Detroit preview: Cadillac SRX is direct injected but not flex-fuel

Next week at the Detroit Auto Show Cadillac will be taking the wraps off an all-new version of the SRX crossover. The SRX is getting smaller and moving to a new platform that is mix of the Epsilon II car platform and the Theta CUV. For 2010, the SRX will have two engines available, a 300 hp turbocharged 2.8L V6 based on the Saab Turbo-x engine and a new 3.0L direct injected V6. Both engines are part of GM's high-feature V6 family along with the 3.6L that's used in a wide variety of GM vehicles.

Contrary to some reports, the 3.0L SRX will not be a flex-fuel vehicle when it launches this summer. The spec sheet that was published by GM lists the engine as E85 capable. However, this is an error based on copy data over from the standard specs for the engine. GM Powertrain spokesman Tom Read confirmed to ABG that the engine has probably been engineered to be compatible with E85 with items such as high flow fuel injectors and corrosion resistant fuel lines. Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell confirmed that the SRX will run only at gasoline at launch and there are no current planst to make it flex-fuel capable. The only flex-fuel Cadillac currently available is the Escalade. For the full details on the SRX, head on over to Autoblog.

[Source: GM, Domestic Fuel]




PRESS RELEASE:

2010 Cadillac SRX: A Distinctive Alternative For Today's Luxury Crossover Consumer

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Cadillac unveiled the next-generation 2010 SRX Crossover today, featuring a completely new design and more-efficient, high-technology engine choices. The new SRX is a mid-size luxury crossover coming to the North American International Auto Show next week.

"The all-new SRX is a fresh and compelling crossover aimed squarely at the priorities of luxury buyers," said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. "With new technologies for increased efficiency and safety, the redesigned 2010 SRX Crossover focuses on both the emotional and pragmatic sides of the luxury consumer."

The 2010 SRX is designed for efficient performance, including the choice of two high-tech six-cylinder engines that are new to Cadillac – the smallest-displacement engines it offers in North America. A new, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a new, 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both engines employ technology that helps produce strong performance that is typical of larger-displacement engines. Direct injection enables a 25-percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. Fuel efficiency around 9.4 L / 100km on the highway is expected, but testing isn't complete.

Performance and safety are enhanced by an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions. The AWD system includes an advanced electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that distributes torque as needed from side to side along the rear axle, as well as from the front to rear axle. The pre-emptive, active-on-demand system provides an extra measure of capability in wet or icy conditions.

The 2010 SRX rides on a wide track that was designed to deliver a nimble, responsive driving experience. It seats five, with generous occupant and cargo room, and can tow up to 1,587 kg.

Distinctive design and craftsmanship

"Cadillac is known for bold design. The 2010 SRX Crossover builds on that reputation," said Clay Dean, Cadillac global design director. "As with the 2008 CTS, we advanced our Art and Science design to create a crossover for style-conscious customers. The exterior features a dramatic diving gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest."

A multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac's iconic vertical headlamps – with light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting – are the face of the SRX. They blend into a tightly wrapped, sweeping body that tapers downward at the rear, giving the vehicle a sporty profile, Dean said.

The SRX features a wide stance, minimal overhang and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. A bold accent line dives across the body side and culminates at a chrome front fender vent that incorporates a side marker lamp. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics.

"Inside the new SRX, technical precision blends with old-world craftsmanship," Dean said. "Hand-cut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel and ambient lighting details convey a finely tailored cabin."

An integrated center stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while the navigation system rises from the center of the instrument panel. A signature example of the SRX's attention to detail is the Cadillac script logos in the front door sill plates that illuminate when the doors are opened.

Advanced technology and entertainment systems

The 2010 SRX features numerous advanced electronic systems. Highlights include a "pop-up" navigation screen with three-dimensional imaging; adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering; power liftgate with adjustable height setting; integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment.

Efficient performance

The SRX is powered by a new, fuel-efficient direct injected 3.0L V-6 that delivers an estimated 260 hp and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct injection results in more power, better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, all will a smaller-displacement package. As a result, the new V-6 engine is expected to raise the SRX's standard power rating by 5 hp, while achieving an estimated 1 0-15-percent fuel efficiency improvement.

The 3.0L direct injection V-6 is a smaller-displacement version of the 3.6L, direct injection engine featured in the CTS sport sedan and named one of the world's 10 Best Engines for 2009 by Ward's Automotive. Along with direct injection technology, the 3.0L engine employs variable valve timing to optimize power and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission helps save fuel by lowering the engine's rpm at constant highway speeds, while manual shift control enables greater driver interaction when desired. The new SRX includes a driver-selectable "eco mode" that alters transmission shift points to maximize fuel efficiency.

"The 2010 SRX will deliver excellent, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather," said Bob Reuter, global vehicle chief engineer. "The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. This system sets a new benchmark for all all-wheel-drive systems, giving the driver control and confidence on any road surface."

Traction control is taken a step further on AWD models with the rear eLSD. In icy or wet conditions, the system can transfer up to 100 percent of torque to the wheel that has more grip. The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high-speed maneuver, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the vehicle more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

The suspension includes a real-time damping system in conjunction with AWD that adjusts shock damping rates in response to road conditions for a smooth ride quality.

Enhanced safety

SRX's safety features are designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash. A strong body structure and chassis that absorbs crash energy is complemented by the use of martensitic steel in the fully enclosed rocker sections. Martensitic steel is one of the strongest available and its use in the rockers helps protect against intrusion during a side-impact crash, while also maintaining the structure during front and rear crashes.

Additional safety features include standard head curtain side air bags, standard front seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags, front safety belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, rollover mitigation sensors, a pedal release system, trailer stability assist.

The SRX was also designed to meet European pedestrian protection standards; and the front bumper is positioned for greater compatibility with car bumpers. Production begins in the second quarter of 2009, with dealer availability shortly thereafter.


About Cadillac:

Cadillac is the luxury vehicle division of General Motors. It was founded in 1902. Cadillac is committed to developing compelling, high-quality vehicles with bold design, breakthrough technology and world-class performance. In doing so, Cadillac has carefully preserved the qualities relevant to luxury consumers and translated them into vehicles with the performance, features and benefits that appeal to 21st-century buyers. Global sales and market share have made consistent gains in recent years.

Cadillac today produces the premium entry level BLS, the all new multi award-winning CTS luxury sedan, the STS performance luxury sedan, the SLS long wheelbase luxury sedan, the DTS full-size luxury sedan, the XLR convertible luxury roadster, a line of supercharged performance V-Series models, including the CTS-V, the STS-V, and the XLR-V, the SRX midsize luxury utility, and the world's most powerful line-up of SUVs: the Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT.

The Cadillac brand has been an iconic presence in the Middle East region for over 84 years.


About GM

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling.

In the Middle East since the 1920s, GM's vehicle brands sold in the region are Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER and Saab supported by a unique set of customer-focused services. GM parts and accessories are sold under the GM Parts and ACDelco brands. The regional office in Dubai covers the company's operations in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen. In 2007, GM sold 135,894 vehicles in the Middle East.

For more media material, please visit GM's global media website media.gm.com where you link to various country sites including the Middle East media website http://media.gm.com/me/gm/en/. More information on GM and its products can be found on the company's consumer websites www.gm.com and www.gmarabia.com.