The New 2012 Cadillac SRX

Polarizing is one way to describe the corporate face of Cadillac. Its masculine, straightedge, angular design language is largely a love it or hate it proposition. We find its distinctive looks a refreshing change from the rows of look-a-like automobiles.  Buyers think so as well, with sales up over 150% from last year.  So, how do you improve a winning sales formula? You add power, of course. 

New for 2012, the Cadillac SRX will get the family 3.6-liter V6, shared with the current CTS coupe. Bucking the turbo-trend, Caddy has axed the old turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 option as it only made up about 10% of SRX sales. 

Exact performance figures for the new engine have not been released, but it’s rumored to be as much as 330 hp.  However, we know it will make at least 300 horsepower (224 kW) & 269 ft/lbs of torque (353 Nm), while providing slightly improved fuel economy. The new 3.6-liter engine will also be a bit green as well as its FlexFuel (E85) capable.  Cadillac says the new engine will also be tuned to deliver more torque across a broader RPM range for better passing performance. 

What else is new?  Bluetooth is now standard on all models. For our friends in cold climates, a heated steering wheel is now available on the Luxury, Performance and Premium option packages. Finally, a touch of bling with 20” “machined-face” wheels standard on the Performance & Premium trim packages. 

Cadillac already has as winner on its hands in the SRX. More power and refinement may enable this Caddy to finally unseat the Lexus RX350 as king of the midsize luxury crossovers. Final pricing, options and performance figures will be released this summer when production of the new 3.6-liter SRX begins.