For decades, Cadillac represented "The Standard of the World." Somewhere along the way, the brand lost that distinction. But today, Cadillac's hot new model lineup proves that General Motors is serious about regaining that title for it's premium marquee.
One excellent example I had the pleasure to test drive is the SRX for 2010, which has been completely redesigned as a crossover to better define its place in the SUV cosmos.
It replaces the previous SRX that never quite identified what it was and was not. The new SRX has traverse V-6 engines and is available in front or all wheel drive, while the outgoing edition had longitudinal oriented power and came in rear or four wheel drive.
Without a transfer case or off-road capability, the old SRX kind of fell between the conventional SUV and the more popular crossover. The 2010 version has chosen sides and will play in the crossover arena.
A week with an all wheel drive Premium model with the 2.8 liter turbocharged DOHC six showed Cadillac has done its homework. The 2010 is smaller on the outside and appears roomier within. It rode on 20-inch aluminum wheels and included optional dual screen DVD player with wireless headphones and remote control. Including the $825 destination charge, the sticker came to $53,480, well over the standard notch of $41,360.
While styling is reworked inside and out, another noticeable change is under the hood. The last version featured the choice of 3.6 liter V-6 or Northstar 4.6 liter V-8 power. With an eye on future EPA fuel mileage standards, the 2010 choices are a 3.0 liter direct injection V-6 rated at 265 horsepower standard and in Performance and Premium renditions the aforementioned 2.8 liter turbo V-6 is available, rated at 300 hp.
The 3.0 job comes wrapped with a Hydramatic 6T70 six speed automatic, while the bigger mill gets an Aisin AF40 six speed auto.
Our ride in the Turbo job was one of contrasts. Power delivery seems to flow and ebb at will, with strong first gear grunt and a lull after that. Power eventually returns but is not constant. Perhaps some of the reason comes from the 2.8 liter engine that did time in Saabs of yore and perhaps rely on older turbo technology.
The all wheel drive system provides grip in wet or dry and should handle most winter road condition challenges, leaving the driver to spend thought waves on other things.
For those in the market, the 2010 five passenger SRX comes in four versions: Base, Luxury, Performance and Premium. Front wheel drive is standard across the line. All wheel drive can be had in the rest of the models. Turbo power only comes on AWD versions.
The Base SRX lists for $33,830, well below our top of the pile ride. Checking the turbo box on the Premium order form adds $3,820 to the AWD model list price.
Economy in the Turbo still is on the thirsty side with 15 city and 22 country mpg assigned by the EPA, about the same as the previous SRX.
For those that use their Cadillac SUV to haul stuff, a Cargo Management System that features a U-Rail track system will come in handy. It includes an adjustable cargo fence that segments to cargo space to contain smaller items and can retract beneath the floor when you have other plans for the area.
Crossovers are not new to the luxury field. Lexus has been in play for years with its RX 350 and predecessors.
My ride shows Cadillac now has to be considered a strong candidate when shopping in that market segment.
2010 CADILLAC SRX
Vehicle: sport utility vehicle - front-wheel or all-wheel-drive
Type: five-door, five-passenger front engine transaxle
Wheelbase: 110.5 in.
Length: 190.3 in.
Width: 75.2 in.
Height: 65.7 in.
Ground clearance: 7 in.
Curb weight: 4307 lb (AWD)
Gross weight: 5467 lb
Fuel: regular unleaded
Competitors: Lexus RX; Acura MDX; BMW X3 and X5
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