Cadillac has a stellar vehicle lineup, but readers familiar with the brand know that sales have been disappointing as of late, especially for the ATS. Even so, the aging SRX has been a bright spot for the automaker by consistently posting healthy sales numbers. Now comes word that the next-gen SRX — thought to be named Cadillac XT5 — should show up in the none-too-distant future.
Cadillac’s chief engineer, David Leone, told reporters ahead of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance that the 2016 SRX will appear in late-2015. Pebble Beach has traditionally been where Cadillac introduces its show cars, such as last year’s Elmiraj Concept, which makes us wonder if we should expect a surprise from Cadillac at Sunday’s show. Update: no surprises this year.
The all-new SRX/XT5 is expected to ride on GM’s new C1XX platform (pronounced “Chi”), thereby remaining front-wheel drive-based. It will likely cradle GM’s turbo-charged four-cylinder engines as well as the current model’s 3.6L V6 LFX.
Meanwhile, the upcoming CT6 flagship will likely seal the fate of the XTS. Intended as a stop-gap product for Cadillac traditionalists, the XTS is expected to be discontinued soon after the introduction of the CT6, thereby leaving Cadillac with a rear-wheel-drive sedan portfolio. And that’s a good thing.
Comments
YES!!! Cadillac should be an all RWD luxury division. The next SRX should definitely have stellar performance, since it’ll likely utilize the Alpha platform. I just hope the powertrain is advanced.
Looks like I posted my comment before the article revision. Kinda disappointing to hear the next SRX will remain FWD. Hopefully the driving dynamics will far surpass those of its corporate siblings and an exclusive powertrain is in the works. Along with exclusive technology. If Lincoln can make the MKC such a standout from the Escape, then there’s no excuse for Cadillac. One thing I’m sort of worried about is that if the upcoming Buick Envision (or crossover of another name) will kind of compete for similar customers. I know Cadillacs and Buicks are different vehicles, but the Envision has quite a bit going for it at its price. Either way I’m looking forward to the upcoming SRX and the 9-speed automatic that’ll be available by the time of release.
2016 Cadillac SRX:
C1UX Platform (CUV variant of Epsilon) = FWD
This one will be AWD and FWD. This formula is doing too well to mess with it sales wise.
Now that is not to rule out other SUV models one possibly on the Omega or Alpha at some point.
The CUV FWD market is exploding right now and GM will not screw that up.
It’d be interesting if they switched back to a RWD platform, as they (GM) had already intimated that the SRX would be based on an FF platform for the foreseeable future.
On the other hand, using a RWD platform (a jack-up Alpha maybe?) would allow for teh horsepower and dynamics necessary to compete with the M and AMG SUVs.
I do think that the SRX should stay FWD and be based on the Mid-Size E2XX Platform along with the Terrain. The main engine should be a 2.0t I4 with 280HP and 290-305LB-FT. It should have no problem pulling the SRX up to speed as long as GM spends time and money on reducing weight. The key weight should be around 3,900lbs. I’d really enjoy seeing the Ford and GM jointly developed 9-Speed FWD-Based Automatic in this next generation SRX. I expect IVVL, VTM, Stop/Start, and Active Grille Shutters to be added to take fuel economy to a whole new level. With all of this technology, hope to see a 6-7mpg increase over the current V6.
Edgar the present vehicle is not much more than 3.900 pounds. I would hope for a reduction in weight down to 3600-3700 before applying the 2.0.
I own this engine and I own a 4000 pound Terrain and knowing what both can do I would not expect a lot of MPG unless you drop more weight. The 9 speed would help but mass loss is the key.
Some how I expect the SRX and Terrain to share a larger version of the platform and the Nox and Buick to be on the smaller version. Having a long and short wheel base of these models would help spread the field out and rationalize a Buick version in the same dealer as GMC.
Actually Scott, the current SRX is either just under 4,300lbs (FWD) or just under 4,500lbs (AWD). If the next generation is at 3,900lbs (AWD), that would make for a 600lb decrease. I have driven a Terrain and was pleasantly surprised at how well it drove. The base 2.4i is a little buzzy, but gets you up to speed with no problem. The Terrain is an AWD 2.4i and it averages 22 City and 31 Highway (+2 over EPA Estimates).
how about a electric version based on the volt?? long overdue imho if reasonably priced
It would be great but the large frontal area would kill the range even with a weight loss.
Until better batteries arrive the SUV version is not going on the table. I expect one in the near future but not yet.
Yeah they would be crazy to move away from the FWD/AWD setup that has been successful for them. And the key element will be weight loss, as with so many heavy GM products. Also, they really do need to make the 2.0L turbo available so it will be possible to buy an SRX that gets at least some sort of decent fuel economy. It’s disappointing in the current SRX. But, I do hope they keep a V6 available as some will look for some performance.
I own a 2014 SRX. We love the car except for the lack of leg in back seat.
I have an 08 SRX4 w/ the NorthStar V8, I think if Cadillac is going to compete with the growing crossover market they should consider going back to this models styles and other features without the wanting MPG. I love the V8’s power and ground clearance! I think Cadillac can further seize the X market by updating this proposed model with the expansive panoramic roof, add an upgraded Cue/audio/visual package, include Flex fuel capability and upgraded front and rear lighting systems, I enjoy the stem to stern length that has allowed me the latitude of carrying payloads I am sure the more recent model cannot, one final point, the third row in my vehicle was not designed for adults and may not be something that is needed and the additional storage space could be better served by removing the third row and implementing a trunk type storage area.