The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon would seem to be proof-positive that the brand has been knocked off its rocker. A hyper-powered luxury wagon would seem to have all the mainstream appeal of a vegan Thanksgiving. Actually, it probably does if you go by the CTS-V Wagon's tiny sales numbers. Instead, this mad melding of an ultra-practical body style with ultra-maniacal performance is designed for the unique brand of car enthusiast who sees it as the perfect car. Here is something that has enough cargo room to go antiquing and then enough horsepower to leave the grannies at Ye Olde Treasure Barn coughing in a billowing cloud of white tire smoke.

                                                        2012 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon 6.2L

 

Like the Sedan model that established the CTS-V legacy, the V-Series Wagon is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V-8 that delivers 556 horsepower (415 kW) and is backed by either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. A collection of technical and performance elements complement the powertrain, including Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires mounted on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

                                                       2012 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon 6.2L 

        The 2012 Escalade is a 4-door, up to 8-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 12 trims, ranging from the 2WD to the AWD Hybrid Platinum Edition.

                                           2012 Cadillac Escalade AWD Hybrid Platinum Edition

        Upon introduction, the 2WD is equipped with a standard 6.2-liter, V8, 403-horsepower, flexible fuel engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The AWD Hybrid Platinum Edition is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, V8, 332-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2012 Escalade is a carryover from 2011.

Pricing Information
MSRP: $85,845
Invoice: $80,265

Technical Specs
Engine
Standard Engine: 6.0L V8
Standard Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic
Cylinders: 8
Horsepower @RPM: 332@5100
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy: 20/23
Combined Fuel Economy: 21
EPA Class: Four Wheel Drive SUV
Number of Valves: 16
Torque @RPM: N/A
Fuel Type System: Hybrid Gas/Electric / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injected, Sequential Port Fuel Injected Sequential, Multi-Port Fuel Injected
Turbo (Yes/No): No
Overdrive Transmission: Yes
Battery Output: N/A
Compression: 10.8:1
Displacement: 5999/366
Bore X Stroke: 4.00×3.62
Cruising Range: 546 miles
Final Drive Gear Ratio Opt: N/A
Power to Weight Ratio: 16.9
Final Drive Ratio: No
Valves Configuration: Overhead Valve
Supercharged: No
Electric HorsePower RPM: Not Listed
Electric Torque Feet Per Pound: N/A
Electric Torque RPM: N/A
Electric HorsePower BHP: Not Listed

Standard Features
Anti-Theft & Locks
OnStar(R) Remote Ignition Block
Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
Vehicle Anti-Lockout
Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm and PASS-Key(R) III+ Engine Immobilizer
OnStar(R) Stolen Vehicle Assistance With Vehicle Slowdown
Power Liftgate Lock/Unlock
Programmable Power Door Locks Operated Via Remote and Internal Switch
Selective Locking/Unlocking

Braking & Traction
Regenerative Braking System
Hill Descent Control
Rear Locking Differential
Front Power Vented Disc and Rear Power Solid Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
Transfer Case
StabiliTrak(TM) Vehicle Stability Control System Operated By Engine Power Reduction, ABS and Traction Control
All-Speed Traction Control
All-Wheel Drive

Doors
Power Liftgate Operated Via Multi-Function Remote and Internal Switch

Electrical
2 Rear Seat Power Outlets, One With 110-Volt Inverter and 1 Cargo Area Power Outlet
300-Volt Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery
Delayed Power Retention
Battery
2 Front Power Outlets, 1 Integrated With Cigarette Lighter
Drive-By-Wire Control For Throttle
Front Power Outlet With 115-Volt Inverter
Cigarette Lighter
Battery Saver

Engines & Emissions
Hybrid 6.0-Liter Vortec, V8, 16-Valve, OHV, SEFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 332@5100, Torque Of 367@4100, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Heads
Roadside Assistance Warranty For 100000-Miles, 60-Months
Extended Service Interval

Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
AM/FM Radio With Seek, Scan, Bose(R) 5.1 Cabin Surround(TM) Surround Sound and 10 Speakers Total; 6-Disc CD Changer; MP3 Player; Sirius XM(R) Satellite Radio (Includes 3 Months Of Service, Unavailable In Hawaii and Alaska)
USB Port
GPS and DVD Navigation Aid With Real-Time Traffic and Voice Activation
Diversity In-Glass Radio Antenna
OnStar(R) Telematics System With 12 Months Directions and Connections Plan. Includes Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, Turn-By-Turn Navigation, Hands-Free Calling, Vehicle Diagnostics and Low Mileage Discount
Vehicle Location System
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Pre-Programmed Equalizer
Radio Data System
Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices
AM/FM Radio With Seek, Scan, Bose(R) 5.1 Cabin Surround(TM) Surround Sound and 10 Speakers Total; 6-Disc CD Changer; MP3 Player; SiriusXM(TM) Satellite Radio (Includes 3 Months Of Service, Unavailable In Hawaii and Alaska)
Telephone Antenna
Rear Auxiliary Audio/Visual Input Jacks
DVD Player Located In Front Row With Two 8-In. Screens Located In Front Headrest and One 8-In. Screen Located In Overhead Console
Remote Controlled Second Row Sound Controls For Audio and DVD With 2 Wireless Headphones
OnStar(R) Hands-Free Calling With Telephone
2 Wireless Headphones
CompactFlash Reader
XM(R) NAVTraffic(R) Real-Time Traffic Information

Exterior Lighting
Perimeter Lighting Located On Exterior Mirrors
Daytime Running Lights
Intellibeam(R) Adaptive LED High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Automatic Headlights With Automatic On/Off and Dusk Sensor

Exterior, Design, Paint & Finish
Power Side Steps
Front Air Dam
Metallic Paint (If Selected)
Unique Front Grille
Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls
Rear Seat HVAC Controls
Automatic Climate Control
Rear HVAC Unit
Rear HVAC Ducts

Instrumentation
Voice Activated Controls For Phone
2-Memory Adjustments For Driver Side Include Seat
Analog Clock
Cruise Control
Warning Lights Include Door Ajar, Low Coolant, Low Fuel and Oil Pressure
Digital Oil Pressure Gauge
Tire Pressure Monitor
Compass
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio and Trip Computer
Audible Warnings Include Seatbelts Unfastened
Voice Activated Controls For Audio, Navigation System and Bluetooth(R) Wireless Enabled Devices
Service Indicator For Oil Quality
Tachometer
Trip Computer With Average Fuel Consumption, Miles To Empty, Instantaneous Fuel Consumption and Trip Odometer

Interior, Design, Decor & Floor Covering
Front and Rear Reading Lights
Delayed Courtesy Lights

Interior, Design, Decor & Floor Covering
Wood and Leather Steering Wheel
Color-Keyed Second Row Carpeted Floor Mats
Color-Keyed Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Cargo Area
Alloy Trim Located On Center Floor Console and Instrument Panel
Color-Keyed Front Carpeted Floor Mats
Power Adjustable Foot Pedals
Genuine Olive Ash Burl or Walnut Burl Wood Trim Located On Instrument Panel, Steering Wheel and Doors
Chrome Trim Located On HVAC Vents, Interior Door Handles and Around Clock
Leather Trim Located On Center Floor Console, Doors and Instrument Panel

Remote Controls & Remote Releases
Panic Alarm
Remote Ignition
3-Function Universal Garage Door Opener Located On Overhead Console
Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob
Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft, Door Lock/Unlock, Panic Alarm, Perimeter Lighting, Remote Ignition and Liftgate

Safety
L A T C H
Seatbelt Height Adjusters
Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
Front, Second Row and Third Row Side Head Curtain Airbags
Rollover Sensor
Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor
Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
Pretensioners
Rear Electronic Parking Aid With Alarm, Audio-Visual Sensors, Camera and Ultrasonic Sensors
Side Blind Zone Alert Accident Avoidance System
Side Guard Door Beams
Automatic Locking Retractors
Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
OnStar(R) Telematics System With 12 Months Directions and Connections Plan. Includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist and Roadside Assistance
Front, Second Row and Third Row 3-Point Seatbelts
Crash Sensor Sends GPS Signal
Second Row and Third Row 3-Point Center Seatbelts
Crumple Zones

Seats
Tehama Leather Seats
Theater Style Rear Seating
Front Dual Reclining Heated Cooled Bucket Seats With 3-Settings, Adjustable Seat Height, 2-Position Driver Memory and Adjustable Headrests
Front Dual Power Lumbar Support
Second Row 60/40 Split Folding Heated Bench Seat With 3-Settings, Integral Headrests and Fold-Down Armrest
Front Passenger Power Seat Adjusts 14 Ways Total
Third Row 50/50 Split Folding Removable Bench Seat With Manually Adjustable Headrests
Embroidered Cadillac Insignia On Front Seats
Driver Power Seat Adjusts 14 Ways Total

Steering
Power Rack and Pinion Steering
Power Tilt Steering Column

Storage
Front Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
Cargo Area Tiedowns
Lockable Glovebox
4 Front, 2 Second Row and 1 Third Row; 7 Cupholders Total
Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
Overhead Console Storage
Seatback Storage Pockets
Roof Rack

Sunroof/Moonroof & Removable/Convertible Top
Front Power Glass Tilt and Slide Sunroof
Suspension
Magnetic Ride Control Adaptive Variable Suspension
Independent Short/Long Arm Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
36-mm Front Stabilizer Bar
Automatic Load-Leveling
28-mm Rear Stabilizer Bar
Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers

Towing/Trailering & Payload
7500-Lb Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Tow Hitch Receiver
Towing Prep Package Includes Wiring Provisions

Transmission
4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission With Overdrive and Tow/Haul Mode

Wheels & Tires
Inflatable Spare Tire Kit
SBRP285/45R22 BSW TL AL2 All-Season Tires
Multi-Spoke Chrome Alloy Wheels, 22-In. X 9-In.

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Front Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
Dual Color-Keyed Power Folding Power Adjustable Heated Signaling Automatic Tilt-Down Exterior Rearview Mirrors With Driver Side Electrochromic
Solar-Ray(R) Rear and Side Deep Tinted Glass
Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
Power Windows With Front Dual One-Touch Up, One-Touch Down
Solar-Ray(R) Front Tinted Glass
Power Window Lockout
Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Flip-Up Liftgate Window
Rear Window Intermittent Wiper/Washer
Front Dual Sunvisors
Rear Window Defroster
Sunshade Located Sunroof

        The 2012 Cadillac Escalade is probably one of the most recognizable luxury large SUVs on the market, and reviewers love that it backs up its bold, blingtastic looks with great performance. But if your priorities include practicality or subtlety, you’ll want to shop elsewhere.

                                         2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT Premium Reviews and Specs

        The 2012 Cadillac Escalade comes standard with lots of power, clever interior features and flashy, unmistakable looks, so it’s no wonder it ranks at the top of its class. Still, auto writers note that while it’s easy to love the Escalade, the decision to buy one can be difficult.

                                        2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT Premium Reviews and Specs

        For 2012, two new exterior colors will be offered later in the model year: Radiant Silver Metallic and Crystal Red Tintcoat (not available on Escalade EXT). The interior has a new console lid design and the Platinum Edition is offered with new Ebony with Ebony accents trim. Also, the navigation system is updated with guiding lines for the rearview camera system, low-fuel warning, point-of-interest franchise search, SiriusXM Weather Forecast and SiriusXM Tune Select features.

                                         2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT Premium Reviews and Specs

        A new and more robust steering column lock system that makes it nearly impossible to maneuver the Escalade onto a flatbed tow vehicle. An available inclination sensor that sets off an alarm when the system senses a change of the angle of the vehicle, such that would occur with towing, flatbedding or jacking up the vehicle.
An available shock sensor intended to reduce content theft and push away theft by sounding the alarm when the vehicle is “shocked” such as breaking the glass.
A new wheel lock system is available to help prevent the theft of Escalade’s wheels and tires.
OnStar has the capability to locate stolen vehicles, immobilize them to prevent the thief from restarting the vehicle and slow the stolen vehicle once police are on the scene, which can help prevent high-speed chases.

                                         2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT Premium Reviews and Specs

        The EXT deletes the third-row seat found in the standard Escalade in favor of a lined, lockable and enclosable pickup bed with manually folding midgate and removable rear window. Standard equipment includes stability control, remote start, Bluetooth compatibility, a rear-view camera and side curtain airbags. Some options are Magnetic Ride Control, 22-inch chrome wheels and power running boards. It is powered by a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management and E85 compatibility, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

                                        2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT Premium Reviews and Specs

Pricing Information
MSRP: $69,640
Invoice: $65,113
Technical Specs
Engine
Standard Engine: 6.2L V8
Standard Transmission: 6 Speed Automatic
Cylinders: 8
Horsepower @RPM: 403@5700
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy: 13/18
Combined Fuel Economy: 14
EPA Class: Four Wheel Drive SUV
Number of Valves: 16
Torque @RPM: N/A
Fuel Type System: Flexible Fuel Vehicle / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injected, Sequential Port Fuel Injected Sequential, Multi-Port Fuel Injected
Turbo (Yes/No): No
Overdrive Transmission: Yes
Battery Output: N/A
Compression: 10.4:1
Displacement: 6194/378
Bore X Stroke: 4.06×3.62
Cruising Range: 434 miles
Final Drive Gear Ratio Opt: N/A
Power to Weight Ratio: 14.8
Final Drive Ratio: No
Valves Configuration: Overhead Valve
Supercharged: No
Electric HorsePower RPM: N/A
Electric Torque Feet Per Pound: N/A
Electric Torque RPM: N/A
Electric HorsePower BHP: N/A

Standard Features
Anti-Theft & Locks
OnStar(R) Stolen Vehicle Assistance With Vehicle Slowdown
Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm and PASS-Key III+(R) Engine Immobilizer
Locking Tailgate
Vehicle Anti-Lockout
Programmable Power Door Locks Operated Via Remote and Internal Switch With Automatic Locking
OnStar(R) Remote Ignition Block
Theftlock(R) Radio Anti-Theft
Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
Selective Locking/Unlocking

Braking & Traction
All-Wheel Drive
Front Power 330-mm X 30-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 345-mm X 20-mm Solid Disc Brakes
All-Speed Traction Control
4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
Rear Locking Differential
Transfer Case
StabiliTrak(TM) Vehicle Stability Control System Operated By Engine Power Reduction, ABS and Traction Control

Doors
Fold-Down Tailgate
Midgate Door Includes Removable Rear Window

Electrical
Rear Seat Power Outlet
Drive-By-Wire Control For Throttle
Battery Saver
Delayed Power Retention
Battery
Cigarette Lighter With Ashtray
2 Front Power Outlets

Engines & Emissions
Extended Service Interval For Spark Plugs
Heavy Duty Oil Cooler
Roadside Assistance Warranty For 100000-Miles, 60-Months
Free Scheduled Maintenance For 48 Months or 50000 Miles
Active Fuel Management Displacement On Demand
Flexible Fuel 6.2-Liter Vortec, V8, VVT 16-Valve, OHV, SEFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 403@5700, Torque Of 417@4300, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Heads; Runs On Ethanol/Gas Mixture With Up To 85 Percent Ethanol (Primary Fuel Economy With 100% Gasoline Is 13-City, 18-Highway and 14-Combined; Secondary Fuel Economy With 85% Ethanol Is 9-City, 13-Highway and 10-Combined)
Emergency Reduced Engine Power

Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
AM/FM Radio With Bose(R) 5.1 Cabin Surround(TM) Surround Sound System and 8 Speakers Total; 6-Disc CD Changer; MP3 Player; Sirius XM(R) Satellite Radio (Includes 3 Months Of Service, Unavailable In Hawaii and Alaska)
Vehicle Location System
2 Wireless Headphones
DVD Player Located In Front Row With Screen Located In Overhead Console
Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices
OnStar(R) Telematics System With 12 Months Directions and Connections Plan. Includes Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, Turn-By-Turn Navigation, Hands-Free Calling, Vehicle Diagnostics and Low Mileage Discount
Radio Data System
Pre-Programmed Equalizer
Radio Antenna
Telephone Antenna
XM(R) NAVTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information
USB Port
CompactFlash Reader
Remote Controlled Second Row Sound Controls For Audio and DVD With 2 Wireless Headphones
OnStar(R) Hands-Free Calling With Telephone
AM/FM Radio With Bose(R) 5.1 Cabin Surround(TM) Surround Sound System and 8 Speakers Total; 6-Disc CD Changer; MP3 Player; SiriusXM(TM) Satellite Radio (Includes 3 Months Of Service, Unavailable In Hawaii and Alaska)
GPS and DVD Navigation Aid With Real-Time Traffic
Rear Auxiliary Audio/Visual Input Jacks

Exterior Lighting
Automatic Headlights With Automatic On and Dusk Sensor
Intellibeam(R) Adaptive High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Daytime Running Lights
Perimeter Lighting Located On Exterior Mirrors
Pickup Truck Cargo Box Light
Front Halogen Foglights

Exterior, Design, Paint & Finish
Power Side Steps
Metallic Paint (If Selected)
Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers
Crew Cab
Front Air Dam
Rear Step Up Bumper

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls
Interior Air Filter
Automatic Climate Control
Rear HVAC Ducts
Rear HVAC Controls

Instrumentation
Compass
Analog Clock
2-Memory Adjustments For Driver Side Include Seat
Audible Warnings Include Seatbelts Unfastened
Tachometer
Voice Activated Controls For Bluetooth(R) Wireless Enabled Devices
Service Indicator For Oil Quality
Tire Pressure Monitor
Trip Computer With Average Fuel Consumption, Instantaneous Fuel Consumption, Miles To Empty and Trip Odometer
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio and Trip Computer
Cruise Control
Voice Activated Controls For Phone
Warning Lights Include Door Ajar, Low Coolant, Low Fuel and Oil Pressure
Oil Pressure Gauge

Interior Lighting
Delayed Courtesy Lights
Front Reading Lights

Interior, Design, Decor & Floor Covering
Color-Keyed Rear Carpeted Floor Mats
Color-Keyed Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Cargo Area
Power Adjustable Foot Pedals
Genuine Wood Trim Located On Steering Wheel
Wood and Leather Steering Wheel
Color-Keyed Front Carpeted Floor Mats

Remote Controls & Remote Releases
Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob
Panic Alarm
Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft, Door Lock/Unlock, Panic Alarm, Perimeter Lighting and Remote Ignition
Remote Ignition
3-Function Universal Garage Door Opener Located On Overhead Console

Safety
Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
OnStar(R) Telematics System With 12 Months Directions and Connections Plan. Includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist and Roadside Assistance
Rear Electronic Parking Aid With Alarm, Audio-Visual Sensors, Camera and Ultrasonic Sensors
Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
Crash Sensor Sends GPS Signal
Front Pretensioners
Automatic Locking Retractors
L A T C H
Side Guard Door Beams
Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Activated By Weight
Rollover Sensor

Seats
Leather Seats
Rear 60/40 Split Folding Bench Seat With Manually Adjustable Headrests and Fold-Down Center Armrest
Front Dual Reclining Heated Cooled Bucket Seats With 3-Settings, Adjustable Seat Height, 2-Position Driver Power Memory, Adjustable Headrests and Fold-Down Armrests
Driver Power Seat Adjusts 14 Ways Total
Front Dual Power Lumbar Support
Front Passenger Power Seat Adjusts 14 Ways Total

Steering
Power Rack and Pinion Steering
Heated Steering Wheel
Power Tilt Steering Column

Storage
Front Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
Lockable Glovebox
Removable Hard Cargo Area Cover
Cargo Area Tiedown Hooks
Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
Front Dual Seatback Storage Pockets
Roof Rack
4 Front and 2 Rear; 6 Cupholders Total
Exterior Rails
Black Rubber Cargo Bedliner Mat
Tonneau Cover
Rear Armrest Storage
Cargo Area Locking Storage
Overhead Console Storage

Sunroof/Moonroof & Removable/Convertible Top
Front Power Glass Tilt and Slide Sunroof

Suspension
Automatic Load-Leveling
Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
28-mm Rear Stabilizer Bar
Magnetic Ride Control Adaptive Variable Suspension
Independent Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
36-mm Front Stabilizer Bar

Towing/Trailering & Payload
Towing Prep Package Includes Wiring Provisions
7200-Lb Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Tow Hitch Receiver

Transmission
Heavy-Duty 6-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission With Overdrive and Tow/Haul Mode

Wheels & Tires
Full-Size Spare Tire
7-Spoke Chrome Alloy Wheels, 22-In. X 9-In.
SBRP285/45R22 BSW TL AL2 All-Season Tires
Lockable Underbody Tire Carrier

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Sunshade Located On Sunroof
Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Power Window Lockout
Dual Color-Keyed Power Folding Power Adjustable Heated Signaling Automatic Tilt-Down Exterior Rearview Mirrors With Driver Side Electrochromic
Front Dual Sunvisors
Power Windows With Front Dual One-Touch Up, One-Touch Down
Rear Window Defroster
Solar-Ray(R) Front Tinted Glass
Solar-Ray(R) Rear and Side Deep Tinted Glass
Front Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

The Cadillac SRX’s lead development engineer, Steve Kline, kicked off the debut of the 2012 Cadillac SRX by telling us, “If we’d told you back in 2009 that the SRX would move from number nine in the segment to number two behind the Lexus RX, you probably would have laughed.” Kline is right. C/D loved the previous, CTS-based SRX. Its rear-drive dynamics and interior packaging allowed it to win a comparison test and multiple 5Best Truck trophies but failed to endear it to customers. We would not have believed that a front-drive-based SRX would rocket up the sales charts, but that’s exactly what has happened.

                                                                              2012 Cadillac SRX Auto Review

The cabin is nicely isolated from the outside world, with wind noise almost non-existent and tire noise absent except on horrid pavement like the sort that lines large segments of coastal U.S. 101. Inside, there aren't any changes for the 2012 SRX. The dash still features Cadillac's familiar pop-up navigation, the cargo area still has the funky U-Rack storage system, and the sound system is still an eight-speaker Bose setup.

                                                                              2012 Cadillac SRX Auto Review

Meanwhile, a number of suspension tweaks have smoothed out the ride considerably. It is still on the sporty side for the segment -- Cadillac is trying to be more BMW than Lexus, after all -- but definitely luxurious. Two suspension setups are offered, a softer setup under the technical designation "FE2" and the sportier "FE3" setup that also comes with variable-effort, speed-sensitive power steering. These were definitely more fun to throw around the rough, twisty backroads during our test drive near Santa Barbara, California.

                                                                             2012 Cadillac SRX Auto Review

For 2012, the SRX gets a major powertrain upgrade that might grow sales even further. The standard 265-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 is dead. New customers should be relieved that they won’t have to spin their engine all the way to 5100 rpm just to access a limp 223 lb-ft of torque. Likewise, the 3.0-liter will be relieved that it has been relieved of the SRX’s 4500-pound curb weight. Cadillac stopped offering the SRX’s previously optional engine, a turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6, earlier this year. Few mourned the loss of the 300-hp, single-turbo six. Its eulogy was probably filled with references to turbo lag, nonlinear power delivery, and the engine’s Saab origins.

The Cadillac-related announcements keep dropping in as after the release of a teaser photo of the firm's entry-level compact sedan codenamed ATS, GM revealed that we're also going to see a flagship luxury sedan model added to Cadillac's range in the Spring of 2012.

                                                    2013 Cadillac XTS, preview of our new luxury sedan

We will come to know that model as the Cadillac XTS and it will replace both the current STS and the DTS, the production of which was terminated this year.

Flexibility is a hallmark of the E2 architecture itself, which comes in three basic sizes. The 2013 Cadillac XTS is designed on the largest variation, no surprise for the new flagship car at GM's flagship brand. The Regal uses the smallest version, the LaCrosse and next-gen Impala the in-between size. We've extrapolated XTS dimensions from those of the LaCrosse as well as the redesigned 2010 Saab 9-5, another "big E2" model.

                                                    2013 Cadillac XTS, preview of our new luxury sedan

General Motors may not have published a teaser photo of its Cadillac range-topper in the sedan category but the Detroit firm said it will be modeled closely after last year's XTS Platinum concept study adding that the final production model will be revealed in the coming months – obviously either in LA this November or Detroit in January 2012.

The company is highly optimistic for the new XTS claiming it will compete against the best.

"The Cadillac XTS is being designed to compete and win against the finest luxury cars," GM said in a prepared statement. "It takes a new, modern approach to the large luxury sedan, combining high-tech electronics and engaging driving dynamics in a car that is also elegant and spacious," the company added.

                                                    2013 Cadillac XTS, preview of our new luxury sedan

The new 2013 Cadillac XTS will be manufactured at the Oshawa Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, with GM saying it will invest $117 million to prepare the facility and at the same time, "create or retain" 400 jobs on the Flex Line

As far as we know, however, the E2 platform cannot accommodate a V8 engine, so look for the 2013 Cadillac XTS to come with the top-line LaCrosse option, a 3.6-liter V6 with economy-boosting direct fuel injection. We suspect this new corporate mainstay will be tuned up some for XTS duty, adding at least 20 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque over Buick's version, partly to compensate for the Caddy's expected greater weight. Only one transmission is likely too, the same 6-speed automatic used in most every other U.S.-market Epsilon-based model.