2012 Cadillac SRX While it had its merits, the first generation Cadillac SRX , introduced in 2004, looked like an old boot, and it so...
While it had its merits, the first generation Cadillac SRX, introduced in 2004, looked like an old boot, and it sold poorly. So let's call the 2012 Cadillac SRX a combination of both of the above factors, desperation and persistence. The compact, 60-degree 3.6-liter V-6 that's fitted in all models, or collections, of the 2012 Cadillac SRX busts out 308 hp, bettering the old 3.0-liter by 43 hp, and 265 lb-ft of torque at a low 2400 rpm, which is a big improvement from 223 lb-ft at 5100 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission offers a pushbutton eco mode for use at speeds below 50 mph, and this helps front-wheel-drive versions of the 2012 Cadillac SRX to realize 17 city/24 highway mpg. (All-wheel-drive versions make 16 city/23 highway mpg.) Santa Barbara County in late July is unexcelled for agricultural variation.
Chassis and suspension refinement also deserve mention. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, but even with the optional twenty-inch wheels the Cadillac SRX kept its composure on surfaces that sometimes were pretty rough. Front-drive is standard, but Cadillac will emphasize the availability of the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Response from the hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering, which firms up nicely in turns, is praiseworthy, but pedal feel when activating the twin-piston front and single-piston rear disc brakes provoked some muttering.
For 2012, Cadillac has re-engined the SRX with a new V6 mill known by its LFX engine code, that maintains the same displacement but features a totally new design. Provoq-ing design
Based on the 2008 Provoq concept vehicle, which made its debut as a hybrid at the Consumer Electronics Show, the Cadillac SRX replaced the rather large-ish CTS station wagon-appearing first-gen model that was available from 2004 to 2009. Manufactured at General Motors’ Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, factory, it has forsaken the three engine options available from 2010 in favor of a single 3.6-liter direct injection engine.
A five seater, the Cadillac SRX is offered in a base trim, as well as luxury, performance and premium collection versions. Styling on the Cadillac SRX begins with the now standard egg crate-inspired grill, which whips around the front fascia creating character lines that help rake up the slab appearance of the side panels. The same system is also engaged under aggressive maneuvers to counteract Porpoising or side-to-side vehicle wallowing.
The General Motors LFX 3.6–liter direct injection V-6 is totally redesigned for 2012. By the numbers, that’s a 30 percent increase in engine torque. The engine is built from a cast aluminum block and has cast–in bore liners, variable valve timing, and a pair of new aluminum heads. Through that, the Cadillac SRX with AWD displayed excellent, if not quattro-like road handling. In standard AWD drive configuration, the SRX held gears for a while as the go-pedal was squeezed aggressively. Sliding the shift lever into the sport position offered almost immediate boost through throttle remapping and gear change adjustment. The FWD version of this mid-size CUV almost became our favorite model during the test drive. Steering through the available variably assisted, speed-sensitive setup offered great road feel and confidence for handling the twisties and evasive maneuvers alike.
Meanwhile, a number of suspension tweaks have smoothed out the ride considerably. Two suspension setups are offered, a softer setup under the technical designation FE2 and the sportier FE3 setup that also comes with variable-effort, speed-sensitive power steering. Steering -- variable-input and fixed-input alike -- is quick and responsive, though feedback is somewhat lacking.
Inside, there aren't any changes for the 2012 Cadillac SRX. Despite the extra power, fuel economy is comparable to that of the 2011 with the 3.0-liter and slightly better than that of the 2.8-liter. Front-drive models are rated at 17/24 mpg city/highway and all-wheel drive models slightly lower at 16/23 mpg city/highway.
Chassis and suspension refinement also deserve mention. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, but even with the optional twenty-inch wheels the Cadillac SRX kept its composure on surfaces that sometimes were pretty rough. Front-drive is standard, but Cadillac will emphasize the availability of the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Response from the hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering, which firms up nicely in turns, is praiseworthy, but pedal feel when activating the twin-piston front and single-piston rear disc brakes provoked some muttering.
For 2012, Cadillac has re-engined the SRX with a new V6 mill known by its LFX engine code, that maintains the same displacement but features a totally new design. Provoq-ing design
Based on the 2008 Provoq concept vehicle, which made its debut as a hybrid at the Consumer Electronics Show, the Cadillac SRX replaced the rather large-ish CTS station wagon-appearing first-gen model that was available from 2004 to 2009. Manufactured at General Motors’ Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, factory, it has forsaken the three engine options available from 2010 in favor of a single 3.6-liter direct injection engine.
A five seater, the Cadillac SRX is offered in a base trim, as well as luxury, performance and premium collection versions. Styling on the Cadillac SRX begins with the now standard egg crate-inspired grill, which whips around the front fascia creating character lines that help rake up the slab appearance of the side panels. The same system is also engaged under aggressive maneuvers to counteract Porpoising or side-to-side vehicle wallowing.
The General Motors LFX 3.6–liter direct injection V-6 is totally redesigned for 2012. By the numbers, that’s a 30 percent increase in engine torque. The engine is built from a cast aluminum block and has cast–in bore liners, variable valve timing, and a pair of new aluminum heads. Through that, the Cadillac SRX with AWD displayed excellent, if not quattro-like road handling. In standard AWD drive configuration, the SRX held gears for a while as the go-pedal was squeezed aggressively. Sliding the shift lever into the sport position offered almost immediate boost through throttle remapping and gear change adjustment. The FWD version of this mid-size CUV almost became our favorite model during the test drive. Steering through the available variably assisted, speed-sensitive setup offered great road feel and confidence for handling the twisties and evasive maneuvers alike.
Meanwhile, a number of suspension tweaks have smoothed out the ride considerably. Two suspension setups are offered, a softer setup under the technical designation FE2 and the sportier FE3 setup that also comes with variable-effort, speed-sensitive power steering. Steering -- variable-input and fixed-input alike -- is quick and responsive, though feedback is somewhat lacking.
Inside, there aren't any changes for the 2012 Cadillac SRX. Despite the extra power, fuel economy is comparable to that of the 2011 with the 3.0-liter and slightly better than that of the 2.8-liter. Front-drive models are rated at 17/24 mpg city/highway and all-wheel drive models slightly lower at 16/23 mpg city/highway.
