2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover Preview

Introduction

The redesigned 2010 Cadillac SRX, destined for worldwide markets, is part of Cadillac's broadening international reach and a key component in its product redesign efforts. With a chevron-shaped grille and other styling cues similar to the Cadillac Provoq Concept, which hit the 2008 auto show circuit, the 2010 SRX is a 4-door crossover utility vehicle, smaller, lower and wider than the current midsize SRX at 190.2 inches in overall length (vs. 194.9 inches), 65.6 inches in overall height (compared to 67.8 inches) and 75.1 inches in overall width (up from last year's 72.6 inches). It's also less powerful because the previous SRX's 320-hp V-8 engine is history. Instead, the new SRX features a standard 3.0-liter V-6 engine or an optional 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6, both connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front or all four wheels (the original SRX was rear- or all-wheel drive). Unlike the previous SRX, the new one is built on a modified version of GM's midsize sedan platform, will share basic engineering and architecture with other GM vehicles, and will offer seating for 5 passengers instead of 7. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 pounds.

Design

Extending Cadillac's current Art and Science design themes, which date to the original Cadillac CTS, the 2010 SRX is characterized by a multi-piece shield-style grille, iconic Cadillac vertical headlamps with light pipe technology and optional adaptive forward lighting, and a sweeping body tapered downward at the rear. Cadillac designers pushed the standard 18-inch wheels (with 20-inchers optional) to the corners, enhancing the vehicle's wide stance and minimal overhangs. Side marker lights are incorporated into the chrome front vender vents while an integrated spoiler on the roof's rear edge helps to improve aerodynamics, the company says.

On the inside, the 2010 Cadillac SRX boasts hand-cut-and-sewn instrument panel coverings, ambient lighting throughout the cabin, an integrated center stack housing climate and audio systems controls, and a navigation system that rises from the center of the instrument panel. Cadillac script logos located in the front door sill plates light up when the doors are opened.

Hardware

Two all-new V-6 engines power the 2010 SRX, and both are the smallest displacement engines Cadillac offers in North America, according to the automaker. Standard in all SRX models is a 260-hp (estimated), 3.0-liter direct-injected V-6 engine. This engine is a smaller version of the 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 engine under the hood of the CTS. With direct fuel injection, this V-6 supplies greater power, better fuel economy and reduced emissions, according to Cadillac, which also says that this engine offers 5 more standard horsepower than the old SRX while achieving an estimated 10-percent improvement in fuel economy. While testing is still ongoing, Cadillac expects highway fuel economy in the mid-20 mpg range. The optional 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 engine is expected to deliver 300 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, not quite as much as the old SRX's optional V-8 engine. Both engines are mated to 6-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmissions.

The new SRX has an independent, strut-type front suspension, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar and hydraulic ride bushings. In the rear, the linked H-arm suspension has a hollow stabilizer bar, and available real-time damping. Stability, traction and anti-lock braking systems are standard.

The 2010 Cadillac SRX's available AWD system includes an advanced electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that distributes torque on an as-needed basis from the front wheels to the rear, and side-to-side between the rear wheels. This active and pre-emptive on-demand system is especially capable in icy or wet conditions, Cadillac says, transferring up to 100 percent of torque to the wheel(s) with more grip. The eLSD also enhances driver control during hard cornering, or a high-speed maneuver like an abrupt lane change, by applying more or less torque to either of the rear wheels to help the rear of the vehicle to better track the front wheels. Cadillac claims its eLSD sets a new benchmark for all-wheel-drive systems.

Safety

Safety features designed into the 2010 Cadillac SRX include a body structure and chassis that utilizes "martensitic steel," which Cadillac says is one of the strongest available. For example, the use of martensitic steel in the SRX's lower side structures helps protect occupants during a side-impact crash, as well as providing structural integrity during front and rear crashes, according to Cadillac. Additional standard safety features include dual advanced front air bags, head curtain side air bags for both rows of seats, front-seat-mounted side air bags, a pedal release system to help prevent lower leg injuries, trailer stability assist, rollover mitigation sensors, and OnStar with crash response notification.

Technology

Among the numerous technology and entertainment systems featured in the 2010 Cadillac SRX are adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering; an integrated hard disc drive for audio storage; dual-screen rear entertainment system; standard Bluetooth connectivity; and standard OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation (for cars without the optional navigation system). A 3-dimensional imaging "pop-up" navigation screen is another SRX technology highlight.