All About Japan Autos

If you’ve been considering the 2011 Cadillac SRX, you may want to hold out till the 2012s hit dealer lots. Cadillac is upgrading the SRX with a more powerful engine. “The SRX will receive a 3.6L direct-injected V-6 engine projected to deliver 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque, according to preliminary tests by Cadillac,” says GM in a press release. “The SRX’s current 3.0L direct-injected V-6 engine provides 265 horsepower (198 kW) and 223 lb.-ft (302 Nm) of torque.&rdquo.

Some automotive journalists are looking forward to the power upgrade. “We thought the 3.0-liter V-6 offered modest power, and while the 2.8-liter accelerated well, its premium fuel and subpar gas mileage left us wanting,” says Cars.com. “The 3.6-liter is already used in vehicles like the Cadillac CTS, which has great acceleration.”

Not all of the automotive press thinks that more power is the way to go. With fuel costs on the rise, some are surprised by Cadillac’s push for additional horsepower. Edmunds says, “We’re surprised Cadillac is focused on furnishing a larger engine with more power in its 2012 crossover, rather than boosting fuel economy in an era of rising gas prices.” EPA estimates for the 2012 model aren’t available yet, but the current front-wheel drive SRX gets 18/25 mpg city/highway, and it will be interesting to see if the 2012 SRX can match those numbers.

Along with a more powerful engine, the SRX will get standard Bluetooth for 2012 across the model line. A heated steering wheel will also come on the Luxury, Performance and Premiums trims. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production, and you can expect the 2012 SRX to hit dealerships in late summer.

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