Consumer Reports usually does a “quick take” before doing a full review on a vehicle, and the latest two cars to go through their battery of tests are the Cadillac SRX and the Toyota Tacoma pickup, both of which are deemed competent in their respective classes, but far from perfect.
The Cadillac SRX, last updated for the 2013 model year, is praised for its emphasis on style, solid driving dynamics, upscale interior and excellent V6 engine. However, a cramped back seat, small trunk and very poor visibility for the driver due to unusually thick pillars let the side down.
The other vehicle CR tested is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma pickup, equipped with the 4.0-liter V6 engine. It is deemed highly competent at carrying gear and pulling heavy trailers, but it too has several noticeable defects. According to the testers, the quality of the materials used inside was one area where the Tacoma leaves a lot to be desired, as was the lack of height adjustment for the seats which coupled to the very high floor does not make for a very comfylong ride. Refinement on the open road was also rated as quite poor.
Here's another chance to take a look at the upcoming 2013 Cadillac ATS, GM's answer to the executive compact sedan segment dominated by the likes of BMW's 3-Series, the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
And just in case you're wondering, the introduction of the ATS will lead to a larger next-generation CTS to better compete against cars like the BMW 5-Series and the latest Lexus GS.
Our scoop photographers captured the 2013 Cadillac ATS while testing in Europe. Even though the prototype is clothed in camouflage, we manage to get a taste of the car's size as well as Cadillac's edgy design language with prominent creases running along sides and the front and rear ends of the ATS.
Following Cadillac's unsuccessful efforts to enter the compact luxury sedan segment and challenge Germany's finest including the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class with the European market BTS that was a basically a Saab 9-3 dressed as a Caddy, General Motors appears to have learned its lesson about cutting corners.
The Detroit carmaker is now developing a brand new competitor for the 3-Series from the ground up based on a rear-wheel drive platform. The entry level Cadillac is codenamed ATS and it is destined to enter production next summer (2012).
Where better to burn some steam and have a little fun behind the steering wheel than on the track? More so when the cars in question are a Cadillac CTS-V and a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 that has received some tuning love from Lingenfelter.
The guys from the M5Board tell us that the man driving the CTS-V is four-time Swedish Touring Car Champion (STCC) winner Richard Göransson. In stock form, the Cadillac sports n Eaton-supercharged V8 engine with 551 lb.-ft. of torque and 556-horsepower for a 0-60mph sprint time of 3.9 seconds.
A prototype version of Cadillac’s upcoming BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class rival, dubbed the ATS, has been caught on video during road testing. Though still heavily camouflaged, it appears that the Detroit firm’s compact, rear-wheel drive sports sedan will continue with Cadillac’s Art and Science design language.
The new ATS sedan will be positioned below the CTS, taking its place as the Cadillac’s entry-level model. The introduction of the ATS will allow the next iteration of the CTS to grow in dimensions to better compete with Germany’s executive saloons like the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6.
The engine lineup of the ATS is pretty much speculation as of right now, though a supposedly official document that leaked onto the internet in January made word of three engine choices including a 270HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 330HP 3.6-liter V6 and a 470HP 6.2-liter V8 for the range topping ATS-V.
A supposedly official preliminary spec sheet of Cadillac's forthcoming new small luxury sedan surfaced on the internet today. We're not going to call it a leak just yet as we're not at all certain for its authenticity. That said, we'd advise you not to take anything you read on the paper after the jump for granted. Read more »
Though Hummer SUV”s will be absent from the fuel-efficient future of General Motors, those consumer who long for the blinged out lap of luxury are not without options; the 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum (the Platinum seems to emphasize what seems like a 1,000 pounds of chrome that comes standard on the behemoth SUV) will more than suit their tastes.
Measuring in at a whopping 22-inches longer than the standard body Escalade, the ESV Platinum stands as the king of luxury SUV”s with its third-row, extra horsepower, and nine extra cubic feet of cargo space than its top competitor, the Lincoln Navigator L (the L indicating the Long wheelbase).
For 2010, Cadillac is offering the Escalade in three different body styles; the standard Escalade, the extended-length Escalade ESV, and the unique luxury sport-utility truck, the Escalade EXT. Our stretched ESV stood 22-inches longer than the standard body and with the opulent Platinum package (available on both lengths) added a new CTS inspired grille and front fascia, super-bright LED headlights, and impressive 22-inch chrome wheels.
Depending on the package one goes for – Base, Luxury, Premium, or Platinum – the 2010 Escalade ESV comes with a plethora of upgraded exterior features including; automatic LED daytime running headlamps, heated mirrors, power driver and passenger side mirrors, running boards, a full-size spare tire, luggage rack, integrated turn signal mirrors, and remote trunk release, among others. As an option, one can upgrade the standard 18-inch wheels to 22-inch chrome ones, and add a sunroof.
Though the ESV sits on a wheelbase that is 14-inches longer and carries a body over 20-inches longer than the standard Escalade, it doesn”t sacrifice proportionality. Nonetheless, finding a parking spot big enough for this titan will take some effort.
Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Interior:
Quality has returned to the General Motors family, and especially at Cadillac. Gone are the hard plastics of recent interiors, as they have been replaced with soft-touch rubber materials and leather overlays wherever possible. It is no wonder that celebrities, athletes, and moguls are enticed by this vehicle; the interior is as plush and luxurious as they come and carries a strong set of technological features as standard equipment.
Without regard to options packages, the 2010 Escalade comes standard with dual-zone climate control, rear climate control, navigation, leather appointed heated/cooled power seats, premium sound system complete with rear seat audio control, iPod/AUX inputs, and XM Satellite Radio with 3-month trial subscription, rear parking assist with rearview camera, driver and passenger lumbar support, Bluetooth connectivity, and remote vehicle start plus much more.
Opting for the ESV Platinum pits you comfortably in the lap of luxury as every single feature comes standard. In addition to everything mentioned, it offers an upgraded instrument panel, center storage console, and hand-stitched and wrapped center storage console and door trim that feature decorative French seams which convey a look and feel of nothing less than elegant tailoring. The use of quality materials is extremely evident on the leather instrument panel, aluminum trim, and olive ash and walnut burl wood inlays.
Other amenities include door-sill plates, heated/cooled cup-holders, heated steering wheel, and a DVD entertainment system that features front headrest screens in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen. Each screen features its own set of controls and inputs, while giving the driver a master control over the entire system, enabling passengers to use their screens separately or in tandem, but leaving the driver with ultimate control. Platinum models include Bose”s acclaimed 5.1 Digital Surround system, and eight-inch touch screens for DVD-based navigation and control over the DVD, CD, MP3, and XM inputs.
One could conceivably live out of this truck, as GM has spared no feature.
Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Performance:
Our 2010 Cadillac escalade ESV Platinum drew its power from a 6.2L V8 that put out 403-hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. However, weighing nearly 6,000 pounds, the engine did not provide a for the sporty ride the engine numbers indicate, and acceleration seemed a bit burdensome and labored. Mated to a 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 automatic, the ESV Platinum averages an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 12/19 mpg (city/highway). Premium fuel is recommended however, but not required.
The Platinum also represents the first SUV application of Cadillac”s advanced Magnetic Ride Control, originally developed for performance vehicles such as the CTS-V and Chevrolet Corvette. Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) is the world”s fastest reacting suspension system and offers extremely precise body motion control. Even with MRC however, the ESV is not a nimble vehicle, but it does provide a stable, controlled, and comfortable ride.
Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Overall:
The ESV stands a far cry away from where GM”s SUV program stood last summer; the automaker had put development of large full-size SUV”s on hold as it faced Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the recession, and extremely volatile gas prices.
Times have certainly changed and GM is now in development of their next-generation of full-size SUV”s, expected to hit roads in three years. The next generation will remain on GM”s rear-wheel-drive platform, and not the Lambda large crossover platform, as originally anticipated.
With an MSRP of $84,180 for the RWD model and $86,680 for the AWD model, the 2010 Escalade ESV Platinum stands as rather pricey for the average consumer. Unless you absolutely need ultra-luxury for school runs and soccer practice, we would recommend the Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon XL; two offerings – also by GM – which offer nearly as much power for considerably less money.
Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Review: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV
