2009 Cadillac SRX news, pictures, and information

2009 CADILLAC SRX CROSSOVER BLENDS SPORT SEDAN RESPONSIVENESS WITH SUV 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 sophisticated and technically advanced V-8 engine 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.

Transmissions

The 6L50 Hydra-Matic six-speed electronically controlled 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-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.

Ride and handling

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 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-8 models.

SRX Sport package

SRX is available wîth a sport package to make the exterior 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 (V-8 models). It also features all-wheel drive and a limited slip differential, the first time Cadillac has applied this performance differential to an AWD model.

Safety

Designed to offer excellent occupant safety and crash management, the SRX's safety story starts wîth its robust body structure. It uses high-strength steel in key areas to help uphold the integrity of the passenger compartment in the event of a crash. Carefully designed crumble zones at the front and rear also absorb much of the energy of a crash.

Additional occupant safety features include the following:

• Dual-stage frontal air bags wîth passenger sensing system

• Side-impact air bags for the driver and right-front passenger

• Head curtain side air bags for front and rear seating rows

• Tire pressure monitoring system

Also standard is Cadillac's ultrasonic rear parking assist feature. It uses LED lights and audible sounds to warn the driver of people or objects directly behind the vehicle.

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. New for 2009 is Turn-by-Turn's eNav feature that allows the MapQuest directions to be sent directly to the vehicle.