[nsap]

Rumored: New SRX to Sport GM’s FlexRide, 3.6 DI
GM's newest Caddy to be "loaded" with technology.
www.gminsidenews.com
September 8, 2008
By: Nsap

Recently Cadillac showed the public the first few images of the 2010 SRX luxury crossover. The vehicle was actually just given the SRX moniker not long before the public release as marketing could not decide whether to go with a new name or stick with what they had. You will better know this vehicle as the “BRX” which was its rumored name for the last year and a half. While many are bitter over the fact that this new SRX is riding on the front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive TE platform, all can be rest assured that it is supposedly loaded with technology. One technology that we know of will be GM’s new FlexRide chassis control system. We’ve also heard of a likely engine offering.

FlexRide is a new chassis control system that GM has shown on the upcoming Opel Insignia. The technology has three basic modes; Standard, Tour and Sport. Those are the three modes on the Insignia, so we assume the SRX will have the same. The Tour mode of FlexRide relaxes the suspension damping and overall chassis feel. In Sport mode however, the damping is stiffer, throttle response is altered to be more aggressive and valving on the steering is adjusted. In Sport mode, the car even changes the transmission software to shift more aggressively. The FlexRide system can even control the all-wheel drive system; sending more power to the rear wheels in Sport mode. In the Insignia, FlexRide will even adapt the Active-Forward Lighting (articulating headlamps), by making them turn faster in Sport mode. In all modes, the FlexRide system can adapt “within a split second” to emergency situations by altering the acceleration, braking, and suspension to avoid a wreck.

Almost every aspect of the FlexRide system is customizable by the driver. There is a Driving Mode Control menu that you can customize what each “mode” of FlexRide does and how much it affects every aspect of the car. How the car reacts to emergency situations is even customizable. It is unclear which aspects of the FlexRide technology the SRX will get, but we have to assume it will get a similar version to the Opels.

Aside from being rumored to have FlexRide, we also have heard that one of the powertrains in the new SRX will be GM’s 3.6L direct-injected High-Feature V6. This, to us, is a no-brainer considering that particular engine has been the V6 of choice for most higher-end products at Cadillac. In the CTS, that powertrain is rated at 304 HP, so we assume the SRX will wear the same. GMI has not heard what low-end engine will be offered on the SRX. We have been told that a 3.0L direct-injected High-Feature V6 is in development and that it would be good for about 270 HP. Possibly it will show its face for the first time in the SRX??? If not, one has to assume the SRX will use the same 3.6 base engine that the CTS uses.

We continue to hear from multiple sources that the new SRX will be “loaded” with technology. Some of which has never been used before. One of those technologies is rumored to be the FlexRide system. That makes sense, as we hear the FlexRide system is going to end up in other North American products shortly. Stay tuned to GMI during the upcoming auto show season, GM is expected to reveal the SRX in its full glory at one of the earlier shows. Production for the SRX is slated to begin in late Spring 2009 at GM's Ramos Arizpe, Mexico assembly plant.

Click here for SRX press release and images

 

[gdsm3]

WOW! GM is on a roll. Hopefully that government loan goes through for the american automakers because if it does I have a feeling they are on their way back to greatness.

 

[mikmak]

There's quite a few interesting points in that story NSAP! How far does flexride go as far as intervention? Variable resistance rollbars are supposedly en vogue as an addition to the electro magnetic suspension (as seen in the Corvette and HSV stables) <--Is that suspension used in other Caddies? Anyone?

I also like the sound of a DI 3.0. Whilst it will no doubt require some serious throttle action to get it going in larger vehicles, it should yield some good economy gains in city driving. Sounds like a future sure thing for Alpha too.

 

[PRO_USA1776]

GM's Ramos Arizpe, Mexico assembly plant

That made my choice easier for the replacement of my SRX - Chevy volt it is!

 

[CharlotteFirebird]

That made my choice easier for the replacement of my SRX - Chevy volt it is!

I agree. It's a shame that they are made in Mexico when there is/was so much excess capacity in the US. I understand that they have to have to some high-profit cars, especially now, but I don't want to buy one, so given the current state, it might be a necessity...of course, GM wasn't doing as poorly when the decision was made.

Hopefully with the buyouts, more cars will be made in the US now that it will be cheaper.

 

[Titanic]

That made my choice easier for the replacement of my SRX - Chevy volt it is!

I agree. It's a shame that they are made in Mexico when there is/was so much excess capacity in the US. I understand that they have to have to some high-profit cars, especially now, but I don't want to buy one, so given the current state, it might be a necessity...of course, GM wasn't doing as poorly when the decision was made.

Hopefully with the buyouts, more cars will be made in the US now that it will be cheaper.

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.

 

[johnstarnes]

Is there some way that these features could be incorporated into the DTS or STS platform to breathe new life into one? The idea of the CTS being Cadillac's top offering until 2012-2014 seems very very self defeating just as they gain some momentum. Surely the DTS could be given styling cues from the Imaj and Sixteen and CTS to make it bold and luxurious looking. A friend is a high end realtor with the current CTS...had to take a DTS as a loaner while repairs were made on his car...called it "ugly" and a "pig", was amazed and dismayed by the poor quality, ride, looks, etc.

 

[BigAls87Z28]

This needs to make CTS yesterday...
GM's Global Engineering power is coming into view now.

 

[PAULSTS1]

Is there some way that these features could be incorporated into the DTS or STS platform to breathe new life into one? The idea of the CTS being Cadillac's top offering until 2012-2014 seems very very self defeating just as they gain some momentum. Surely the DTS could be given styling cues from the Imaj and Sixteen and CTS to make it bold and luxurious looking. A friend is a high end realtor with the current CTS...had to take a DTS as a loaner while repairs were made on his car...called it "ugly" and a "pig", was amazed and dismayed by the poor quality, ride, looks, etc.

The DTS is a Luxury Sedan, the CTS is a near-luxury Sport sedan, they serve different purposes. Also the DTS is a 10 year old design! The suspension system offered on the upcoming SRX is old hat! Today's SRX is available with the more complex (and costly MagnaRide Electronic suspension). 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.

Cadillac is lowering costs and offering less features in anticipation of some "Price Wars." If one wants this kind of vehicle, buy a new SRX, now, because later the new Acura or Lexus models will make the new one seem as a low budget "White Elephant."

:drive:

 

[EldoFan]

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.

Amen to that

 

[Tim_M]

"Almost every aspect of the FlexRide system is customizable by the driver. There is a Driving Mode Control menu that you can customize what each “mode” of FlexRide does and how much it affects every aspect of the car. How the car reacts to emergency situations is even customizable. It is unclear which aspects of the FlexRide technology the SRX will get, but we have to assume it will get a similar version to the Opels."



I know that feature tallies equate to bragging rights in the luxury sector, but stuff like this seems a bit superflous. People who buy these cars rarely read owners manuals, set their memory seat position once, and tend to ignore attention-intensive programmable features.

If buyers of luxury crossover SUVs actually gravitate to the SRX because of this feature, more power to Cadillac. Still, this seems like the wrong kind of vehicle in which to debut a performance technology. It will add cost and complexity in exchange for debatable competitive advantage. Given the marketplace struggles of the first SRX- a standout product by most accounts - it seems unwise to swell the launch MSRP with features like this.

Cadillac has been lauded for the intuitive design of their electronic interfaces, so maybe I'm jumping the gun. Fingers crossed.

 

[bhoppes]

I don't really care for this being built in Mexico. What happened to the SRX staying at Lansing plant. I must really be behind in the news. What else would be built next to this?

 

[johnny smallblock]

I know that feature tallies equate to bragging rights in the luxury sector, but stuff like this seems a bit superflous. People who buy these cars rarely read owners manuals, set their memory seat position once, and tend to ignore attention-intensive programmable features.

If buyers of luxury crossover SUVs actually gravitate to the SRX because of this feature, more power to Cadillac. Still, this seems like the wrong kind of vehicle in which to debut a performance technology. It will add cost and complexity in exchange for debatable competitive advantage. Given the marketplace struggles of the first SRX- a standout product by most accounts - it seems unwise to swell the launch MSRP with features like this.

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.

 

[mikmak]

4 degrees! when did this happen? Behold the 21 century in all its glory! :lmao:

 

[johnstarnes]

4 degrees! when did this happen? Behold the 21 century in all its glory! :lmao:

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

 

[ral1960]

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]

Amen to that

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.