2008 Cadillac SRX news, pictures, and information

2008 CADILLAC SRX CROSSOVER PUTS A PREMIUM ON LUXURY, SPACIOUSNESS

The SRX features two engine combinations: the 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT (variable valve timing) or the 3.6L V-6 VVT. Both are available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The 6L50 Hydra-Matic six-speed transmission is standard on RWD and AWD versions of the V-8, and provides increased performance and fuel efficiency. It features a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that delivers strong launch acceleration yet provides 'tall' overdrive ratios that decrease engine rpm to enhance fuel economy and reduce noise while cruising. Estimates by GM engineers have shown a nearly 7-percent improvement in 0-60 mph times and up to a 4-percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

The V-8 engine is sophisticated and technically advanced and generates 320 horsepower (239 kW) at 6400 rpm and 315 lb.-ft. of torque (427 Nm) at 4400 rpm. It features electronic throttle control, multi-port injection, aluminum block and cylinder heads, a forged steel crankshaft and phasers on all four camshafts to control valve timing throughout the entire operating range.

The 3.6L V-6 VVT makes 255 horsepower (190 kW) at 6500 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque (344 Nm) at 2800 rpm. The all-aluminum, 60-degree four cam 24-valve powerplant features fully variable valve timing of the intake and exhaust valves, a dual-stage variable intake manifold, electronic throttle control, multi-port fuel injection, two-stage roller chain cam drive, aluminum block and cylinder heads and a forged steel crankshaft.

The V-6 engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 5L40, a fully electronic five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The 5L40 features an innovative dual-plate torque converter and a separate, highly refined transmission control module wîth expanded power and memory. The 5L40 transmission features Driver Shift Control (with clutchless manual shifting), electronically controlled engine braking and downgrade detection wîth brake assist.

The V-6 AWD model features a 50/50 torque split, providing a distribution of torque consistent wîth the vehicle's weight distribution for better handling and traction.

SRX consumers also can choose a new appearance package to make the exterior of the vehicle better communicate its performance driving character. The SRX Sport is an option package featuring front and rear sport fascias, new body-color grille wîth V-Series-style mesh backing, 4-inch dual polished exhaust tips, six-speed automatic wîth Driver Shift control, and optional 20-inch Sport wheels wîth performance tires. It also features all-wheel drive and a limited slip differential, the first time Cadillac has applied this performance differential to an AWD model.

SRX's in-vehicle electronics and entertainment are luxury-caliber, too: The renowned Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system is available, while the standard audio package also is by Bose. Also available is a 'theater' package consisting of Bose 5.1 Digital Surround, DVD navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

SRX also adds an automatic odor filtration option and standard PSIR suppression, which enables the Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint to detect the occupant's size and, in turn, enable or disable the air bag automatically.

A luxury crossover wîth the soul of a sports sedan

The Cadillac-exclusive architecture features the longest wheelbase in its class and helps provide superior ride quality and dynamic stability. A near 50-50 weight distribution, low center of gravity, outstanding powertrain combinations and GM's StabiliTrak stability control system help SRX deliver a fine balance between sports car performance and refined ride quality.

StabiliTrak is a fully electronic system that coordinates subsystems such as braking, suspension, §teering, traction control and powertrain controls to optimize overall vehicle stability and control.

It acts instantaneously to reduce the likelihood of spins and excessive oversteer or understeer by improving handling performance and enhancing vehicle stability when the car approaches its limits. It helps to correct a potential slide or loss of control before the driver is aware of it.

Magnetic Ride Control, pioneered by Cadillac in 2003, provides state-of-the-art, continuously variable real-time damping at each wheel independently and is available on V-6 and V-8 models.

Standout styling and flexible cargo management

At first glance, SRX is instantly recognizable as a Cadillac and yet is unlike anything else on the road. The family resemblance to CTS and Escalade is immediately evident; its Cadillac bloodline shows through in its chiseled vertical taillamps and headlamps and V-shaped grille. At the same time, it clearly stands out from its European and Japanese competitors.

SRX seats up to seven passengers wîth the optional third-row seat. The second-row seat, wîth the most legroom in its class at 41 inches (104 cm), folds virtually flat, and the available third-row seat power-folds into the floor at the push of a button. Third-row seats also feature cupholders. A power liftgate is standard.

The instrument panel and door trim are built using Cadillac's 'cut-and-sew' interior process that combines advanced technology wîth the hand-rendered expertise of expert craftsmen. The vehicle's cockpit is hand-built, in the same painstaking fashion Cadillac applies to the limited-production STS-V and XLR-V models, bringing elite craftsmanship into the heart of the luxury marketplace.

In addition to numerous storage areas, an optional rear cargo management system, available as an alternative to the third-row seat, offers three cargo compartments and includes a removable storage bin. It's perfect for stowing anything from a car care or emergency kit to sports equipment to DVDs or CDs for a long drive. For still more cargo packing, large side storage bins along the rear cargo area are standard.

The SRX has the largest sunroof system available in the §egmènt. The optional 'ÚltraView' sunroof provides the thrill of an open-air driving experience. It extends to provide 5.6 square feet (0.52 square meters) of open air over the first- and second-row seats and integrates a retractable power shade. The 'ÚltraView Plus' includes a glass roof over the third-row seat wîth a power sunshade.

OnStar-equipped SRX models feature OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, a fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.