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The Cadillac SRX enters 2012 wîth a greater combination of performance, technology and capability, building on the momentum of record-setting sales and more conquests from import owners in the mid-luxury crossover §egmènt. Retail sales were up 17.7 percent in the first half of 2011 – a notable feat considering 2010 sales were up more than 150 percent for the year. A new, more powerful 3.6L V-6 headlines the changes for 2012 and becomes the sole engine offered in the SRX. It is rated at 308 horsepower (230 kW) wîth efficiency-enhancing features including direct injection and continuously variable valve timing. It also delivers 265 lb.-ft. of torque (359 Nm), wîth peak torque achieved at a low 2,400 rpm and continuing through 5,300 rpm, giving the SRX a greater feeling of acceleration from a standstill, at low speeds and when passing. The 3.6L is also E85 ethanol-capable.

The 3.6L is matched wîth the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, which features a driver-selectable Eco feature that alters the shift points for up to 1-mpg improved fuel economy in normal driving conditions. Other enhancements to the 2012 SRX include standard Bluetooth phone connectivity on the Base model, a heated §teering wheel on the Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections and door lock switches on the driver and passenger door panels. The new model will continue to have door lock switches on the center console. Also for 2012, SRX will offer a new machined-face finish on the 20-inch wheels, which are standard on Performance and Premium Collections.

SRX seats five and delivers generous occupant and cargo room, wrapped in the dramatic and signature Cadillac style that has pushed the brand back to the top of the world’s luxury manufacturer ranks. It is offered in a Base model and Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections, wîth all-wheel drive offered on all but the Base model. Popular features returning for 2012 include a moveable cargo fence and large under-floor storage space in the rear, a liftgate that can be programmed to stop at different heights and the ÚltraView sunroof that covers 70 percent of the vehicle roof.

Price: $33,250 – 33,250.
Invoice: $35,185 – 35,185.

Design

The SRX’s exterior features a multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac’s iconic vertical headlamps, wîth light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting technology that turns the lamps in the direction of the front wheels. The SRX has a wide stance, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the Base and Luxury Collection and 20-inch wheels are standard on Performance and Premium Collections.

Powertrain

A new, larger and more powerful 3.6L direct-injected V-6 – known by its ‘LFX’ engine code – is the new and sole engine for the SRX. It delivers an SAE-certified 308 horsepower (230 kW) and 265 lb.-ft. of torque (359 Nm). The LFX is a 60-degree design, wîth the cylinder block and cylinder heads cast in aluminum for low weight. A forged steel crankshaft provides optimal strength in the bottom end, while the cylinder heads include four valves per cylinder, wîth a dual overhead camshaft design incorporating infinitely variable cam phasing.

Additionally, optimized-flow fuel injectors and the integrated exhaust manifolds/cylinder heads promote lower emissions. The LFX’s composite intake manifold also has a comparatively small radiated surface area to help it maintain excellent noise and vibration characteristics. The Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission is matched wîth the LFX engine and features the driver-selectable Eco feature for enhanced fuel economy. The available all-wheel-drive system incorporates an electronic limited-slip rear differential, which not only improves traction in slippery road conditions but provides side-to-side torque transfer along the rear axle to enhance control during hard cornering.

Interior

The SRX’s interior is an environment of comfort and technology, wîth leather-trimmed seating standard on Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections and available equipment including a navigation system that rises from the center of the instrument panel and features three-dimensional imaging. A signature example of the SRX’s attention to detail is the Cadillac script logos in the front door sill plates that illuminate when the doors are opened.

Audio system wîth navigation wîth voice recognition, including AM/FM stereo, CD/DVD player, MP3 playback, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound wîth 10 speakers, 40-gig hard drive and ÚSB wîth audio connectivity is standard on the Performance and Premium Collections and available on the Luxury Collection. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard on the Premium Collection and dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on Base, as well as the Luxury and Performance Collections.Heated §teering wheel is standard on the Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections and includes Sapele wood on §teering wheel, shift knob, center stack and doors.Interior color and trim choices include: Ebony wîth Ebony accents, Titanium wîth Ebony accents, Shale wîth Ebony accents and Shale wîth Brownstone accents.

Chassis and Suspension

The SRX has a four-wheel independent suspension system and a standard rack-and-pinion hydraulic §teering system – and offers a variable-effort, speed-sensitive §teering system – wîth tuning biased for sport sedan-style driving and strong on-center feel. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard and works in concert wîth the standard four-wheel-disc/four-channel-ABS braking system.

Safety

The SRX is designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash. A strong body structure and chassis that absorb crash energy are complemented by martensitic steel in the fully enclosed rocker sections. Martensitic steel is one of the strongest available and its use in the rockers helps protect against intrusion during a side-impact crash while also helping maintain the structure during front and rear crashes.

Details

OnStar is standard on all models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies.

• OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the Únited States and Canada.

• One year of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service wîth Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance on all models. The feature is easy to use because all directions are sent to the car by an advisor, without the need to stop. Turn-by-Turn can be cost-effective, since map updates and aftermarket navigation systems are not needed.

• Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps police track the vehicle.

• myCadillac and OnStar myLink mobile apps offer vehicle information and OnStar services via the customer’s smartphone.

The midsize SRX’s advanced V-6 engines are the smallest-displacement engines Cadillac offers in North America. A new, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a new, 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both employ advanced technology that helps produce strong performance that is typical of larger-displacement engines, but wîth greater fuel economy and lower emissions. SRX FWD models wîth the 3.0L engine are EPA-rated at 25 mpg on the highway. ‘The all-new SRX injects emotion into a §egmènt previously devoid of it,’ said Steve Shannon, executive director of Cadillac marketing. ‘With new technologies for increased efficiency and safety, the redesigned 2010 SRX crossover aims at the heart of one of the industry’s strongest categories – the luxury crossover §egmènt.’

Performance and safety are enhanced by an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions. The pre-emptive, active-on-demand system provides an extra measure of capability in wet or icy conditions. The 2010 SRX rides on a wide track designed to deliver a nimble, responsive driving experience. It seats five, wîth generous occupant and cargo room, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg) when properly equipped.

Price: $33,835 – 52,365.
Invoice: $31,965 – 49,485.

Design and Craftsmanship

‘Cadillac is known for bold design. The 2010 SRX builds on that reputation,’ said Clay Dean, Cadillac global design director. ‘As wîth the 2008 CTS, we advanced our Art and Science design to create a crossover for style-conscious customers. The exterior features a dramatic diving gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest.’ A multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac’s iconic vertical headlamps – wîth light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting – are the face of the SRX. They blend into a tightly wrapped, sweeping body that tapers downward at the rear, giving the vehicle a sporty profile, Dean §äid.

The SRX has a wide stance, minimal overhang and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. A bold accent line dives across the body side and culminates at a chrome front fender vent that incorporates a side marker lamp. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics. ‘Inside the new SRX, technical precision blends wîth old-world craftsmanship,’ Dean §äid. ‘Hand-cut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel and ambient lighting details convey a finely tailored cabin.’ An integrated center stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while the navigation system rises from the center of the instrument panel. A signature example of the SRX’s attention to detail is the Cadillac script logos in the front door sill plates that illuminate when the doors are opened.

Performance

The interior and exterior design of the new SRX communicates that Cadillac’s new crossover is a more dynamic alternative to its competitors. Likewise, the technology and driving performance of the SRX is completely new, featuring smaller engines and the introduction of a new chassis. SRX’s new engine lineup marks a major change, wîth the standard 3.0L and optional 2.8L engines replacing the previous generation SRX’s 3.6L and 4.6L engines. The SRX is powered by a new, fuel-efficient direct injected 3.0L V-6 that delivers 265 horsepower (198 kW) and has a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct injection results in more power, better fuel economy and lower emissions, all wîth a smaller-displacement package. As a result, the new V-6 engine may achieve a 1 0- to 15-percent fuel economy improvement over the previous standard engine.

The 3.0L direct injection V-6 is a smaller-displacement version of the 3.6L, direct injection engine featured in the CTS sport sedan and named one of the world’s 10 Best Engines for 2009 by Ward’s Automotive. Along wîth direct injection technology, the 3.0L engine uses variable valve timing to optimize power and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It is paired wîth a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission wîth manual shift control.  A 2.8L turbocharged V-6, derived from a family of refined engines GM uses in luxury European models, is optional in the SRX and will be introduced at the middle of the 2010 model year. It delivers an estimated 300 horsepower (224 kW) under full boost, but the fuel economy of a smaller engine during lower-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising. An Aisin AF40 six-speed automatic transmission is matched wîth the 2.8L turbo and includes a driver-selectable ‘eco mode’ that alters transmission shift points to maximize fuel economy.

Dynamics

The driving experience of the SRX blends the best elements of a sports sedan wîth the safety and excellent traction capability that crossover and SÚV buyers value. One of its core elements is a new, advanced AWD system, featuring an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD.) The eLSD enables the system to distribute torque from the front to rear axle, and also side-to-side, across the rear axle. Developed in partnership wîth Haldex, a leader in AWD technology, the system provides torque to the wheel wîth the most traction.

The advanced AWD system provides excellent traction in slippery conditions like rain, snow or ice. In all conditions, the system bolsters other driving dynamics, such as cornering. The suspension includes an available, continuously variable real-time damping system in conjunction wîth AWD that delivers smooth ride quality by adjusting shock damping rates in response to road conditions. SRX features standard 18-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. The rack-and-pinion §teering system is hydraulic and speed-sensitive, wîth tuning biased for sport sedan-style driving and strong on-center feel. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard.

Technology and Entertainment Systems

The 2010 SRX features numerous advanced electronic systems. Highlights include a ‘pop-up’ navigation screen in the dashboard wîth three-dimensional imaging, adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch wîth vehicle §teering, power liftgate wîth programmable height setting, integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment. Bluetooth compatibility is standard, as is OnStar’s Turn-by-Turn Navigation service for buyers who do not select the navigation system option.

Storage and Practicality

Crossovers and SÚVs are sometimes best appreciated from the inside out, as their owners highly value the people- and cargo-hauling practicality they offer. The new SRX was developed wîth that in mind. Despite having more compact exterior dimensions than its predecessor, the cabin space is optimized for five-passenger luxury and good cargo-carrying ability. The rear compartment includes a Cargo Management System that features a Ú-Rail track system. It includes an adjustable cargo fence that §egmènts the cargo area to contain smaller items, and also retracts beneath the load floor when not in use.

Safety

The SRX is designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash. A strong body structure and chassis that absorb crash energy are complemented by martensitic steel in the fully enclosed rocker sections. Martensitic steel is one of the strongest available. Its use in the rockers helps protect against intrusion during a side-impact crash, while also helping to maintain the structure during front and rear crashes.

Additional safety features include standard head curtain side air bags, standard front seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags, front safety belts wîth dual pretensioners and load limiters, rollover mitigation sensors, trailer stability assist and OnStar. The SRX was also designed to meet European pedestrian protection standards; and the front bumper is positioned for greater compatibility wîth car bumpers.

The DTS’ advanced safety features are Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert. Lane Departure Warning uses a camera to provide visual and audible alerts in the event of an inadvertent lane change. Side Blind Zone Alert extends driver vision, using radar sensors to detect objects adjacent to the car in a driver’s traditional ‘blind spot.’ Like all Cadillac models, DTS now includes standard Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance, covering scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters and multi-point vehicle inspections for four years or 50,000 miles. The 2011 DTS also debuts ninth generation OnStar technology, which includes significantly improved voice recognition capabilities.

Price: $46,685 – 59,875.
Invoice: $44,115 – 56,585.

Powertrain

The DTS chassis combines performance and luxury capabilities to a degree never before reached on a full-size Cadillac sedan. (concept carz) Chassis tuning on the four-wheel independent suspension system achieves a smooth, quiet, refined ride. The DTS features a front cradle design, wîth the engine mounted to the cradle, and the cradle mounted to the body rails. Integrated chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes and traction control, four-channel StabiliTrak wîth Brake Assist, and Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). It is the world’s fastest reacting suspension, controlling body motions to a precise degree.

MRC provides electronically controlled, magnetic-fluid based real-time damping. It uses four wheel-to-body displacement sensors to measure wheel motion over the road surface and responds by adjusting the shock damping at speeds approaching one millisecond. The system’s secret is the magneto-rheological fluid contained in its dampers, replacing traditional mechanical valves. Suspended in this fluid are tiny iron particles that respond to an electromagnetic charge. A revised piston profile introduced in 2008 improves damping capability and decreases shock temperatures, resulting in improved ride and handling.

Comfort, Convenience and Security Features

The DTS is loaded wîth a broad range of helpful feature that enhance comfort, convenience and security. The features included:

• Heated and cooled front seats

• Heated rear seats

• Heated §teering wheel

• Standard dual-zone climate control on base packages and standard tri-zone climate control on uplevel packages

• Factory-installed Adaptive Remote Start wîth personalization

• Rain-sensing wipers

• Power folding outside rearview mirrors

• Front and rear ultrasonic park assist

• IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlamps

• In-dash six-CD changer and MP3 player

• Radar-based adaptive cruise control (ACC) wîth audible and visual alerts

• DVD navigation system.

Warning System

The Lane Departure Warning system uses a camera located between the inside rearview mirror and the windshield to detect lane markings on the road and alert drivers when they inadvertently stray from the lane. When the Lane Departure Warning System is engaged, a driver traveling at 35 mph or more who crosses a detected lane marking without signaling is alerted in two ways: The system’s telltale light flashes amber, and an alerting sound of three beeps is played. The system is designed to alert drivers so they can take appropriate action to move the vehicle back into the lane.

A distinguishing feature of Cadillac’s lane departure system over competitive systems is its telltale light wîth the ‘LDW’ symbol that indicates whether the system is ready to assist the driver. If the light is green, the system is able to detect lane markings and provide alerts. If the light is off, it will not. To avoid nuisance alerts, the system is designed to not provide an alert if the turn signal is on or if the driver makes a sharp maneuver.

Alert System

Side Blind Zone Alert uses radar sensors behind the rear fascia on both sides of the vehicle that signal an audible and visual alert if objects are detected in ‘blind zones.’ The outside rearview mirrors feature turn signal LEDs and bold Side Blind Zone Alert icons. Alternating radar beams in GM’s Side Blind Zone Alert system ‘sweep’ adjacent areas, covering a zone of about one lane over from both sides of the vehicle, or 11 feet (3.5 m). The zone starts at each side mirror and goes back about 16 feet (5 m).

When the system is engaged, a driver will know that following vehicles in the adjacent lanes are entering the side blind zone when an amber symbol, located in the outside rearview mirror, is illuminated. The system is not designed to detect vehicles outside of the side blind zone that may be rapidly approaching, or detect pedestrians, bicyclists or animals. It’s designed to ignore infrastructure such as fire hydrants or parked cars. In addition, the system displays do not come on while the vehicle is approaching or passing other vehicles.

Safety features

The DTS is equipped wîth a host of safety and security features, beginning wîth its body frame integral (BFI) construction; strategically engineered crumple zones in front and rear; and comprehensive use of high-strength steel. The vehicle’s crashworthiness is enhanced wîth structural foam and nylon structural inserts strategically placed in areas of the vehicle’s structure. The DTS has six standard air bags, including an industry-first dual depth front passenger air bag and GM’s passenger sensing system. The GM co-patented technology deploys either a small or large air bag depending upon crash severity, seat belt usage and seat position. Additional standard features include a dual-stage driver frontal air bag, roof-rail curtain air bags, and front-seat side-impact thorax air bags.

As wîth other Cadillac models, all 2011 DTS models are now equipped wîth ninth-generation OnStar technology. The flexible speech recognition system interprets different sentences or phrases without actually hearing the exact two-to-three-word commands from the user. For example, a subscriber who wants to place a call using the Hands Free Calling System simply says: ‘I would like to make a phone call’ or ‘Need to make a phone call’ instead of saying the exact ‘dial’ or ‘call’ command. The system will understand that the user wants to place a call and process the command. The system is capable of recognizing thousands of sentences that users may say.

Additionally, significant improvements have been made to the flexible speech recognition system to allow it to better understand many regional dialects. This means that a subscriber in southern Louisiana will be just as easily understood as a subscriber in Long Island or Minnesota. OnStar engineers in North America and China performed extensive validation testing across four languages (English, French, Spanish and Mandarin), more than 30 different dialects and vehicle models in a wide range of driving and noise conditions.

The Cadillac Escalade continues to offer the most complete model lineup in its §egmènt, wîth three distinct body styles and the Escalade Platinum models. The standard Escalade is complemented by the extended length ESV model and the innovative EXT model that features a reconfigurable cargo bed wîth a §egmènt-exclusive midgate enabling the rear compartment to flex between passenger and cargo space.

Escalade Platinum is the highest expression of the brand’s dramatic design, luxury and technology. With features including §egmènt-first LED headlamps and the world’s fastest-acting suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, it’s one of the most technically advanced vehicles in the segment. Also available is the Escalade Hybrid, which delivers up to a 33-percent city fuel economy improvement without sacrificing the luxury features that define all Escalade models.

Price: $61,425 – 87,725.
Invoice: $57,425 – 81,965.

Escalade Features

The Escalade lineup features integrated powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems that deliver some of the most powerful, efficient luxury SÚVs in the §egmènt, led by a 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine wîth variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* The 6.2L engine is also a flexfuel engine and can run on renewable E85 ethanol. The Escalade and Escalade ESV are available in AWD and RWD configurations. The Escalade EXT sport-utility truck features standard, full-time AWD. A strong frame and chassis support the Escalade’s robust powertrain and enable exceptional responsiveness and smoothness.

Four-wheel disc brakes and an ABS system help ensure braking performance. ABS works wîth the StabiliTrak stability control system’s rollover mitigation technology. This software algorithm technology uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle ‘tip-up’ and apply appropriate brake force to help prevent such events. A roster of advanced features reinforces Escalade’s position as technology leader, designed to bolster comfort, convenience and safety. They include:

• Side blind zone alert

• Power retractable assist steps

• Automatic headlamps wîth IntelliBeam automatic high/low beams

• Últrasonic rear parking assist

• Rear vision camera system

• Bose AudioPilot active noise cancellation technology, which continuously adjusts the music in response to background noise

• Fully functioning LED headlamps (exclusive to Escalade Platinum)

• Heated and cooled cupholders (exclusive to Escalade Platinum)

• Magnetic Ride Control

• Power-titling and heated §teering wheel

• Eight-inch navigation radio wîth new CompactFlash memory and auxiliary jack

• Rear-seat, DVD entertainment system

• Heated and cooled front seats

• Adaptive remote start

• Power liftgate

Also available is an advanced navigation system wîth real-time traffic, expanded voice prompts and 3D imaging of major landmarks. Escalade also has a full array of safety features: Front row-dual stage airbags, head curtain side airbags for all passenger rows, front row thorax airbags, and front row seat pretensioners.

Escalade Platinum

Offered on Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV, the Platinum edition includes a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements, including unique 22-inch wheels and exclusive Platinum exterior badges. Segment-first applications of Magnetic Ride Control technology (available on all Escalade models wîth 22-inch wheels) and full-function light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps highlight the Platinum’s technology. Magnetic Ride Control gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system – ‘reading’ the road in millisecond intervals and changes damping in 5 milliseconds. It replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks wîth electronically controlled shocks filled wîth a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles. Únder the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

The LED headlamps emulate the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly lasting 10 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs. Inside the Escalade Platinum is the latest example of Cadillac’s 21st century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are leather wrapped. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, wîth unique wood inlays and aluminum trim. Tehama aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to fully trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, wîth the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat.

Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats; a heated §teering wheel; and heated and cooled cupholders and a power liftgate that opens and closes wîth the touch of a button. Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front-seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen. Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices. Escalade Platinum models will include the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen for Navigation, DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite Radio entertainment.

Escalade Interior

A unique instrument panel is a defining attribute of the Escalade’s interior, and includes gauges wîth white needles and blue light inlays wîth continuously lit, white-LED backlighting. The well-appointed cabin also includes heated and cooled 14-way powered Nuance leather seats; leather door upper trim and center console; fabric-covered interior pillars; olive ash and walnut burl wood inlays; aluminum trim; and an available heated §teering wheel.

Escalade delivers convenience wîth an industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat, and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes wîth the touch of a button. A power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes wîth the touch of a button also is standard. Escalade also includes an eight-inch touch-screen navigation system (standard), as well as an optional DVD system wîth a large, eight-inch flip-down screen. A §egmènt-first Bose 5.1 digital surround sound system is integrated into a family of radios that play DVD audio/video, CD audio/video, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio.

Escalade ESV

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is the largest member of the Escalade family, offering maximum passenger accommodations and cargo capacity. Combining power, size and strength wîth trademark Cadillac styling and technology, the full-size Escalade ESV has strongly positioned Cadillac in the large luxury SÚV market. The vehicle is 21 inches (53.4 cm) longer than Escalade, translating into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability – up to 137.4 cubic feet (3,891 L) behind the first row, wîth the second folded and third row removed. It features all the same elements and features as the standard Escalade, but adds an additional eight-inch flip-down screen for third-row passengers.

Escalade EXT

Escalade EXT brings unmatched versatility to the Escalade family of luxury SÚVs, blending pickup truck-style functionality into a thoroughly luxurious Escalade. The EXT model is a unique Sport Útility Truck (SÚT) body style, giving it a part-SÚV, part-pickup profile. With the industry-exclusive Midgate panel, owners can easily convert the EXT from a five-passenger SÚV into a two-passenger pickup wîth eight feet of protected and secured storage. The midgate, located behind the rear seat, can be folded into the cabin, enabling the cargo area to expand from five feet to eight feet, for a total of 101 cubic feet in secured volume. A lockable, standard tonneau cover protects items in the cargo bed, or can be removed entirely for added space.

All 2011 Cadillac Escalade models are now equipped wîth ninth-generation OnStar technology. The flexible speech recognition system is now smart enough to interpret different sentences/phrases without actually hearing the exact 2-3 word commands from the user. For example, if a subscriber wants to place a call using the Hands Free Calling System, if they simply say, ‘I would like to make a phone call’ or ‘Need to make a phone call,’ instead of saying the exact ‘dial’ or ‘call’ command, the system will understand that the user wants to place a call and process that command accordingly. The system is capable of recognizing thousands of sentences that users may say.

Additionally, significant improvements have been made to the flexible speech recognition system to allow it to better understand the many regional dialects that subscribers may have. This means that a subscriber in Southern Louisiana will be just as easily understood by the OnStar system as a subscriber in Long Island or Minnesota, no matter how thick his or her accent may be. OnStar engineers in North America and China perform extensive validation testing across four languages (English, French, Spanish and Mandarin), more than thirty different dialects and vehicles models in a wide range of driving and noise conditions.

Since its inception in 2004, Cadillac’s XLR has been a fresh face in the elite club of the world’s finest luxury roadsters. Today Cadillac revealed the new 2009 edition of the XLR Roadster, featuring styling and model enhancements providing more dramatic design and technology.

Only the finest editions of Cadillac’s retractable hardtop roadster will be offered in 2009: The luxurious XLR Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V. The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V8 engine. The XLR-V, part of Cadillac’s V-Series of high-performance models, is powered with a 443-horsepower (330 kW) 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V8 engine.

Advanced technology has always been a trademark of XLR, and that legacy continues in 2009. This includes Cadillac’s acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control system and amenities such as Keyless Access with push-button start, DVD navigation and entertainment, heated and cooled seats, head-up display and heated steering wheel. XLR’s advanced technologies also include Adaptive Forward Lighting that enables the headlamps to swivel in concert with vehicle steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The 2009 XLR includes a new front fascia, new rear fascia and new side fender vents. The revised design is inspired by the award-winning CTS sport sedan, delivering more detail and aggressiveness to Cadillac’s roadster. The front fascia includes new fog lamps and specific upper and lower grilles for the Platinum and V-Series models. Also, both ’09 models feature the distinctive hood with a raised center section that was previously exclusive to the V-Series.

“XLR has been a catalyst for the dramatic design and technology driving Cadillac’s ongoing renaissance,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The enhanced 2009 model exemplifies the continued development of Cadillac’s approach to design, performance and craftsmanship.”

The 2009 Cadillac XLR gets freshened exterior styling and a few new available features for its final model year. This two-seat convertible is based on the Chevrolet Corvette, but XLR has unique styling, a power-folding hardtop, and different powertrains. XLR is offered in two trims: Platinum and XLR-V. Platinum replaces the Base model and is powered by a 320-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine. High-performance XLR-V versions have a supercharged 443-hp 4.4-liter V8. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on both. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Platinum models get new 18-inch wheels. Run-flat tires are standard, along with GM’s automatic adjusting Magnetic Ride Control suspension. A wireless cell-phone link is newly standard. No 2009 Cadillac XLR models have been made available for Consumer Guide testing.

The ultra-luxury XLR Platinum model receives additional exterior identifiers, including a revised rear fascia with more pronounced new exhaust tips and a new 18-inch wheel design (painted wheel finish is standard; chrome is optional).

Inside, the ’09 XLR lineup delivers more luxury and technology. Alcantara – a suede-like microfiber material – is used for the headliner material, in either Ebony or Cashmere colour. Also new is hand-cut and sewn leather used on the upper instrument panel. This hand-stitched and wrapped leather lends tailored elegance to the cabin, representing Cadillac’s new approach to modern and elegant interior craftsmanship.

The updated cabin includes new instrument cluster trim rings and graphics, new wood grain trims (Natural Olive Ash Burl for XLR Platinum and Black Olive Ash Burl for XLR-V) and new metal trims (Quartz for XLR Platinum and Bermuda for XLR-V.)

4.6L V-8 DOHC SMPI 32 valve engine with variable valve control – 150 amp alternator – Battery with run down protection – 6-speed electronic sequential shift control automatic transmission with overdrive, lock-up – Rear-wh eel drive – ABS & driveline traction control – 2.73 axle ratio – Dual stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher.

Hydraulic power-assist rack and pinion steering with speed-sensing assist – 4 wheel disc brakes with front vented discs – Automatic ride control, adaptive suspension, auto-leveling, stability control – Independent front suspension – Front double wishbone suspension – Front anti-roll bar – Front transverse leaf springs – Rear independent suspension – Rear double wishbone suspension – Rear transverse leaf springs – Air rear shocks – Front and rear 18.0″ x 8.00″ polished alloy wheels – P235/50WR18.0 BSW run flat performance front and rear tires.

4-wheel anti-lock braking system – Daytime running lights, center high mounted stop light – Dual airbags, seat mounted driver and passenger side-impact airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, driver and passenger side airbag head extension – Seatbelts with front pre-tensioners – Ignition disable, tracker system, security system ajar, trunk/liftgate ajar, service interval, brake fluid, tire specific low tire pressure, transmission fluid temp – Leath er/genuine wood steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment – Power front and rear windows with light tint, driver and passenger 1-touch down – Variable intermittent front windshield wipers, rain detecting wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster – Dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors – Auto-dimmi ng day-night rearview mirror – Interior lights include dome light with delay, front reading lights, 2 door curb lights, illuminated entry – Full floor console with covered storage, rear console with storage, locking glove box with light, front cupholder, driver and passenger door bins – Carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid/rear cargo door, cargo net, cargo light.

4-wheel anti-lock braking system – Daytime running lights, center high mounted stop light – Dual airbags, seat mounted driver and passenger side-impact airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, driver and passenger side airbag head extension – Seatbelts with front pre-tensioners – Ignition disable, tracker system, security system

Seating capacity of 2 – Ventilated bucket front seats with driver and passenger heated-cushion, driver and passenger heated-seatback, fixed head restraints, center armrest – 8-way adjustable (8-way power) driver seat includes power 4-way lumbar support – 8-way adjustable (8-way power) passenger seat includes power 4-way lumbar support – Leather faced front seats with leatherette back material – Leather door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpet front floor mats, aluminum/genuine wood instrument panel insert, leather/genuine wood gear shift knob, aluminum/genuine wood door panel insert, aluminum/genuine wood console insert, aluminum interior accents – Memory on driver seat with 2 memory setting(s) includes settings for exterior mirrors, steering wheel, audio, HVAC.

Side impact bars, composite/alloy body material – Black front windshield molding – Body-colored door handles – Colored grille – 2 doors with power open and close trunk – Power convertible roof with lining, glass rear window, roll-over protection, retractable hard top – Driver and passenger body-colored heated folding outside mirrors, driver power remote auto dimming outside mirror, passenger power remote w/tilt down outside mirror – Front and rear body-colored bumpers – Projector beam high intensity low/high beam fully automatic headlamps with washer, delay-off feature, directionally adaptive – Additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights, underhood light, remote activated perimeter/approach lights – Clearcoat monotone paint.

The 2009 Cadillac STS lineup gets no major changes following its 2008 freshening. STS is available in V6, V8, and high-performance STS-V models. All come with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all but the STS-V. V6 models have a 302-hp 3.6-liter engine. V8 models use a 320-hp 4.6-liter V8.

The STS-V uses a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 with 469 hp. STS-V also includes a sport suspension and unique trim. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.

A lane-departure and blind-spot alert system are offered, as is an active steering system designed to turn the front wheels into a skid when the rears lose traction. Also available are heated and cooled front seats and a touch-screen navigation system with voice recognition and a wireless cell phone link. The STS Platinum has specific interior and exterior trim.