General Motors has made it clear that Cadillac will be the face of the group's electric division. However, that doesn't mean its focus is solely on electric vehicles. Muscle Cars and Trucks reports that Cadillac will offer a much more powerful engine in the next-gen Escalade. It has cited sources that claim that the new Escalade will be powered by GM's LT4 V-8 engine. Will this stay for long, or is it a way to lure the customers to the brand before it moves to electrification completely?
That's A Mighty Big Bump
The engine in question is the one that powers the Chevy Corvette Z06, Camaro ZL1, and the third-gen Cadillac CTS-V - a 6.2-liter, supercharged V-8 mill that produces 650 horses and 640 pound-feet of torque. The CTS-V uses a slightly detuned version of the same. This will be a significant improvement over the current state of tune that produces 420 horses and 460 pound-feet of torque. This big power bump could see the Escalade badge receiving the 'V-Series,' or the 'Blackwing' moniker. Sources also say the Escalade will receive Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology, which could be a big leap in terms of technology for the SUV.
This won't be the only drivetrain option in the Escalade's lineup. A Cadillac-exclusive 4.2-liter, twin-turbo LTA DOHC V-8 mill could also find its way in here. This engine is found under the hood of the CT6-V sedan as well. It is available in two different states of tunes; one that produces 500 ponies and 553 pound-feet of torque, and the other that churns out 550 horses and 627 pound-feet of torque.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 drivetrain specifications
Engine |
Supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 |
---|---|
Horsepower (HP @ RPM) |
650 @ 6,400 |
Torque (LB-FT @ RPM) |
650 @ 3,600 |
Acceleration (0-60 MPH) |
3.4 Sec, Est. |
Top Speed |
205 MPH, Est. |
0 to 60 mph (Auto / Manual) |
2.95 Seconds / 3.2 Seconds |
Quarter mile time (Auto/Manual) |
10.95 Seconds / 11.2 Seconds |
Quarter mile speed |
127 mph |
Braking from 60 mph |
99.6 feet |
Lateral acceleration |
1.2 g |
Cadillac Has Finally Come To Its Senses
Cadillac is this shy little kid who does not participate in all the adventurous stuff like tuning its products for performance, etc. It prefers staying in its comfort zone even if that means staying away from the limelight. However, this news changes it all. Some rumors suggest that the powerful version will hit the production line before the current-gen Escalade goes out. Even though it seems unlikely, it is big news because the Escalade was even rumored to be slashed out during GM's restructuring plans. Well, that 'Escaladed' quickly!
Final Thoughts
Other products from GM's stable - Chevy Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL - will also be launched as new models next year. I hope this does not water down the Escalade's big moment moving forward. From what it's worth, this could be the last big shot the Escalade will have as a combustion-engined car. Cadillac's motives are clear here - declare war on the Lincoln Navigator. The latter is doing pretty well, having sold almost 18,000 examples, compared to 2017's 10,000-odd examples. Do you think the 650 horsepower Escalade could replicate the Lincoln Navigator's success? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Further reading
Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Cadillac Escalade.
Read our full review on the 2018 Cadillac Escalade.