DETROIT — The 2012 Cadillac SRX will start at $36,060, including an $875 destination charge, when it arrives in showrooms in August, reflecting a $570 price increase over the 2011 model with a smaller engine.

The 2012 Cadillac SRX gets a 308-horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injection V6, a significant upgrade over the 265-hp 3.0-liter V6 in the 2011 SRX. The engine is also flex-fuel capable, which means it can run on any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to E85. Cadillac notes the 2012 SRX also features a driver-selectable ECO Mode for “optimal fuel economy.”

The EPA says the 2012 Cadillac SRX with the larger, more powerful engine gets worse fuel economy than the outgoing model. The 2012 SRX returns 17 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway when gasoline is used; it returns 12 mpg in city driving and 18 mpg on the highway when E85 is used. The 2011 SRX returns 18 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway.

Cadillac characterized the fuel economy as “comparable to predecessor engines” in a statement on Tuesday.

The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge on Tuesday said the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline in the U.S. stood at $3.63, while the adjusted price for a gallon of E85 stood at $4.26.

Global oil demand will increase further next year, the International Energy Agency predicted on Tuesday. It said the demand is driven by emerging markets in places like China. A rise in demand is likely to be followed by a rise in gasoline prices.

The 2012 SRX gets standard Bluetooth on all models, an optional heated steering wheel, a xenon Blue Metallic exterior paint option that will be available in the fall, an all-ebony interior option with contrast stitching and a new 20-inch wheel finish option.

The base 2012 SRX still slots in below such competitors as the Lincoln MKX and Lexus RX, in terms of price. The 2011 Lincoln MKX starts at $39,790, including an $875 destination charge. The 2011 Lexus RX starts at $39,950, including an $875 destination charge. (Source: Cadillac)