2011 CADILLAC SRX

The Cadillac SRX offers a dynamic alternative in the mid-luxury crossover segment, with a dramatic design, efficient engine choices and a nimble driving experience. Although the second-generation SRX has only been on the market since 2010 (2009 CY), it has quickly gained a strong consumer following, rising rapidly to become one of the best-selling vehicles in its segment. The SRX receives several revisions for 2011, with a number of new features and modifications that make the vehicle even more refined, responsive and technologically advanced.

Customers now have increased access to the features they demand most, with expanded availability of the optional rear-vision camera system and keyless access feature. In addition, the cargo fence is standard on all the collections, allowing customers to leverage the SRX’s rear storage system. There are also two new exterior colors to choose from: Mocha Steel Metallic and the premium Black Ice Metallic.

SRX seats five and delivers generous occupant and cargo room; it can tow up to 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg) when properly equipped. A 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both employ advanced technology that helps produce strong performance that is typical of larger-displacement engines, but with greater fuel economy and lower emissions. SRX FWD models with the 3.0L engine are EPA-rated at 25 mpg on the highway.

Performance and safety are enhanced by an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions. The pre-emptive, active-on-demand system provides an extra measure of capability in wet or icy conditions.

Design details

The SRX’s dynamic exterior features a dramatic diving gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest. A multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac’s iconic vertical headlamps – with light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting – are the face of the SRX. They blend into a tightly wrapped, sweeping body that tapers downward at the rear of the vehicle, creating a sporty profile.

The SRX has a wide stance, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. A bold accent line dives across the body side and culminates at a chrome front fender vent that incorporates a side marker lamp. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics.

An integrated center stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while the navigation system rises from the center of the instrument panel. A signature example of the SRX’s attention to detail is the Cadillac script logos in the front door sill plates that illuminate when the doors are opened.

Advanced technology and entertainment systems

SRX features numerous advanced electronic systems. Highlights include a “pop-up” navigation screen in the dashboard with three-dimensional imaging, adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering, power liftgate with programmable 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 navigation system option.

For 2011, the SRX is equipped with ninth-generation OnStar technology. The flexible speech recognition system is now smart enough to interpret different sentences/phrases without actually hearing the exact 2-3 word commands from the user. For example, a subscriber who wants to place a call using the Hands Free Calling System simply says: “I would like to make a phone call” or “Need to make a phone call” instead of saying the exact “dial” or “call” command. The system will understand that the user wants to place a call and process that command. The system is capable of recognizing thousands of sentences that users may say.

Additionally, significant improvements have been made to OnStar’s flexible speech recognition system to allow it to better understand many regional dialects. This means that a subscriber in southern Louisiana will be just as easily understood as a subscriber in Long Island or Minnesota. OnStar engineers in North America and China performed extensive validation testing across four languages (English, French, Spanish and Mandarin), more than 30 different dialects and vehicle models in a wide range of driving and noise conditions.

Balanced performance and efficiency

The SRX is powered by a standard direct injected 3.0L V-6 that delivers 265 horsepower (198 kW) and has a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct injection results in more power, better fuel economy and lower emissions, all with a smaller-displacement package. The 3.0L engine uses variable valve timing to optimize power and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It is paired with a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

For 2011, powertrain calibrations have been made on the 3.0L V-6 models to improve acceleration feel. A 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. It delivers an estimated 300 horsepower (224 kW) under full boost, with the fuel economy of a smaller engine during lower-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising. An Aisin AF40 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 2.8L turbo and includes a driver-selectable “eco mode” that alters transmission shift points to maximize fuel economy.

Driving experience

The driving experience of the SRX blends the best elements of a sports sedan with the safety and excellent traction capability that crossover and SUV buyers value. One of its core elements is its advanced AWD system, featuring an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD.) The eLSD enables the system to distribute torque from the front to rear axle, and also side-to-side, across the rear axle. Developed in partnership with Haldex, a leader in AWD technology, the system provides torque to the wheel with the most traction.

The advanced AWD system provides excellent traction in slippery conditions such as rain, snow or ice. In all conditions, the system bolsters other driving dynamics, such as cornering. The suspension includes an available, continuously variable real-time damping system in conjunction with AWD that delivers smooth ride quality by adjusting shock damping rates in response to road conditions. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, and 20-inch wheels are optional.

The SRX features standard rack-and-pinion hydraulic steering and an available 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.

Enhanced safety

The 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.

Additional safety features include standard head curtain side air bags, standard front seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags, front safety belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, rollover mitigation sensors, trailer stability assist and OnStar.

The SRX was also designed to meet European pedestrian protection standards; and the front bumper is positioned for greater compatibility with car bumpers.

About Cadillac

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered an historic renaissance led by artful engineering and global expansion.