Rumored: New SRX to Sport GM's FlexRide, 3.6 DI

[ral1960]

Originally Posted by PAULSTS1

If the new DTS or DT7 were built the Magnaride system could have been engineered into the suspension. On the current model, because it is a FWD system, much more engineering (and great Expense) would be required.

The DTS (and Lucerne) already offers Magnaride, but you have to get just about every other option to get it, so I imagine few people do.

[Tim_M]

"I disagree. These ridiculous features are what people expect for their $50K. If that's what the market demands, GM shouldn't be standing on the side arguing the technology isn't necessary, as people line up to buy cars that park themselves badly and have headlights that turn 4 degrees."

You're definitely right that buyers demand high-end features in premium cars. Navigation systems and satellite radio are good examples of features that people absolutely want and are willing to pay to receive.

There are some, however, that add cost and complexity without really selling any additional cars. Examples include night vision and four wheel steering. More recently, I think it's fair to say that BMW's have sold well in spite of idrive rather than because of it. Mercedes' COMMAND interface actually turned many long time S-Class buyers into Lexus drivers.

If Cadillac wants to sell a $50K SRX, people need to understand why it's worth buying at that price. If Flexdrive is an option, that's fine. However, if it adds an obligatory 1K to the price of the car, I think the money should have been invested elsewhere in the equipment spec. I remember that the current SRX launched poorly because all of the initial dealer shipments were V8 models with full option sets, and the V6 was the model that customers preferred. Consumer appetites can be tough to predict, even in the luxury sector.

That's just my take, I could be very wrong about this. I'm sure the SRX will be a very attractive package when it arrives. GM crossovers in general have been very well received.

[Kennyboy]

This car is a twin of the Saab 9-4x, so it would make more since to be this car at the existing plant that also produces the Saturn Vue.

[ptmeyer84]

what the hell!!?? Since when does GMI post something postive??

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by EldoFan

Amen to that

Originally Posted by Buick61

Agreed. The next SRX is off our list to replace our current SRX.

GM can throw all the fancy technology and repackaged old ideas ("Flex ride" has been used by GM and others before), but that still doesn't change the fact that it's a FWD fancied up Vue being made in Mexico.

Last I checked, Mexicans are human beings too with brains as big as UAW, and the RDX was a souped up CR-V and the RX was a Camry.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by ptmeyer84

what the hell!!?? Since when does GMI post something postive??

If there is positive news to report, we will be the ones to have it. It's just that lately positive news on GM has been hard to come by.

[jmlee0695]

the srx is not a vue. i is built on a platform made up of theta II and epsilon II. the vue is on theta the 9-4x will share TE with the srx. these are the only 2 vehicles built on this platform. and fyi-the rx is a highlander underneath, the rdx is a crv, see,everyone shares platforms

[mgescuro]

I remember in B-school there was an entire case study on something like this.

You're giving the choice of 3 suspension setups: Soft, medium, firm. And while seemingly a great choice, it really doesn't do much for the product image over all because no one really knew what the product was supposed to be. Is it sporty? Is it luxury?

Ultimately what this shows is that the manufacturer has no idea what the car is supposed to be, so they give the choice to the consumer. And in the long run, the product ends up spinning out of control cause no one know what it is supposed to be.

Besides, whatever happened to systems where the computer itself would unobtrusively learn your driving characteristics based on speed, turns, etc., and adapt the car to suit your driving patterns? Couldn't Cadillac develop a next gen of that system to make it even more comprehensive?

I like the system and the idea, but that case study from a few years ago is still in my head. And it makes me wonder....

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

Last I checked, Mexicans are human beings too with brains as big as UAW, and the RDX was a souped up CR-V and the RX was a Camry.

And no one said they weren't human beings...so, thanks for your input.

[FenwickHockey65]

Hmm...E-Flex...FlexFuel...FlexRide...what else?

Good to hear that GM's finally putting interesting technology into Cadillacs.

[63GrandSport001]

The 3.0L direct injection V-6 needs to replace the V-6 in the Epsilon platform as it would make slightly more horsepower and torque then the current engines while getting even better fuel economy.

[ptmeyer84]

Originally Posted by nsap

If there is positive news to report, we will be the ones to have it. It's just that lately positive news on GM has been hard to come by.

I know I'm just letting off some steam....
Sorry if that post was offensive

[AMcA]

Originally Posted by johnstarnes

Brace yourself mikmak....the 2014 DTS will FLY with those little George Jetson's car exhaust rings coming out of the tailpipe!

I recently saw in traffic a big Chevy diesel pick-up that was having a severe smoking problem. But at stoplights, it blew perfect George Jetson smoke rings!

[AMcA]

Originally Posted by Tim_M

If Cadillac wants to sell a $50K SRX, people need to understand why it's worth buying at that price. If Flexdrive is an option, that's fine. However, if it adds an obligatory 1K to the price of the car, I think the money should have been invested elsewhere in the equipment spec. I remember that the current SRX launched poorly because all of the initial dealer shipments were V8 models with full option sets, and the V6 was the model that customers preferred. Consumer appetites can be tough to predict, even in the luxury sector.

I doubt that something this Gee-Whiz is going to be standard equipment. So forget the idea that they should have invested the cost into improving other parts of the vehicle.

This is one of those options that they'll charge two grand for, and it'll cost 'em a hundred bucks to actually put it on the vehicle. And resist the urge to cry "rip-off". Its options like this that make the car biz profitable. And we REALLY need GM profitable.

[johnstarnes]

Originally Posted by AMcA

I recently saw in traffic a big Chevy diesel pick-up that was having a severe smoking problem. But at stoplights, it blew perfect George Jetson smoke rings!

I can just see that! First time that air pollution would look cool!