Based on GM’s acclaimed Sigma architecture and available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, the Cadillac SRX is designed to deliver superior driving dynamics.

The flexible Sigma 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 the latest vehicle stability technologies make SRX the rare utility vehicle that’s actually fun to drive.

The SRX has two engine combinations–the 4.6L Northstar V8 VVT (variable valve timing) or the 3.6L V6 VVT. The V8 engine is sophisticated, technically advanced and generates 320 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 315 lb-ft of torque 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 V6 VVT makes 260 hp at 6500 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm. The all-aluminum 60-degree dual overhead 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.

Both engines are mated to five-speed automatic transmissions: the Hydra-Matic 5L50-E with the V8 VVT and the Hydra-Matic 5L40-E with the V6 VVT. The 5L50-E, with 25 percent more torque capacity than the 5L40-E, features an innovative dual-plate torque converter and a separate, highly refined transmission control module with expanded power and memory. Both transmissions feature Driver Shift Control (with clutchless manual shifting), electronically controlled engine braking and downgrade detection with brake assist.

Chassis management and vehicle control systems help the vehicle respond accordingly to virtually all types of driving conditions. Features include four-channel StabiliTrak stability control system and available segment-first Magnetic Ride Control. The electronically controlled magnetic-fluid based real-time damping is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension control system. Speed-sensitive variable effort steering, four-channel ABS with Panic Brake Assist and traction control and available AWD also are included. SRX incorporates all-aluminum suspension components to reduce unsprung mass and optimize suspension performance. The suspension uses an independent short/long arm ( SLA ) front and fully independent multi-link rear for superior ride and handling.

One of the most advanced four-channel stability control systems in the world, the StabiliTrak system system compares the driver’s intentions as indicated by steering; wheel position with how the vehicle is responding. Three key sensors keep the ABS and TC computer informed: one reads steering wheel angle, another reports lateral acceleration and the third measures yaw rate (rotational velocity about a vertical axis through the car’s center of gravity). Vehicle speed is also monitored. If the sensors indicate the vehicle’s dynamic response does not agree with the direction the driver is steering, the system selectively applies brakes to help keep the car on course. If the car slips wide of the desired path in a turn, the inside brake is applied enough to nudge the car back on track. If diminished traction causes the rear to drift wide, the outside front brake is applied as a corrective measure. The system is automatic, seamless and unobtrusive – the driver rarely notices its application.

The industry’s fastest acting suspension system, Magnetic Ride Control it adjusts damping levels up to 1,000 times per second with its unique combination of magneto-rheological (MR) fluid-based shock absorbers, ensuring a maximum tire “footprint” at all times. The system uses electronic control of damping forces in a continuously variable real-time damping system to provide exceptional responsiveness, greatly increased driver control and increased tire contact with the road, regardless of road surface. Reduced wheel bounce ensures an even ride by virtually eliminating heave, pitch and roll. It also delivers excellent roll control during transient steering and evasive maneuvers. A set of wheel-to-body sensors detects changes in the road surface and the system controller adjusts the fluid viscosity to vary the damping force accordingly, providing a flatter ride during cornering and reduced diving or squatting during braking and acceleration.

An integrated full-time AWD system available on the SRX provides superior handling performance, acceleration, traction, and control for dry, wet, icy, and snowy road conditions. Its three open differential layout, coupled with four-wheel traction control, balances driving torque distribution to each wheel and minimizes wheel spin to optimize on-road performance. The transfer case includes an open center differential – which has a torque split of 50-percent rear/50-percent front on the SRX, and a 60/40 split on the STS – providing a distribution of torque consistent with each vehicle’s weight distribution, allowing for better handling and traction.

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.

OnStar-equipped SRX models will feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

General Motors