Archive for May, 2006
Motortrend comparison test, SRX vs Volvo XC90 vs Mercedes R500
May 18, 2006 - 4:29 pm
Motortrend.com tested the Cadillac SRX V-8 with 3rd row seating against the new Mercedes R500 and the new V-8 equipped XC90.
High points for the SRX are its power and handling with knocks going to its small, hard to use 3rd row seat.
Volvo gets points for better off-roadability and lower price than the other two.
The Mercedes R500 minivan-eque thing ends up winning the comparison with a better interior and even more performance for a $70k+ price as tested.
Read the entire test at:
Motortrend.com – 2006 SRX V8 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500 vs. 2006 Volvo XC90 V8
GM Readying 300hp Direct Injection 3.6l VVT V-6 for next CTS
May 18, 2006 - 11:32 am
GM announced today a Direct Injection 3.6l VVT V-6 for use in an, as yet unnamed, 2008 model year product.
Given that the new CTS is due around that time and that the BMW 3-Series coupe and Lexus IS have made 300+ hp the price of entry for thier top models – this would be a no-brainer for GM to debut in a Cadillac. Expect it to show up in the SRX and STS quickly thereafter, if not simultaneously.
GM is claiming a 15% horsepower gain over a non-direct injection 3.6l as well as 8% increase in torque, a 3% fuel economy improvement, and a 25% reduction in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.
Show me more… »
AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards
May 17, 2006 - 9:02 pm
AutoPacific, an industry research firm, has named their 2006 Vehicle Satisfaction Award winners.
The VSA measures customer satisfaction with their new vehicles.
The only Cadillac to win its category is the CTS in the entry level luxury category.
Lexus took top honors for most satisfying brand.
Further details about how other brands ranked and runners-up in each category will be announced by AutoPacific at a later date.
More details about the study can be found at:
AutoPacific – 2006 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards
Detroit News Review of 2007 Escalade
May 17, 2006 - 12:17 pm
Over at the Detroit News web site, we are treated to another installment in Paul and Anita Lienert’s ‘He Drove, She Drove’ column…the victim in this case? The new 2007 Escalade.
Paul gives the new Escalade a 4 out of 5 with negatives having to do with size, inefficiency, and poor interior fit and finish in the third row.
Anita is smitten, it seems, giving the new Escalade a 5 out of 5. She also doesn’t like the inefficiency (13 city, 19 highway) – wishing for a cylinder deactivation system, and wishes for a power folding third row.
Both love the power, richness of the dash, and the styling.
Read their blow-by-blow at:
Detroit News – Escalade tanks up on power, Smooth ride, luxe details put SUV near top of class
Autoweek Review of the STS-V
May 17, 2006 - 8:49 am
Autoweek.com has recently posted their review of the STS-V.
Likes include the supercharged powertrain, tight suspension, as well as how the STS-V shows GM’s commitment to building legitimate competitors to the performance models from Mercedes, Audi, and BMW.
Dislikes include the standard ‘interior isn’t quite there yet’ that we’ve all heard many times before.
Read all about it at:
Autoweek – At last! The American Dream Mobile: 2006 Cadillac STS-V
