Nearly a year ago, we believed that a Cadillac based on GM’s Lambda crossover platform would arrive somewhere between the 2013 and 2014 model years. Considering how close we’re getting to 2013, we expected some physical evidence to back up the rumor: a spy photo, or a patent rendering… something. The trail seems to have gone cold. And there’s a very good reason as to why the Lambda-based Cadillac has fallen off the radar.
It turns out that today’s Lambda platform is far too rigid and inflexible to support something that could be considered in the Cadillac family. For instance, you may have been wondering as to why the 2013 GMC Acadia received several exterior and interior updates, but why GM left the engine untouched. The fact of the matter is that the Lambda platform was not designed for anything other than a 288-horse, 3.6-liter LLT V6 engine, according to trusted sources. While that power figure is fairly adequete, it’s not dramatic enough for Cadillac, and neither are the overall chassis dynamics of today’s Lambda platform.
So, where’s the Cadillac Lambda? It’s not discontinued. Development is still well under way, in fact. But the twist is that it’s been pushed back to the next-generation Lambda platform: Lambda II. This means that the eight-passenger Caddy crossover is still at least roughly four years away, if not more. But when it does finally launch, it should feature sportier chassis dynamics appropriate for the Wreath and Crest, along with the capabilities of cradling something more substantial than 288 horses. So far, that’s all we’ve been able to unearth. As always, stay tuned to GM Authority for more.
Photo rendering credit: Theophilus Chin
Comments
So does that mean that the current Lambda platform can’t put a TT V6?
Unfortunately that’s correct.
nor they can put LFX?
Not sure. But the difference between LLT and LFX is negligible for FWD applications.
The platform is EXTREMELY limited in terms of what engine can be used. Apparently even a stronger variant of an engine that’s the same size.
Why use lambda for this CUV? Cadillac wants to quit SRX because it’s FWD and use Alpha as a replacement, well Lambda is also FWD this doesn’t make sense. Cadillac doesn’t need another 8 passenger vehicle (Escalade is enough) instead they should use bigger Alpha for their CUV to compete with X5 and ML.
Likely the GMT-based Escalade is going and a Mk2 Lamda would be replacing it.
The nameplate could carry over, although it won’t fit the nomenclature (again).
The Escalade isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it seems to be one of the more exciting future products in the portfolio, and also one of the most guarded. And the Lambda II Cadillac crossover could sell next to the K2xx Escalade if the prices are different enough, with the Escalade being the more exclusive model.
Well what would be the point of the Escalade if a SWB and LWB Cadillac Lambda could do the same thing? Both could hold 5-8 people, both could have the same level of info-tainment/distractions, both could be had with leather and trimmings that make the interior feel special…
I mean the only benefit an Escalde riding on a GMT platform (or K2xx, if that’s what the next truck platform is) would be superior towing capacity, something that hardly rates high enough on luxury buyers demands in the first place. I see Tahoe and ‘Burbans towing things and have yet to see an Escalde or anyone who thinks they needed to spend thousands more for an Escalade solely for it’s towing ability.
But even if it wasnt for towing, I don’t think too much could be done to seperate the two at different price points in an effort to make the Escalade “more exclusive”. The Escalade never came off to me as being so exclusive that it was on par with a Rolls or Bentley.
I mean I can drive by a ChevCadillac dealer in town and see an Escalde on the lot covered in snow right now. If the Escalade was exclusive, now or in the future, they’d put it inside on the showroom floor; doors locked, and next to the CTS-V.
It’s not as much about the capabilities of the SUV as much as it is the imposing presence compared to softer-looking crossovers. And no, the Escalade was never on par with hand-made cars like Rolls and Bentley, but it still sold for less than the classier Range Rover. The Escalade has room to grow.
100% in agreement with you there.
So at the end of the day cady will get the proper attention it deserves 4 it’s vehicles; just a bummer we have to wait 4ever to see the results,
Well yes, but I’m still not sold on the Lambda-based crossover though.
N unless it’s going after the GL
After GL? Have you ever drove that thing? If Escalade goes after GL it’ll have to chance its name to descalade.
Here’s to the next Gen Escalade stirring the soul…
You guys need to check out gminsidenews right now. There’s an article about future Cadillac products including something called an XRX that’s described as being comparable to a Q7 or GL built on Zeta. I love the idea but would rather see it built off a version of Alpha and hopefully offer V-version with a forced-induction gas V8, or maybe the 4.5L Duramax V8 that was all ready to go but never got released.
Bad! Mike for bringing up a competing blog site, now go stand in the corner and think about what you just did 🙂
Tsk Tsk. Unfortunately a Zeta crossover isn’t coming. It makes for an interesting rendering, however.
Cadillac desperately needs a Lambda based vehicle. The Escalade is what it is and should not be messed with in my humble opinion. HOWEVER, the current Saturn Vue based SRX needs to be discontinued, and replaced with a Lambda based vehicle. The current SRX makes no sense to many of us in the Caddy world and its hard to understand why its there, and yet a Lambda is not. If you are saying that the current Lambda platform is unacceptable for the wreath and crest, then the current SRX is definitely not even close to being on par with Cadillac status. There are many of us long time Cadillac owners and fans who do not understand where Cadillac is going, with several sport sedans and coupes, only a 5 passenger crossover (SRX), and then bam, the Escalade. Meanwhile discontinuing the DTS which was one of the best, large luxury American made sedans to date, and replacing it with a smaller sedan (XTS) with less interior room and a far harsher ride. Many of us don’t need to feel every fargen candy wrapper in the road, which is what you now get with the current neck snapping, spine shaking small Cadillac sport sedans. How many of you 30 something wanna be yuppies will be stupidly driving as fast as you can through a massive cave system in Europe with your new ATS ?!? ~
Anyway, my ’08 DTS 1/SE and its Northstar 8 rocks ! Also still looking for a 2011 DTS Platinum edition with low miles, to keep as a last and final example of what was a far higher class of American style, dignity, and design.
Anyway, ’nuff of my blathering on and on. In short, the current organ shaking SRX should just be obliterated (btw the old one up to ’09 was far better), and a Lambda based suv should be introduced in its place. It would make far more sense to just have a Lambda in between the XTS and the Escalade, & no SRX.
Just my 2 cents, and a few more dollars of advice on top of that. ~ Love this site and its blogs. Please definitely keep it up ! ~
Cheers ! ~
Caddylover ~
so then you meant to leave the SRX to the Buick??
@Caddylover, you are talking about Old Cadillac. Cadillac changed direction back in early 2000’s, but it takes a while to change all of its models for that direction, one model they kept as what Cadillacs used to be known as is XTS. That is your only car from Caddy to replace your DTS. Otherwise your best bet is to find the vehicles that you are looking for in a Buick form, luxurious Lambda based Enclave and beautiful LaCrosse, I know that they are missing full size car but then again there is XTS. SRX will be going Alpha and I think it’s a good thing. It’s clear where Cadillac is going and I’m looking forward to see it there.