2010 Cadillac SRX - Revealed!

2nd January 2009

2010 Cadillac SRX

Our spy photographers, always on the lookout for a scoop, spotted this undisguised 2010 Cadillac SRX in suburban Detroit on Friday, January 2. As you can see, the new SRX takes its styling cues from the new CTS. It has the bold, larger front grill area and fog lamps in the front. The rear is also reminiscent of the CTS, with similar taillamps and license plate area. Notice also that the top of the tailamps are not flush with the body panels.

The new SRX will move from the rear-wheel drive platform that it currently shares with the CTS and STS to a front-wheel drive platform. Production moves from Lansing, Michigan to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. All-wheel drive continues as an option. 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 standard engine will be a 3.0L V6 with direct injection, making 260hp (5hp higher than the present standard engine). It is a smaller version of the 3.6L powerplant in the CTS, where it makes 306hp. The optional engine is a turbocharged 2.8L V6, making 300hp. Why not just use the 3.6L from the CTS? GM is trying to improve fuel economy, and while EPA numbers are not yet available, it is likely that the 2.8L turbo gets better fuel economy that the 3.6L - with the same power.

The 2010 SRX features numerous advanced electronic systems. Highlights include a “pop-up” navigation

2010 Cadillac SRX

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. Bluetooth compatibility is standard, as is OnStar’s turn-by-turn navigation service for buyers who do not select the car’s navigation system option.

18″ aluminum wheels are standard on all versions, while 20″ wheels are optional. 4-wheel disc brakes are standard with ABS and stability control.

The new SRX is shorter than the outgoing model, losing a little more than 4″ in length to 190.2″. It is shorter in height by 2″, but is wider than the outgoing model. One downside of the shorter length is that the new SRX will no longer have a 3rd row as an option, but Cadillac still has the Escalade for those that really want 3 rows.

The new SRX should better appeal to buyers in the luxury crossover segment. It is better looking and will get better fuel economy while providing more standard power. It’s new front-wheel drive platform will get better traction for those not upgrading to all-wheel drive. Pricing is still TBD, and Cadillac will show the new SRX at the North American International Auto Show next week.