Category Archives: Cadillac News

2010 Cadillac SRX Advanced AWD System Delivers High Stability in all Driving Conditions

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VIDEO: 2010 SRX AWD Animation
VIDEO: 2010 SRX AWD Driving
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  • 2010 Cadillac SRX Overview
  • Haldex system offers class-leading performance – up to 100-percent front-to-rear torque transfer
  • Pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off
  • Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) transfers up to 85 percent of torque between rear wheels
  • New rear sub-frame and suspension geometry
  • Available summer 2009

DETROIT – Using cutting-edge technology, the 2010 Cadillac SRX is launching with an advanced all-wheel-drive system (AWD) that delivers best-in-class levels of driver control. The intelligent, active system continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles, delivering optimum handling, stability and grip in all driving conditions – from fast corners to slower curves, in dry or wet weather.

“The 2010 SRX will deliver excellent, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather,” said Bob Reuter, SRX global vehicle chief engineer. “The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. This system sets a new benchmark for all all-wheel-drive systems, giving the driver control and confidence on any road surface.”

In honing the integration and performance of the system, Cadillac engineers completed more than 600,000 miles of testing in all weather conditions across some of the most challenging roads in Europe, as well as test tracks in Italy and Spain and the famed Nürburgring circuit in Germany, where Cadillac has developed and validated new vehicle features in recent years. The result is an active, all-wheel-drive system specifically tuned for the SRX. It fully exploits the power of the vehicle’s new, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine that delivers 265 horsepower (198 kW) at 6,950 rpm and 223 lb.-ft of torque (302 Nm) at 5,100 rpm.

To optimize traction at take-off, the system incorporates an innovative, pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, this system eliminates the need to detect front wheel slip before rear drive is activated and sets a new benchmark in all-wheel-drive performance.

Perfect balance

On the road, the AWD system operates seamlessly and is programmed to help the driver keep the car stable, splitting drive torque to counteract oversteer or understeer situations when cornering.

The electronic control unit receives data inputs 200 times every second from more than 20 sensors in the vehicle, including those for the ABS and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) systems. The data processed includes vehicle speed, wheel rotation speeds, lateral acceleration, throttle setting, engine torque, yaw rate and the steering angle. Those inputs are used to continually adjust the torque distribution in response to the driver’s input of steering and throttle, the traction that is available at the individual corners of the vehicle or the intended versus the actual path of the car.

For example, on dry pavement during wide-open throttle, 50 percent of the torque is delivered to the rear, providing acceleration with no wheelspin. On slippery surfaces, torque is delivered to the tires with traction, up to 100 percent in cases where one end of the vehicle is on glare ice. Highway cruising conditions will reduce torque delivery to the rear to 5- to 10-percent, decreasing driveline drag and optimizing fuel economy. In most other driving conditions, the torque varies between 20 percent and 50 percent to the rear axle.

While offering sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions, the SRX AWD system also rewards the enthusiastic driver. The precise balancing of the drive torque reduces ESC throttle and braking interventions, providing smoother and more predictable performance.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of this system, however, is the addition of an active rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). The eLSD can transfer up to 85 percent of maximum rear torque between the rear wheels, to whichever has more grip. Under hard cornering, or when completing a high-speed maneuver, such as a lane change, the application of more or less torque to either wheel helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

The new 2010 SRX’s AWD system is integrated with completely new chassis settings and revised self-leveling rear suspension geometry that delivers a 50-percent increase in camber stiffness. Springs, dampers and the steering system have been specifically tuned for pleasing ride dynamics and good feedback. In addition, the 2010 SRX features tires with a higher speed rating.

How it works

The SRX all-wheel-drive hardware consists of a power take-off unit (PTU) in the front final-drive that transmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the rear drive module (RDM) that includes a torque transfer device (TTD) and the optional eLSD. Both are wet, multi-plate clutch units from Haldex.

The TTD is activated as soon as the vehicle is placed in gear. RDM clutches are applied and ready to transfer torque before acceleration begins. This pre-emptive function leapfrogs many current technologies that require the detection of wheel slip or driveline rotation before the rear drive is activated. The enhanced functionality provides maximum traction immediately for smooth, strong acceleration from a standstill without the possibility of any drivetrain hesitation. During driving, torque delivery between the axles is varied by a valve in the TTD, which increases or reduces the hydraulic pressure on the wet clutch plates to progressively engage or disengage rear drive. The degree of slip determines the amount of torque transmitted. The eLSD, located alongside the RDM, operates on the same principle as the larger TTD. The electronic control unit functions in concert with the engine, transmission and ABS/ESC control modules.

The 2010 SRX’s AWD system requires the factory installation of a specific rear sub-frame to carry the RDM, as well as the revised rear suspension geometry and new wheel hubs for the drive shafts. The three-piece prop-shaft runs through two bearings with constant velocity joints for smooth running with minimal “wind up.” With the AWD system, the SRX’s wheelbase and rear track dimensions are unaltered from FWD models.

About GM

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world’s largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 244,500 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

GM’s Take: Bridge Loan to Domestic Auto Industry

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GM is aggressively planning to make the most of this opportunity:

We appreciate the President extending a financial bridge at this most critical time for the U.S. auto industry and our nation’s economy.  This action helps to preserve many jobs, and supports the continued operation of GM and the many suppliers, dealers and small businesses across the country that depend on us.

This will allow us to accelerate the completion of our aggressive restructuring plan for long-term, sustainable success.  It will lead to a leaner, stronger General Motors, a GM that is:

*dedicated to great products, exciting design, and world-class quality

*fully committed to leading in energy-saving vehicles and technologies,

*responsive to the needs of our customers, our stakeholders and the communities we live in and serve.

We know we have much work in front of us to accomplish our plan.  It is our intention to continue to be transparent as we execute our plan, and we will provide regular updates on our progress.  We again thank the Administration for this important support of our industry at this challenging time, and we look forward to proving what American ingenuity can achieve.

GM Announces Third Quarter Global Sales of 2.1 Million Vehicles, Setting Records in Two Regions

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* Chevrolet posts growth in emerging markets, sales up 3 percent outside North America
* Cadillac sales outside North America up 16.3 percent

DETROIT – Record-setting sales performance in GM’s Latin America, Africa and Middle East and Asia Pacific regions during the third quarter of 2008 helped General Motors sell more than 2.1 million vehicles globally during the third quarter 2008. Compared with the third quarter of 2007, GM’s total sales were down 11.4 percent, reflecting continuing economic pressures in the U.S. market, which pushed North America sales down 18.9 percent, and growing pressure in Europe, where sales were down 12.3 percent. Sales of 1.286 million vehicles outside the U.S. accounted for nearly 61 percent of GM’s total global sales volume compared with just over 56 percent a year ago.

GM sold 6.7 million vehicles in the first nine months of 2008. Sales outside of North America grew by 164,000 vehicles during the same period. On a year-over-year basis, GM total global sales were down 5.8 percent for the first nine months of 2008, again, largely reflecting the economic pressures of the U.S. and Western European markets.

GM Continues Growth in Emerging Markets

“The recent challenges in the global financial markets, including credit tightening and the drop in commodity prices, have negatively impacted market demand. However, our sales performance shows that we are continuing to take advantage of new emerging market opportunities and are meeting customer needs with fuel-efficient products that offer compelling design and great value,” Jonathan Browning, vice president, global sales, service and marketing, said today.

“Our sales performance during the third quarter saw increases by Chevrolet outside North America and Wuling and GM Daewoo regionally,” Browning added.

Chevrolet sales in Asia Pacific, the industry’s second-largest region, grew 5.3 percent compared with the third quarter a year ago. Chevrolet sales in China (up 4.3 percent) and India (up 4.9 percent) powered much of this growth. The Wuling brand continued strong growth in China with sales up 21.9 percent in the third quarter compared to the same period a year ago.

In the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region – a traditional Chevrolet stronghold – sales grew 3.4 percent compared with the third quarter 2007. Chevrolet accounted for 90 percent of GM’s third quarter sales in the region.

Chevrolet sales in Europe also contributed to the brand’s solid third-quarter results, growing 2.7 percent. Chevrolet is seeing strong growth in emerging markets including Eastern Europe. Chevrolet was up 6.2 percent for the first nine months of the year in Russia. In addition, Opel sales in Russia increased by 39 percent, while Saab increased 90.4 percent.

Chevrolet sales in North America were down 16.6 percent; however, GM added production capacity to satisfy the strong demand for the all-new Malibu sedan.

Sales of Cadillac outside of the United States grew 10.7 percent in the third quarter, supported by strong growth of the brand in Latin America, Africa and Middle East (up 10 percent) and Asia Pacific (up 39.2 percent). Cadillac sales in Europe were down 9.3 percent. In North America, Cadillac sales declined about 28 percent, largely reflecting the negative impact of the financing environment in the luxury vehicle market.