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Audi, BMW, and Cadillac were all presented with “Design Excellence Awards” at the North American International Auto Show. Audi managed to take two of the four prizes in the fourth annual EyesOn Design Awards, awarded to best designed production and concept vehicles.

The Audi R8 V10 and 2010 BMW Z4 were awarded honors in the production category. The R8 V10 includes exterior design touches, like LED headlights, a new rear diffuser, and dual oval exhaust pipes. Inside, it has a functional, but complex, instrument cluster easily within the driver’s reach. A sleek and aerodynamic shape adornes the new Z4, which makes it look nice from any angle, and comes with an incredibly neat three-stage removable hard-top. Audi’s A7 Sportback Concept has long, flowing lines, and a calming white leather and wood interior. It won the award for concept car design, along with the Cadillac Converj Concept. The plug-in hybrid Converj is very futuristic on the outside, with a techno-phobic’s nightmare for an interior. The fast-charging car has four individual seats, but a design that will be nearly impossible to bring to production.

Sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers 2009 World Congress and Dassault Systems, the awards are presented to the two best production car designs and concept cars.

The jury, led by former Chrysler VP Tom Gale, includes BMW design director Chris Bangle, Senior VP and Chief Styling Officer for Harley-Davidson Willie G. Davison, and Larry Erickson, a Transportation Design professor at the College for Creative Studies. Only vehicles debuting at the Detroit Auto Show qualify for the award.

Source: NAIAS

General Motor’s redesigned 2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover will go on display at 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month.

2010 Cadillac SRX

2010 Cadillac SRX

This 2010 SRX is based on GM’s Theta Premium platform — an enhanced version of the regular Theta architecture, which forms the basis for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and 2010 GMC Terrain…

The new SRX will be offered with a choice of either front-wheel-drive or AWD. “The 2010 SRX will deliver excellent, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather,” said Bob Reuter, global vehicle chief engineer.

There are two engine choices for the SRX; a 3.0-liter V-6 that uses direct injection to produce 260 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.8-liter, turbo-charged V-6 that produces 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers have a choice of front- or electronic all-wheel drive. The awd system can split torque front and rear, and also between the rear wheels thanks to an electronic limited slip.

2010 Cadillac SRX

2010 Cadillac SRX

Price Range: $40,060 – $48,960

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Sedan- is on the way Now!

As the new CTS sport sedan earns accolades and new owners, Cadillac takes the next leap forward by premiering the 2009 CTS-V, the brand’s ultimate expression of performance and luxury.

Launching in the fourth quarter of 2008, the all-new CTS-V intends to combine the serious performance of an elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan. Part of Cadillac’s acclaimed V-Series of high-performance models, CTS-V delivers an estimated 550 horsepower. More than just power, CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements, including Magnetic Ride Control, an industry-first Performance Traction Management program and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.

Sophisticated Technical Enhancements

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V features the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology, Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). It uses shocks controlled by electro-magnets, rather than mechanical valves, greatly accelerating response time. Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance sedan, helping to keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

Enabling the precise control expected in a high-performance sedan, the CTS-V features Performance Traction Management system, borrowed from championship racing teams. This technology uses advanced electronics to manage engine torque for optimal traction during acceleration. In situations such as acceleration from a stop or exiting corners, Performance Traction Management regulates torque delivery for the best possible launch.

And, of course, there is the matter of power. It has increased nearly 35 percent for the ’09 CTS-V, via a new 6.2L LSA supercharged V-8 engine generating an estimated 550 bhp and 550 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers this power with remarkable refinement. A sixth-generation Eaton supercharger minimizes the added noise previously associated with supercharged engines, and tightly controls intake air temperature for optimal performance.

Transmission choices include either a six-speed manual or an exclusive, six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It is the first automatic offered on the CTS-V.

Accentuated Design Elements

The 2009 CTS-V extends Cadillac’s acclaimed design language, both inside and out. The V-Series includes all the elements of the CTS sport sedan’s well received cabin, while adding some elegant and purposeful accents.

V-Series will offer Recaro performance driving seats, providing excellent support for spirited driving and adding to the luxurious and purposeful interior. These new, 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushion and backrest.

A microfiber material is added to the steering wheel, seats and shifter, providing the soft feel and luxurious appearance of suede without suede’s inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents on the steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.

The car’s integrated center stack is trimmed with a new Obsidian material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features, including a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a “pop-up” screen and Bose digital surround audio, extend to the V-Series, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth capability.