Detroit … GM announced today that Cadillac's new crossover will be named SRX. Cadillac general manager Mark LaNeve confirmed the vehicle's name in a speech given today at the Automotive News World Conference in Dearborn. One of five new Cadillacs to be produced in the next 18 months, the SRX is scheduled to begin production in early 2003, hitting dealer lots in the first half of the year. Inspired by the Vizon concept, VLX (Vizon Luxury X-over) was considered as a possible designation before GM settled on SRX. With the next STS, the SRX will form a new Cadillac S-series, in which the RX stands for "Reconfigurable Crossover.". While industry analysts were given a look at models of Cadillac's upcoming crossover last Thursday, this is the first public glimpse GM has provided. Echoing comments by North American Bob Lutz at that previous presentation, LaNeve said the V8-powered SRX will provide outstanding driving performance in addition to its functional capabiltities.

Detroit … General Motors revealed further details of the 2004 Cadillac SRX SUV yesterday. The SRX will be available from mid 2003 with both the 4.6 L Northstar V8 and the new 3.6 L HFV6. This is the first announcement regarding the new V6, which is also expected in the CTS from mid 2003 and will initially offer around 250 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. No announcement has been made about transmissions, but the SRX should be available with the new 5L50-E five-speed automatic that will debut in the XLR. With Magnetic Ride Control (also shared with the XLR), a low center of gravity, a choice of rear- or all-wheel-drive and the longest wheelbase in its class, GM is promising superior dynamic ability and performance. A long wheelbase also provides superior second-row legroom in addition to "theatre seating" offering a "command view" from all positions. The standard five-seat version will offer what GM describes as an "innovative cargo management system", while the power folding is expected for the optional third row. A large sunroof with power shade rounds out the features announced so far.