Karl Stracke, GM’s VP of Global Vehicle Engineering has some interesting things to say lately.

First of all is this quote that helps sooth some fears we might have after the SRX went to a global Theta platform (vs the first gen that was on a Cadillac specific platform – Sigma) as well as the XTS built on the Epsilon II platform vs a dedicated premium platform.

He is quoted at MotorTrend.com as saying “Our goal is Cadillac against BMW—very clearly. We will bring performance to these cars…and be on par or better than BMW. That is our plan.” This seems to suggest that as GM gets leaner with the dropping of brands like Pontiac, Saturn, and Saab, that the resources to make a full-on competitor to BMW out of Cadillac is a priority. Though it is reasonable to expect that we might not see the ultimate results of this for 5+ years as the next-next generation of cars starts to makes its way to showrooms.

Also, according to a statement overheard by Edmunds.com’s Inside Line blog – Mr. Stracke also confirmed that a Lambda based crossover for Cadillac is on the way. While this was originally thought to be the new Escalade, recent reports have placed the next Escalade on the next body-on-frame truck chassis. This would make the Lambda Cadillac more of a three-row, super-SRX in mission – leaving the Escalade for the set that needs/wants a ‘truck’.

Source MotorTrend.com
Source: Edmunds.com

Categories: News, Escalade, Rumored Models
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We’ve had the privledge of driving around for the week in Cadillac’s Escalade Hybrid in Platinum trim. This is 86k of rear wheel drive (?!) GMT900-based goodness.

We’re currently seeing about 20-21mpg in mixed driving – not bad given that we aren’t spending that much time in hybrid friendly stop and go. Credit the 2-mode nature of the hybrid powertrain that seems to allow the truck to run in cylinder deactivated V-4 mode much more than might otherwise be the case without battery assist at non-city speeds. Given the V-4 mode seems to be resulting in an indicated 10+ mpg improvement over the same speed, same gear, V-8 mode – it seems to be a worthy result to the cost of giving electric boost.

It is as fun as you might have heard to try to keep in electric only mode for as long as possible in town – though it takes a mighty light foot to do so (which takes a conscious effort).

While we work on the review – feel free to feast your eyes on our tCE Review gallery.

Enjoy.

Categories: News, Escalade, Reviews
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GM global vehicle line executive for full-sized trucks, Rick Spina, has confirmed that the next Escalade, thought to be moving to the unibody Lambda chassis used by the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia, will actually stay body-on-frame.

Given recent up-tick in sales of the GMT900 based SUVs (think Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe, and Escalade) GM has decided to invest in a new version of the platform and this will result in a new version of these body-on-frame, rear-drive SUVs being built to replace the current models.

The advantage of the body-on-frame design is normally higher load and tow ratings than a unibody design can match – making it the more desirable design for full-sized SUVs.

This will also cement the Escalade EXT’s future as well (a unibody version of the super-short-bed version of the Escalade would have been difficult to pull off).

Source: Automotive News

Categories: News, Escalade, Rumored Models
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You may have noticed, the automotive press has seemed to discover something we have mentioned in the past, Cadillac will very likely move the Escalade to thier Lambda architecture for the next generation.

As big as the current Escalade but hundreds of pounds lighter, the new Escalade would be able to give similar performance with smaller, more fuel efficient engines – though a V-8 will likely debut in the Lambda in the Cadillac version.

Expect completely unique sheetmetal, interior, as well as hybrid-drive versions to ensure that the Escalade maintains the image GM has worked so hard to give it over the years.

Interestingly, Cadillac is rumored to be working on a truck version of Lambda so that they can continue to offer the EXT version of the Escalade.

Categories: News, Escalade, Rumored Models
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With rising gas prices and increases in CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards set to take effect in the coming decade, the future of Cadillac’s products is in doubt.

Rumors are swirling that the STS/DTS replacement (both cars were to be replaced with a single uber-model to compete against BMW’s 7-series and Mercedes S-Class), expected to be built on a premium version of GM’s new Zeta rear-drive chassis, has been canceled. The next Escalade is up in the air. Smaller products are being considered that might never have been before.

This casts doubt onto the direction Cadillac might take in the future. Will they continue on their quest to go toe-to-toe with the luxury industry heavyweights model for model (and with the new regulatory climate, what does that mean)? Will they dial back their ambition and compete with the second tier of the luxury market? Will they find their own, distinctive, path?

Let’s take a look at what will and might happen at Cadillac in the near future:

Show me more… »

Categories: News, Commentary, BLS, CTS, STS / SLS, SRX, DTS, XLR, Escalade, V-Series, Rumored Models
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