi-Fi capability, and Cadillac's SRX theater package provides additional on-road entertainment capabilities.

Outside, the car's DuPont Gold Mist finish dovetails nicely with the brown and tan theme inside. It also sports 20-inchers, an Eibach suspension that drops the car 1.5 inches, Brembo stoppers, and an upgraded cat-back exhaust system by Corsa. Dana Buchman may design women's clothing, but this SRX has a unisex appeal (well, OK ... maybe not the snakeskin linings) . Nice is nice, no matter how you cut it. The Dana Buchman SRX Sport looks to be a serene oasis in the maelstrom of billion-watt stereos, horrifyingly garish bodykits, and highly-inappropriate lambo doors that will join it on the floor at SEMA.

(Press release, Photo gallery after the jump)

[Sources: Automobile magazine, GM]

GM's on a mission to take over the South African market. Just one day after the first HUMMER H3s rolled off the assembly line at GM's Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth, General Motors today announced it's bringing Cadillac to South Africa.

The first models to be offered in "the rainbow nation" will be the overseas-market BLS (based on the Saab 9-3), the SRX crossover and the STS sedan. The Caddys will be sold through a direct distribution network, with new dealerships opening in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

GM also markets several Chevy models, Saabs, Opels, Isuzus and Suzukis in South Africa, and operates two manufacturing plants in Port Elizabeth. With all that love for the liberated republic, don't be surprised if GM shows up as a major sponsor when South Africa hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

[Source: GM]

Here's the second video in our five-part series of booth tours at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, and this time we focus on General Motors. I'll say again this our first time producing video and I'm disappointed in myself that we didn't capture footage of more vehicles from General Motors and its brands sold in Europe, but we did get the big one, which is the Chevy WTCC Ultra Concept. We also padded the video with footage of the Opel Antara, Opel CorsaVan and the Cadillac SRX's new fancy interior. Hope you enjoy watching these as much as we do making them and keep your eyes peeled for more.

BTW – If you like the video and the work that we're doing, please support us by voting for the video on the new Netscape. All you have to do is click the up arrow at the top of the video window. If you aren't registered at the new Netscape, now is as good a time as any. Thanks!

Part 1: VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show – VW / Audi / Lamborghini Booth Tour

The all-new Cadillac Escalade will be the first vehicle to hit the ground in Europe as the American luxo-marque initiates stage two of its European invasion. It'll appear in showrooms at the end of the year, joined by the all-wheel-drive STS, which will be offered for the first time. Also in '06, the Cadillac BLS gets a 6-speed manual and the automatic is given a sport mode.

After the ball drops in Times Square, Q1 2007 will see the arrival of the SRX with its spiffy new interior and a rear-wheel-drive version. The rear-driver supplements the AWD version that is currently available on the Continent. The product blitz concludes with an attack by Cadillac's V-Series cruise missiles. The 448-horse, wind-in-your-hair XLR-V comes first, followed by the even more potent STS-V (476 hp) shortly thereafter.

Why is Cadillac throwing down the gauntlet with a bunch of V8-powered machines in Europe, where smaller cars and diesel power dominate the roads? Well, their stated goal of producing vehicles that equal or surpass the quality of their European competition is no secret. For them to do that, they're going to have to go play in the competition's backyard.

Besides, no one says a peep about the European automakers' vehicles that Cadillac is competing against, many of which are available with thirsty gasoline V8s of their own. For Cadillac to make progress on the other side of the Atlantic, they have to bring their best, which is precisely what they're doing. We'll keep an eye on how things go.

(Cadillac press release after the jump)

[Source: Cadillac via Inside Line]