The 2012 Cadillac SRX crossover and CTS sport sedan models received 5-Star Overall Vehicle Scores for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Cadillac additions bring to nine the number of General Motors 2012 models with 5-star overall vehicle scores for safety.
NHTSA has announced a total of 21 five-star overall vehicle scores for safety for 2012 models.
The Cadillac models were tested under NHTSA's revised New Car Assessment Program implemented for the 2011 model year.
The overall rating is based on frontal and side crash tests in addition to rollover resistance testing.
Under the new system, the four test conditions are combined mathematically into an "Overall Vehicle Score."
Under this methodology, Cadillac's SRX and CTS sport sedan achieved an overall vehicle score of five stars -- the highest rating possible -- even though some individual ratings, such as rollover, resulted in four-stars.
"Receiving five stars under the new rating system is an impressive feat -- one that clearly demonstrates the strength of the SRX and CTS advanced structure, overall crashworthiness and effectiveness of the models' state-of-the-art safety technologies," said Gay Kent, GM executive director of Vehicle Safety.
The SRX and CTS sedan are designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting occupants in the event a crash occurs.
The SRX is also designed to meet European pedestrian protection standards; and the front bumper is positioned for greater compatibility with car bumpers.
Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and more rigorous requirements for its five-star ratings that provide more information about safety feature performance and crash-avoidance technologies.
Changes included a new side pole test simulating a 40 km/h side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver's side.
© Arab News 2011
