Cadillac

2010 Cadillac SRX

The 2nd time is the Charm
Cadillac SRX Front Wheel Drive (2010)

The sumptuous, all-new for 2010, Cadillac SRX crossover is definitely a hit. With its edgy, angular design, its efficient 3.0 liter V6, and the better than expected fit and finish, make this 2nd generation SRX a winner.

Cadillac is betting that its all new 2nd generation SRX can conquer loyalists to other brands offering competitive mid-sized crossovers, namely Lexus, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. With this new crossover, Cadillac offers a compelling alternative to these well known brands, as the SRX is well positioned in design, size, economy, features and pricing.

The SRX is a striking vehicle. Viewing it from the front, we see that it maintains the chiseled, sharp design which, by now has become the signature look of Cadillac. There is a large Cadillac crest centered within the grille in addition to the elegant and aerodynamically sleek jewel-like headlights. These include integrated LED light bars creating a distinctive light accent that simply looks cool. The side turning markers are part of the non-functioning side “gills” that create an elegant touch on the side of the fender. The SRX wheels are 20” painted aluminum that are quite attractive and fill the wheel well nicely. Normally the rear design and execution of a crossover can be tricky, as the angle and size of the rear window can cause it to look tail heavy. Cadillac, however, did a marvelous job with the rear of the SRX, which includes elegant retro-looking tail LED lit lamps that have a slight fin at the top, paying homage to the fins on the legendary 1959 Cadillac El Dorado. There are two large exhaust tip rings that pass through the bumper, giving the rear lower valance a nice touch. The cargo hatch is electronically operated three different ways: Door switch, key fob and hatch touch handle. The maximum height of the opening can be programmed, a nice convenience for those that are vertically challenged. The rear cargo hold is well appointed, with carpeting, and rails for anchoring bulky cargo. There is also an under floor privacy storage, with a second security cover. The 2nd row seats conveniently fold forward 60/40 split, excellent for oversized items.

Once seated in the driver’s seat, you are greeted with the innovative and elegant dash, as well as Cadillac’s motorized “infotainment” screen. A nice detail, are the secondary turn signal lights. These are glass covered green lights that flank the speedometer gauge and blink in unison with the turn signal arrows. There are plenty of cubby holes, as well as outlets for the myriad of “plug ins” that one seems to carry these days. The gear selector is smooth and precise, conveying quality every time a gear is engaged. Driving the SRX is a delight to the senses; it is smooth, comfortable and efficient. We did notice that the A pillars seemed larger than other cars, creating somewhat of a blind spot when looking in those two directions. The rear backup camera is simply a cant-do without feature, as it makes parallel or reverse parking a breeze. Rear seats are comfortable for two and snug for three and there is a convenient advantage of a flat floor as well. GM has designed one of the best seat back entertainment screens in the market. These fold to become an integral part of the rear of the front seats. A nice touch is the optional “ultra-view”, full sized, glass roof that is tinted enough that it can be kept with the shade open all day without feeling uncomfortable. Additionally, there is an electric sliding front panel that lets fresh air in with the touch of a switch.

For most urban and commute situations power is adequate, however, at times, the 3.0 liter V6 seemed almost strained, especially when accelerating under full power with a car full of people. Cadillac does offer an optional 2.8 liter turbocharged, 300 HP V6 that most likely cures this need. The throttle pedal feels great, giving the driver the ability to be smooth and surgically precise with the inputs on the throttle every time. Brakes feel direct and compliant, offering plenty of stopping power under almost all braking situations.

The all-new-for-2010 Cadillac SRX crossover, an elegant, civilized and superb vehicle that is worth considering. The second time is the charm!

The Essentials:

• MSRP: $43,895.00 MSRP (As tested): $46,015.00
• Fuel Economy (Observed): 19.8 MPG
• Engine: V6, 3.0 liter, 265 HP
• Popular options: Ultra-view sunroof, AWD, Bluetooth, keyless access and remote start, rear-view camera, adaptive lighting, dual rear seat entertainment with wireless headphones.
• Visit: www.cadillac.com

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

By: Juan G. Robbin
Spacious, powerful and modern. Need we say more?
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid(2009)

Redesigned in 2007, the Cadillac Escalade is the gold standard for all American full sized SUV’s. You can’t help but noticing the massive sharp angled front grille, modern, jewel-like headlights and chiseled side panels with side grills. Additionally, the prominently sized Cadillac crest insignias front and back. We can assure you, no one forgets it’s a Cadillac. In 2008 GM introduced a Two-mode Hybrid system that for the 1st time is being used in a large Luxury SUV.

Hot day? No worries simply press the ignition button on the remote as you walk towards the vehicle and it starts, voila! a comfortable interior during steamy summer days. As you enter the cabin, helped by the optional retractable running boards, you are greeted by an elegant leather and wood steering wheel with finger-tip controls managing the multi-function display, steering wheel heater, cruise control and voice activated commands. Seating up front is 1st class, with rich leather and elegant stitching. The dash is modern and clean, with gauge pointers that are back lit in white and blue. Select reverse gear and both mirrors tilt down (if you want) plus a high resolution rear back-up camera and audible sensors activate. These are just a few of the touches that clearly differentiate the Cadillac Escalade from a run-of-the-mill large SUV.

Fit and finish is excellent, with the design being clean, modern and functional. Seats, trim, textures and switchgear feel is also better than before. We tried out every seat in the vehicle, and found them all to be comfortable, especially on long trips. Second row can only be a bench seat as the large Hybrid system batteries are located under this seat. Third row seating was not as roomy, but still quite acceptable, especially for adults on short trips or kids on long trips. The multi-zone DVD and A/C system is fantastic. This reminded me when I was a kid in the late 70’s and going on summer trips in the family station-wagon, I was usually relegated to the third row-rear facing bench seat. Visions of stifling heat come back into my mind when I think about it. Where was the 2nd and 3rd row A/C vents then? 30+ years of technology make a huge difference in terms of greater comfort, safety and entertainment to pass the highway miles.

We averaged 18 MPG of real world mixed driving. The Two-Mode Hybrid system is noticeably efficient, however, if you push the Escalade Hybrid hard it will definite be noticeable in the MPG gauge. The interface between electric mode and the engine start stop feature is excellent and the only thing one feels is a very gentle shudder as the engine auto-starts. During constant speed driving, the Escalade offers a system where a four of the eight cylinders go on “sleep” mode offering much better fuel economy. We saw mid 20’s MPG at a steady 65 MPH. Upon a slight squeeze of the throttle the full V8 capability comes online without a bump or lag. Clever idea! Being smooth and gentle during acceleration is the key to squeezing the most out of the electric assist and a gallon of fuel. Anticipating stops and lifting off the gas pedal early also goes a long way towards better economy. The regenerative braking feature is slightly noticeable when using the brakes. Turning radius and steering feedback was remarkably effective and direct respectively. One nice thing Cadillac has done is bundle many of the typical options on the Escalade into standard equipment. These include navigation system, 22” chromed wheels, rearview camera among others. Yes, the hybrid version is a bit more expensive but worth the money as it gives dramatic more fuel economy and a host of desirable features and options that are now standard.

The 2009 Escalade Hybrid, Have your cake and eat it too!

The Essentials

MSRP: $70,735.00 MSRP (As tested): $72,780.00
Fuel Consumption (Observed): 18 MPG
Engine: 6.0 liter V8 with 332 HP and Two-Mode Hybrid
Popular options: Majority are now standard as part of the Hybrid package. Retractable assist steps.
Visit: www.cadillac.com

2008 Cadillac CTS

By: Juan G. Robbin

The all-new-for-2008 CTS. Blending Style and Performance
Cadillac CTS (2008)

Take one look at the Cadillac CTS and you will instantly know it is something special. 2008 winner of several car-of-the-year awards, the CTS has definitively arrived.

The front grille is massive yet modern, flowing down through the integrated bumper ending in noticeable flared side fenders that soften the now familiar angular Cadillac lines. The rear is highlighted by large LED lights on an aggressively angled cut trunk and bumper. Cadillac is going after the bread and butter cars from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. These are the 3 Series, C Class and IS respectively.

Once inside you are greeted with a nicer than expected interior. GM has noticeably improved the quality of their fit, finish and type of materials used, and it shows. There is an analog clock in the middle of the center console, giving the CTS a nice touch, modern yet classic style with this time piece. The center dash has a dizzying array of function controls, but within a couple of days one is able to have these figured out without any problem. The seats are sportier than the typical cushy ones found in a Cadillac yet comfortable and easy to get in and out of. There is a nice “oh wow” feature with the center multi-function display. When stowed, one sees the top quarter of the display, giving you music channel information. Press a button on the center console and the whole unit goes up allowing the full monitor viewing area. We loved the XM navigation traffic warning, and XM weather with a forecast, as well as the 40 GB hard drive music storage. Think of the CTS as an IPOD on wheels.

Driving the CTS is a blend of sportiness and luxury combined. There is plenty of power and performance from the direct injection 304 HP V6, giving a refined, quiet and luxurious feeling while on the highway, especially during passing. Steering, pedals and good visibility all work in conjunction to give an excellent blend of cohesiveness that many cars seem to lack due to the isolated feeling of some of these important controls. Rear seats are comfortable however, slightly snug for two, tight for three. Trunk is spacious and offers a wide opening and low overhang.

If you are looking for a mid-sized luxury sports sedan, you should add the Cadillac CTS to your short list of candidates to drive. The all-new-for 2008 Cadillac CTS has definitely arrived.

The Essentials

MSRP: $34,545.00 MSRP (As tested): $43,470.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 19.5 MPG
Engine: Direct Injection V6, 3.6 liter, 304 HP
Popular options: Performance wheel and tire package, upgraded Bose sound, XM Nav traffic service.
Visit: www.cadillac.com

2007 Cadillac XLR-V

By: Juan G. Robbin

Superb luxury-sportiness power, performance and style.
Cadillac XLR-V Hard Top Convertible (2007)

Cadillac is serious about playing in the luxury convertible arena with its latest sporty version of the XLR: The “V” moniker is the brands’ designation for the sport division, typically being: Cars with a larger output engine, sports exhaust, suspension, hi performance brakes, bigger wheels and low profile tires.

With its sharp, angular lines, its quad exhaust and distinctive styling, the XLR-V gets noticed anywhere you arrive. Having the retractable hard top is a joy, flip the switch and let the sun shine in, all this and plus the comfort, rigidity and security of a hard top.

We also liked the crisp, precise road handling as well as the throaty exhaust sound, more so under hard acceleration. The effortless power of the 443 HP supercharged V8 is incredible, especially when overtaking slower traffic on the highway. The brakes and steering are flawless, as you get aggressive around the curves, the handling and suspension electronically adapt to the driving style.

Trunk space is very limited with the top folded, although it is useful. The interior is covered in suede and leather, with everything electric or automatic. We liked the heads up display showing speed and radio station selection right in your field of vision. There is a bit of haute-couture in each XLR-V as the speedometer and tachometer are designed by the famed fashion house of Bulgari.

We did notice the less than perfect trim, finish and plastic switch quality. There was noticeable wear to some of these items on our 8,700 mile test car. Cadillac could improve these trim items substantially most likely, with very little additional cost.

The Cadillac XLR-V, unique, distinctive and fun to drive.

The Essentials

MSRP (As tested): $100,000.00
Fuel consumption (observed): 18.5 MPG
Engine: Northstar 4.4 liter, 443 horsepower Supercharged V8
Visit: www.Cadillac.com

2007 Cadillac STS-V

By: Juan G. Robbin

Cadillac’s answer to the high performance touring sedan.

Cadillac STS-V (2007)

With its 469 supercharged horsepower and aggressive body styling this is not your father-in-law’s Cadillac.

Cadillac’s “V” line is similar in philosophy to Mercedes and BMW’s AMG and M series respectively. GM’s Cadillac marque is trying hard to woo over German car buyers to their high-end-performance line.

With its V series mesh grille, stiffer suspension, thin spoke sport wheels with low profile tires along with a blistered hood and body work, the STS-V means business.

Inside, you notice more sporty seats and touches exclusive to the V series models. The interior is roomy, bright and spacious; we liked the lighting throughout and the way the instruments are presented. The center console can be a bit overwhelming at first but for the most part, all of the controls are intuitive. Start the engine and you immediately notice the power and throaty sound of the Supercharged V8. You can’t help but blip the throttle simply to hear the exhaust sound.

Driving the STS-V is a delight. It is crisp and precise. Power is exactly as you want it when you want it. The roar of the V8 at full throttle is glorious!  The suspension and large diameter Brembo brakes keep up nicely with the gobs of power this car has.

We did notice some of the fit, finishes and quality of the materials to be pretty typical GM, that’s to say, not on par with the Germans. However, there is a noticeable improvement from previous GM models we’ve driven. Cadillac is making a conscious effort to close the gap between the luxury sedans from Stuttgart and Munich and it shows.

The Cadillac STS-V; A surprising tamed beast under conservative sheet metal.

The Essentials

MSRP: $74,870.00 As Tested: $78,710.00

Fuel Consumption: 16.5 MPG

Engine: 4.4 liter Supercharged V8, 469 HP

Visit: www.cadillac.com