|
CADILLAC
CADILLAC SRX 2012
By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
The
Cadillac SRX enters 2012 with a greater combination of performance,
technology and capability, building on the momentum of record-setting sales
and more conquests from import owners in the mid-luxury crossover segment.
 |
|
The new Cadillac
SRX 2012 |
|
A
new, more powerful 3.6L V-6 headlines the changes for 2012 and
becomes the sole engine offered in the SRX. It is rated at 308
horsepower (230 kW) with efficiency-enhancing features including
direct injection and continuously variable valve timing. It also
delivers 265 lb.-ft. of torque (359 Nm), with peak torque achieved
at a low 2,400 rpm and continuing through 5,300 rpm, giving a
greater feeling of acceleration from a standstill, at low speeds
and when passing. .
The 3.6L is
matched with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, which
features a driver-selectable Eco feature that alters the shift points for up
to 1-mpg improved fuel economy in normal driving conditions. Other
enhancements include standard Bluetooth phone connectivity on the Base
model, a heated steering wheel on the Luxury, Performance and Premium
Collections and door lock switches on the driver and passenger door panels.
The new model will continue to have door lock switches on the center
console. Also for 2012, SRX will offer a new machined-face finish on the
20-inch wheels, which are standard on Performance and Premium Collections.
The
Cadillac SRX seats five and delivers generous occupant and cargo room,
wrapped in the dramatic and signature Cadillac style that has pushed the
brand back to the top of the world’s luxury manufacturer ranks. It is
offered in a Base model and Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections,
with all-wheel drive offered on all but the Base model.
 |
|
The interior:
confort, luxury and technology |
|
Popular features returning for 2012 include a moveable cargo
fence and large under-floor storage space in the rear, a
liftgate that can be programmed to stop at different heights and
the UltraView sunroof that covers 70 percent of the vehicle
roof. The exterior features a multi-piece shield grille and
Cadillac’s iconic vertical headlamps, with light pipe technology
and available adaptive forward lighting technology that turns
the lamps in the direction of the front wheels.
The
Cadillac SRX has a wide stance, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to
corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the Base and Luxury Collection
and 20-inch wheels are standard on Performance and Premium Collections.
The
interior is an environment of comfort and technology, with leather-trimmed
seating standard on Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections and
available equipment including a navigation system that rises from the center
of the instrument panel and features three-dimensional imaging. A signature
example of the attention to detail is the Cadillac script logos in the front
door sill plates that illuminate when the doors are opened.
A new,
larger and more powerful 3.6L direct-injected V-6 – known by its “LFX”
engine code – is the new and sole engine for the SRX. It delivers an SAE-certified
308 horsepower (230 kW) and 265 lb.-ft. of torque (359 Nm). The LFX is a
60-degree design, with the cylinder block and cylinder heads cast in
aluminum for low weight. A forged steel crankshaft provides optimal strength
in the bottom end, while the cylinder heads include four valves per
cylinder, with a dual overhead camshaft design incorporating infinitely
variable cam phasing. Additionally, optimized-flow fuel injectors and the
integrated exhaust manifolds/cylinder heads promote lower emissions. The
composite intake manifold also has a comparatively small radiated surface
area to help it maintain excellent noise and vibration characteristics.
 |
|
Five occupants and
a large under-floor storage |
|
The Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission is matched
with the LFX engine and features the driver-selectable Eco feature
for enhanced fuel economy. The available all-wheel-drive system
incorporates an electronic limited-slip rear differential, which
not only improves traction in slippery road conditions but
provides side-to-side torque transfer along the rear axle to
enhance control during hard cornering. The four-wheel independent
suspension system and a standard rack-and-pinion hydraulic
steering system – and offers a variable-effort, speed-sensitive
steering system – with tuning biased for sport sedan-style driving
and strong on-center feel. StabiliTrak electronic stability
control is standard and works in concert with the standard
four-wheel-disc/four-channel-ABS braking system.
The
Cadillac SRX is designed to protect occupants before, during and after a
crash. A strong body structure and chassis that absorb crash energy are
complemented by 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 helping maintain the structure during front and rear crashes.
OnStar is
standard on all models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to
automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar subscribers also
can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other
motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies.
The
manufacturing suggested retail price is $34,155.00, the EPA fuel economic
estimates 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Key competitors Lexus RX350, Audi
Q5, BMW X3 and X5, Mercedes Benz GLK.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
|
