Tag Archives: Test Drive

2010 Cadillac SRX: the Face of Cadillac

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The new Cadillac SRX is currently the best selling model for Cadillac.  I have one coming for a weekend test drive and am excited to get some seat time.  Here are the  highlights of the SRX as enumerated by Cadillac:

  • All-new design targeting the heart of the luxury crossover segment
  • Front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive with electronic limited slip differential
  • Choice of new, efficient direct injected 3.0L V-6 or optional 2.8L turbocharged V-6 engines
  • All-new chassis developed for strong driving dynamics, featuring real-time damping system
  • Comprehensive roster of connectivity, infotainment and safety technology – including Bluetooth capability and a pop-up navigation system
  • Smartly designed interior offers multiple storage options and a unique rear cargo management system

The SRX is what I think of as a mid-size SUV.  Cadillac describes it as a midsize crossover.  A crossover generally is a vehicle whose construction is unibody like a CTS, as opposed to traditional body on frame like an Escalade, but which offers the utility of an SUV.  The goal is to have the lower weight and higher efficiency while offering the utility of a SUV.  The SRX weighs more than the CTS Sport Wagon, but less than an Escalade.  This model is the 2nd generation SRX.

The SRX offers a great deal of Cadillac for a reasonable price.  It starts at $33,830, and can be optioned up all the way to $55,430 or higher.

The 3L V6 SRX is available in 4 configurations:  Standard $33,830, Luxury $37,410, Performance $41,850, or Premium $44,395.  Luxury, Performance, and Premium can also be selected in All wheel drive instead of front wheel drive.   The Turbo SRX is available only in All wheel drive, and only in Performance $49,315 or Premium for $51,860.

The new direct injected 3L engine produces 265 hp in SRX tune.  It has been criticized in the press, but I have found it enjoyable in the CTS Sedan and CTS Sport Wagon.  Because of the greater weight of the SRX it may be more challenged in this application.  It is paired with the GM Hydra-Matic 6T70 automatic. The Turbo engine puts out more peak horsepower, at 300 hp, and also will have more low-end torque.  It is paired with an Aisin AF40 6 speed automatic transmission previously used on the Cadillac BLS Diesel model.

Perhaps one key to the successful sales of the Cadillac SRX is that every configuration looks well equipped.  The Standard 3L model arrives at a very reasonable price comes with stability control, a Bose sound system, dual zone climate control, and push button start.   The steps up to or through Luxury, Performance, and Premium add incremental features.

Please stay tuned Saturday for a detailed hands-on review of the Cadillac SRX.

Test Drive 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Final Thoughts

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I drove a 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon from Crest Cadillac in Plano for a weekend test drive review last weekend.  This is a collection of final thoughts, notes, and comments that were not  included in my other review posts.

  • The Sport Wagon is the same size as the Sedan.  I know this empirically, and it drives as the same size, but I think of a Wagon as being longer than the Sedan.  I suppose I am thinking of old, traditional station wagons and not this modern efficient equivalent.
  • The test vehicle had a 20″ Vogue wheel & tire package, and still had a smooth ride, not stiff or harsh.  I like the stainless steel mesh grill from the 1st Generation V-Series as used on the Vogue grill on the test Sport Wagon.
  • The Sport Wagon has all the appointments of the CTS Sedan, including iPod interface in the center console.
  • There is an available backup camera option, although the test vehicle did not have this feature.  I had no problem seeing out of the back of the vehicle when backing, but I like backup cameras as gadgets.
  • The wood trim in the current CTS family on the steering wheel, shift, and along the doors is almost perfect.  My Wife suggested another panel along the glove box would add some additional styling there.
  • My opinion of the 3L+6speed auto power train combo continues to improve, although I would look for the 3.6L V6 or the V-Series variant of the Sport Wagon if price is not the driving factor.

My Host for this test drive was Crest Cadillac of Plano, Texas.  They are located at 2701 North Central Expressway, Plano, Texas.  You can contact them by phone Toll-free at 1-866-697-9144 or locally at (972)578-7511, or on Twitter or Facebook

Test Drive 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon: 3.0L DI V6 with 6 speed Automatic

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I have a 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon from Crest Cadillac in Plano for a weekend test drive review.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon comes with a choice of 2 engines, the 3.0L DI V6 with 270 hp, or the more expensive configurations with the 3.6L DI V6 with 304 hp.  Both engines come standard with the excellent 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The Cadillac I am testing is the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Luxury Model, with the 3.0L DI V6 and 6-speed automatic.  This is a very efficient engine, producing 270 hp from only 3L of displacement.  It uses the very latest engine technologies, including direct injection and variable valve timing to achieve this high output level.  270hp is very comparable to the outputs from high performance V8s a decade ago.

2010 CTS Sport Wagon Engine View - 3L V6

In the CTS Sport Wagon the 270 hp 3L V6 moves the Sport Wagon along very well, and offers the best fuel economy as well as the lowest price of entry.  For the best performance, the 3.6L V6 with 34 more horsepower of course will be more capable.

The 6-speed automatic in the CTS and CTS Sport Wagon offers 3 modes of operation.  First is “just put it in Drive and go”.  This is normal, quiet, smooth mode.

Next is fully manual mode which allows one to select gears and shift the car like a clutch-less manual.  This gives you the greatest level of control.  In this mode or in Sport Mode the dash changes to indicate the current gear that the automatic is in.  That alone is worth sliding the selector to the right, because it gives you much more insight into how well the transmission manages things.  Seeing a Cadillac make a quick shift from 6th to 2nd and lunge forward is very inspiring.

The ‘third’ mode which may not be obvious to many, is ‘Sport Mode’.  If you slide the automatic to the right as if you plan to shift it manually, the transmission goes into ‘Sport Mode’.  If you then don’t shift it manually, but allow the transmission to continue managing shifting, it does so with a more sporting aspect in mind, holding gears longer, shifting later, using engine braking, and generally behaving in a manner most conducive to FUN driving.  This is the mode I suggest is appropriate for most entertainment driving in the CTS Sport Wagon.

I would prefer the 3.6L, 304 hp engine in this CTS.  However, I was interested to drive the 3L especially in the CTS Sport Wagon with the extra weight to see if there was still fun to be had.  My conclusion is that this is a smooth, willing, capable power plant.  Yes the larger 3.6L has more power.  The 3L is an acceptable selection, particularly as it costs quite a bit less. If you want a capable Cadillac but are the type of Driver who is  not going to miss 13% more power the 3L is a good selection.

I tried in this photo (but I am afraid failed) to show how well the front seats in the CTS look from the side — very sculpted.

The seats are very comfortable, and are surprisingly thin from front to back.  This maximizes rear leg room, and continues the overall artful theme of the interior.

My Host for this test drive is Crest Cadillac of Plano, Texas.  They are located at 2701 North Central Expressway, Plano, Texas.  You can contact them by phone Toll-free at 1-866-697-9144 or locally at (972)578-7511, or on Twitter or Facebook