|
By
EWAN KENNEDY
12 January 2009
Cadillacs are about to go on sale in Australia for the first time
in many years. The big Cadillac CTS sedan is scheduled for
mid-February importation from GM's upmarket division, and those
who like big bold automotive styling are awaiting it with
eagerness.
Cadillac
has used the first major motor show of the year, in Detroit, to
unveil a special mid-sized crossover tagged the SRX. Front-on it
carries very Cadillac lines, with tall rectangular headlights and
a chromed grille that are very American in its theme. The deep
sculpting on the sides of the vehicle go all the way to the rear
and give it a most distinctive look.
But
the most interesting thing of all about the new Cadillac SRX are
the engines. It has taken the Americans a long time to get serious
about designing fuel-efficient, low-emission engines, but they are
now right into the act.
Two
new-design all-alloy engines are on offer; a 3.0-litre V6
featuring direct fuel injection and producing close to 200
kilowatts. And there's a 2.8-litre V6 turbo-diesel, also an
all-new design, though no estimate on power has been given at this
stage. Both engines are to be mated to six-speed automatic
transmissions.
Though
Holden won’t confirm or deny this, there's a good chance that it
will either import these engines and transmissions for the
Commodore. Or, even better manufacture them in this country.
An
advanced 4WD system with inbuilt stability control will be part of
the fascinating new SRX package.
Holden
is also playing its card close to its corporate chest on the
subject of the Cadillac SRX coming to Australia. Communication
manager for GM Premium Brands, Rebecca Clout, says, “From an
Australian point of view, the SRX looks great. We will consider
any products in the Cadillac stable to join the line-up in
Australia, but at this point we will proceed with launching the
CTS and see how that is received and look to add to the line-up
from there”.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
|
