It’s been about a year since now-Opel CEO Karl Stracke unofficially confirmed a three-row Lambda-based crossover for the Wreath and Crest, which is believed to launch sometime between the 2013 and 2014 model years. Since then, Cadillac has done an excellent job on remaining hush-hush about its future product, not even hinting to so much as a name. Even our own sources are playing this one close to the chest. All we can be certain on is that it’s still coming, and it’s taking its sweet time getting here.
Considering the prolonged development of the crossover, we expect several engineering upgrades from lesser Lambda crossovers such as the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia Denali in order to better distinguish itself from other models. Expected updates include a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, new engines such as a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 and technology upgrades for the interior.
PS: Don’t worry, it’s not replacing the Escalade.
How a front-wheel-drive-based crossover will stack against German opposition such as the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL remains to be seen, and we currently have our doubts.
Photo rendering credit: Theophilus Chin
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Another Caddy misfit, we already have this thing in GMC...
But this one may be different enough to warranty being a Caddy. I'm not a fan of the idea, but it could be an ok stopgap vehicle until the entire Caddy lineup is riding on either the Alpha (or modified Alpha for crossovers) or Omega (or modified Omega for crossovers). To me, Cadillac needs to be RWD (or RWD-based AWD) with a strong sense of performance.
Amen!
Don't completely discount the longshot of the XTS actually handling pretty well. The Insignia OPC puts up some pretty impressive numbers, and it's riding on the same chassis. I'm in a Regal turbo this week, and the thing isn't actually half bad!
That said, I'm reeeeeally hoping the XTS turns out to be more than the last gasp of the pensioner's Cadillacs.
On the Escalade Mini front, I'm hoping they at least do what was done with the SRX, and widden the chassis along with making serious changes to the suspension so it's sufficiently differentiated to make it more than just a "rebadge". They did it with the SRX when they were broke, so I'm hoping they can do a better job with this vehicle.
Well, the difference between the Regal and the XTS, platform-wise, will be significant. But it still won't be able to keep up with the segment-defining vehicles such as the S Class and 7 Series.
And I absolutely agree with you as far as the Lambda-based Caddy is concerned; but I hope that the next-generation of this vehicle will be based on the Omega crossover chassis of Caddy's true flagship.
Alex I completely agree with you, I have given this some thought. What I think is Chevrolet should be Front Wheel / All Wheel drive option and Rear Wheel Drive sports cars. Buick All Wheel Drive, and Cadillac Rear Wheel Drive / All Wheel Drive option.
GM has three retail chains and needs to have full lineups in each one for the markets they compete in. Caddy needs a small CUV, period. Hopefully they do this one right.
Per another article the Acadia is going Theta and the hopefully the Terrain goes smaller into a true compact. That will leave Enclave alone and will probably almost double its volume. Of course we still have the smaller Buick CUV coming but hopefully it will be different enough from either small GMC to make its own statement.
GMC needs to stay premium truck like while Buick needs to stay premium car like.
Yeah, the Acadia is rumored to be going Theta. But I wonder if that's accurate -- given these spyshots of a RWD convoy of trucks/SUVs. If I were to do it, I'd pin GMC against Jeep -- especially the new Grand Cherokee.
That car is the best in its class right now -- even though it's a bit on the small side to be considered a full-size SUV. Nevertheless, it's RWD-based and drives like a dream. So I'd rather see the next-gen Acadia go RWD to go against the Jeep... and let Buick handle the pure-luxury segment.
This is a mistake.
dont do the same mistake use one of your model and just put caddy name in front..like ford did whit edge ..same whit interior of you vehicle ...acadia is not a caddy...
I own a 2009 Escalade ESV and find it's too big for us now. I'll be trading when the 2012's come out hopefully for this new Lambda bodied Cadillac. If not I'll be going to the Lincoln MKT. Hopefully I'll know about the Cadillac's date of introduction before I buy the Lincoln. So far Cadillac dealers can't tell me.
Hey Jim -- most likely, the Lambda-based Caddy won't be out in time... we're hearing 2014 model year as as a 2015 model...
But instead of the MKT, have you looked at the Audi Q7? Not that there's anything wrong with the MKT save for its rather "interesting" looks? :)
Jim I've wonder have you considered the Buick Enclave before?? It's about as bling-bling as the Escalade though.
Alex, I love reading all your posts about GM. I'm a big GM guy, drive import right now (2003 Honda Accord coupe EX-L V-6), but I love the things GM has coming online. I agree with DannyG that Chevy should be Front Wheel / All Wheel drive option and Rear Wheel Drive sports cars, possibly one rear wheel drive (the Caprice, which I hope happens, and maybe comes with a more modern name, people think of the last ones when they hear the name Caprice), Buick All Wheel Drive/Front Wheel Drive luxury, and Cadillac Rear Wheel Drive/All Wheel Drive option ala 4Matic.
Alex, agree with you that I'd prefer to see Caddy come out w/an Alpha/Alpha+ RWD/AWD based crossover rather than on the Lambda, because I'd like to see them offer a Range Rover Sport SC- X5M-Cayenne Turbo-ML 63 AMG-like forced-induction V8-powered AWD Super-Ute type vehicle.
But I'd be ok with it using the lambda traverse/enclave body shell with A&S body work. That would look very cool.
I drove the 2012 MKT and didn't like it. Then I drove and bought the Acadia Denali. Love the way it handles and rides and the way the 3rd row of seats fold flat. Almost as much cargo room as the '09 ESV. Easy to get in and out of too. Will look at a Lambda based Cadillac if and whenever they're produced.
Have you ever take a look at the Enclave?