Despite being out for less than a model year, the new 2015 Cadillac Escalade will see a few tweaks and updates, according to an AutoGuide report. It details a 2015.5 model year for the flagship SUV, with some of the changes eventually trickling down to Chevrolet and GMC’s full-size platform mates (Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Yukon XL and Denali line).
As expected, the Escalade, like the ATS and CTS, will lose the Cadillac wreath and incorporate the brand’s latest badge design. The exterior changes will coincide with the addition of General Motors’ new 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. The transmission will likely find its way to other full-size GM vehicles that use the big 6.2-liter V8, as well, with documents from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showing that the federal agency tested 2015 Escalade, Silverado and Yukon with an eight-speed as recently as April 30.
Eventually, the 8L90 is anticipated to be offered on nearly every engine available in General Motors’ full-size truck and SUV lineup. Initially, however, the 8L90 will pair with models featuring a 6.2L V8.
On top of the new transmission, the report details a new 360-degree camera system. Like the 8L90 transmission, this feature is expected to be offered first in the 2015.5 Escalade before making its way to other GM full-size vehicles. The system works with the existing backup camera and adds a camera to each rearview mirror, as well as one in the front grille. By incorporating the feeds of all four cameras, driver and passengers will be able to see a full 360-degree image of the vehicle’s perimeter.
Finally, Cadillac is expected to launch a new Escalade Platinum. Details are scarce on what extra features the Platinum will offer, but it’s expected that the super SUV to feature an oversized sunroof, and perhaps even higher-end materials than what’s found in the standard model. And without all the facts in front of us, it could be that the Escalade Platinum will feature the 8L90 and 360-camera before all other models, being that it’s the highest-end SUV that Cadillac will likely make.
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This is very exciting news. Noticed quite a few of the new Escalade's here in Texas and they are beautiful.
I really like the new Escalade. I sat in it at the car show and at the dealership, and unlike previous Escalades---the first of which was a hastily luxed-up Yukon to compete with the then-new Navigator---this one feels like a genuine luxury car. The materials, craftsmanship and features are all top-notch. It's no longer some crude, poorly-built American car. And the new Escalade definitely has that "glass and steel" artisan theme that Cadillac was clearly going for. My only question is why GM chose to release it with the old Cadillac emblem, when they'd already changed the logo on the dealership signage and all of their PR materials...
Excellent!!! But what about the codeveloped 9 and 10-speed automatic transmissions? Are they still slated for future production?
Anyways, this is much welcomed news. Yet we still can't ignore the fact that these features should've been made available at the start of production!!! ): But, better late than never......
That's where it gets confusing. To my knowledge, the Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Escalade and Colorado/Canyon will get the 8-Speed Automatic standard. That leaves the Silverado/Sierra. The 1500's will get the 8-Speed Automatic (or 9 if they are working on it) while the HD's will get the 10-Speed.
It's a well-known fact that automakers often delay offering new technology or power-train equipment to a brand-new model, in order to minimize risk to their initial quality ratings. But I still hate it, because oftentimes there's nothing wrong with the technology, and the early bird---the person that put a deposit on his car and then waited six months to get it---is punished. Just for the sake of being current, the Escalade should have debuted with the 8-speed; ditto for the other K2xx-platform vehicles. And it *definitely* should have had the round-view camera to start; that's not even new (Infiniti has had it for a while) or risky to implement. That they're doing this to the "2015.5" models, yet, will make things more confusing when these vehicles show up on the used market. All the same, better late than never, and hopefully they managed to work some kinks out of the 8-speed during the delay.
The thoughts of the upcoming escalade
Platinum is extremely exciting..... to bad I cant afford it unless I win powerball
Don't count on a lottery win for anything. The fastest way to get a Platinum, or any luxury product, is to earn it through hard work and dedication.
Life lessons from Grawdaddy. Thanks, man.
GM just needs to install this 8 speed transmission in all V-6 and V-8 cars and trucks across the board period. It is nonsense, to wait around for a premium model to have this 8-speed first, while the competition has advance transmissions in all their vehicles across the board.
The 8-Speed Automatic is for RWD-Based vehicles only. But, debuting in the 2016 Cruze, is a 7-Speed DCT that I'm sure will make its way throughout all of the FWD-Based lineup.
Nice! Welcome to 2013, Cadillac, for high end vehicles! Meet (not exceed) lattteee.