The all-new Cadillac 2012 SRX is set to be available this month and with the new 308-horspower 3.6L direct-injected V6 it has the most standard power in its class. The 2011 SRX was Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick and the 2012 SRX is sure to uphold the Cadillac tradition of excellence.

The new V6 has more power but still gets about the same fuel economy as prvious engines and the 2012 SRX includes a driver-selectable ECO Mode for optimal fuel economy. Featuring an advanced All Wheel Drive system with electronic limited slip rear differential that distributes power front to rear, it can mover power across the rear based on conditions and traction as well. This gives the new SRX much better handling.

With a standard price of around $36,000, the 2012 SRX comes standard with Bluetooth in all models along with OnStar, myCadillac and OnStar RemoteLink mobile apps and Stolen Vehicle Assistance. Various upgrades include an optional heated steering wheel and coming soon; an all-ebony interior option with contrasting stitching, new 20-inch wheel finish options and a xenon Blue Metallic exterior paint option.

“We’re taking a winning product in the SRX and reaching higher,” said Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of marketing. “The crossover category is one of the biggest and most important segments in the luxury market. SRX has performed very well and is the best selling Cadillac worldwide, but our approach is not to leave well enough alone.”

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Since its launch in 2009, the Lincoln MKT three-row premium utility has offered more of the standard features that luxury car owners expect in all Lincolns including first in the industry infotainment and versatility. The 2012 Lincoln MKT makes it even easier for consumers looking for exceptional luxury craftsmanship to configure the MKT three-row premium utility that fits them best.

The 2012 MKT is available at the same price as the previous model year all-wheel-drive version, but the 2012 model sports 355-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and all-wheel-drive where last years model was powered by the 270-horsepower 3.7-liter V6. The MSRP begins at $46,295, the same entry price as last year’s 3.7-liter V6 model, which has been discontinued.

“You judge a luxury car by how it feels. You judge a luxury car by how it looks and the experience of actually driving it,” said Kate Pearce, Lincoln Consumer Marketing Manager. “You’ll feel the difference the moment you get into a Lincoln, especially with the confidence-inspiring EcoBoost engine.”

Not only does the MKT offer the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, now the orderable combinations have been reduced by two-thirds making it much easier for customers to configure it to suit their needs. Buyers have the option of six- and seven-passenger models with two different second-row seating configurations. A standard 60/40 split folding rear bench seat features heated outboard seating positions and power “fold and tumble” second-row bucket or captain’s seats, with available heating, cooling and power-assisted lumbar adjustments. A rear console-mounted, five-quart-capacity refrigerator is available in the six-passenger configuration.

Safety innovations abound in the MKT including the collision warning with brake support, active park assist and BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). Standard electronic stability control through AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and an advanced structural safety system that combines octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and support members that are designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment are a few of the reasons Lincoln MK vehicles earned “Top Safety Pick” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

“Lincoln has come a long way,” said Pearce. “The exceptional craftsmanship in the MKT indicates that we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding our customer expectations and providing exactly what is desired in a luxury car.”