Cadillac’s all-new Escalade may receive additional models beyond the anticipated range-topping Platinum model, as Automotive News is reporting that Cadillac may add a new Vsport model to the flagship SUV, as well. The sporty (of sorts) Escalade could utilize a version of the LF3 twin-turbo V6 currently available in the CTS Vsport and XTS Vsport, and anticipated to find a home in the forthcoming ATS-V.
But using our own sense of judgement, we’re not sure if a twin-turbo-six is the answer for the Escalade, considering how close in power the motor is to the V8. Instead, we’d place bets that a Vsport Escalade may instead feature a force-fed V8. Perhaps the kind that will debut in the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V.
On top of a sporty Vsport model, AN reports Cadillac is also looking at placing a V6 turbodiesel engine under the SUV’s hood. Such an engine would provide the Escalade with better fuel economy without sacrificing its low-end grunt. It would also provide shoppers an alternative to the likes of the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec full-size SUV.
Though AN doesn’t say when these new engines may show up in the Escalade, it is possible that The Wreath and Crest will release a statement soon.
Comments
Wait, why would the V-Sport model have a SMALLER engine than the normal models?
Fuel-economy, low-band torque, faster speeds.
I know I would have gone for the G6 GXP had it used an LNF Ecotec Turbo over the Cadillac-mainstay 3.6L V6. Not only was it faster stock (by 20+ horsepower) it can easily be tuned/modded. A huge missed opportunity. Instead I went with the base 3.5L FFV V6 because it was only 20 horsepower slower than the GXP V6 and had much better fuel economy.
In fact, if someone can figure out how to fit an LNF in a G6, I’ll be happy to help chip in for the project car if it nets a proper install guide that’s cheap and easy to follow.
Less cylinders doesn’t mean much in the power department anymore, not in the twin-turbo era.
What makes you think a TTV8 is smaller than a comparable NA V8?
I was talking about the TTV6.
Who cares? SUVs are stupid . and performance SUVs are even dumber. Fat dumb Americans need to let it go already. Just like rap, it’s taking way too long for these elephant shaped pigs to go out of style.
Cadillac will let go of their SUV’s when Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus let go of theirs.
I wouldn’t say it’s “Fat dumb Americans”, rather its “anyone who has the money to own something that others don’t have”, which is far more closer to the truth when it comes to luxury vehicles.
Its simple really. There’s a demand for luxury SUV’s, and luxury automakers the world over are ALL cashing in on it. Its not just “Fat dumb Americans” who want luxury SUV’s, but “Fat dumb Europeans” and “Fat dumb Asians” and “Fat dumb Arabs” and so forth.
Ever been to Europe? They drive hatchbacks over there.. And those with money drive a sedan.
Ever seen a GL, an X6, a Q7, a Cayenne, an ML, a Range Rover? They exist in North America as easily as they do in Europe because a demand exists.
I’m well aware of what the common European driver drives. However, a luxury buyer, irrespective of where they live, will buy what they want. I use the same rule for American luxury buyers as I do for European luxury buyers. They are buyers who exercise discriminating demands that simply cannot be met by mainstream volume car; hatchbacks notwithstanding.
“And those with money drive a sedan.”
Not exclusively, hence why vehicles like the Escalade, GL, Q7, and Range Rover exist; because those luxury consumers didn’t want another luxury sedan.
And if you think that the “ultra luxury” marques aren’t getting into because “those with money drive a sedan”, guess again.
http://newbentley.bentleymotors.com/en/the-new-bentley-suv.html
The X6, GL and Q7 aren’t really SUVs. The G-Wagen is a true one. What about the X9 (X7 is a crossover), or even a Cayenne?
Yes I’ve been to Europe, and you know what I’ve seen…
AMERICAN MUSCLE
Graw,
1. Americans really are more fat and less intelligent than the rest of the world, on average.
2. The SUVs by the other makes you mention can actually corner.
magirus,
1. The physical and educational health of a nation is not at issue here. I’ll leave that for the Americans to worry about as its not my problem.
2. The SUVs by the other makes I’ve mention don’t corner in any way that makes to comparable to a sports sedan by any luxury automaker, including fuddy duddy old Cadillac.
You’re commenting on a vehicle that has no concrete evidence that it even exists, let alone given any quantifiable performance metrics with which to judge it by.
Afterall, if a V-sport Escalade can give the same handling impression to the luxury consumer as the above SUV’s, then GM has done its job satisfying the luxury consumer. Beyond that, what it what else could GM do? I personally think the column shifter should be done anyway with and replaced with buttons, but both you and I would be commenting on a vehicle that, as I’ve stated, doesn’t exists yet.
You, me, and everyone else reading this blog have watched the CTS grow and eventually decimate the once cast in stone notion that American cars can’t handle. GM can make a car handle AND have it command luxury prices. The capabilities for a hypothetical Escalade v-sport remains to be seen, and thus any further discussion is a needless game of speculatory one-upmanship.
Grawdaddy….
So what are your thoughts of Cadillac bringing out a SRX V-Sport?
A turbo V6 is not going to cut it as a premium engine in this space…all of the high performance SUVs have forced induction V8s…thats what Cadillac needs for a V Sport escalade. They could make the TTV6 the base engine and the Supercharged V8 the V sport engine. This would also serve to differentiate the Escalade from Yukon/Tahoe. Yukon/Tahoe would probably be a better place for the Diesel, likely more people buy those models to tow and their customers are more conscious of fuel economy.
Making the H/O 3.6tt V6 (VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and VTM) with somewhere around 450HP and 460-475LB-FT the base engine isn’t a bad idea at all. GM could also make a new 5.3t V8 (VVT, SIDI, AFM, and VTM) with somewhere around 525HP and 535-550LB-FT for the performance Escalade.
As for the diesel, it would be best to put it in the Yukon to give it more distinction from its Chevrolet counterparts. A 3.2tdi V6 (VVT, IVVL, and VTM) with 260HP and 450-465LB-FT wouldn’t be bad. You could even put it in the Sierra if it increases sales.
I really think Chevrolet should test the waters of smaller displacement, turbocharged V6’s for replacing its V8’s. In this case, the Tahoe and Suburban could get a 3.2t V6 (VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and VTM) with around 380HP and 395-405LB-FT. Simply because like you said, these customers are more conscious of fuel economy and I have reason to believe that this engine would be more efficient than the current 5.3L. Not to mention more responsive!
I think Caddy should just consider the TT 6.2 LT1 V-8 as its top model. A low boost turbo should improve mpg with 8 or 10 speed transmission over the current model.
Cadillac should also consider some sort of advance diesel TT V-6 for the Escalade with these new transmissions.
I like the idea of a turbo diesel Escalade with 420 hp/750 bl of torque would be an excellent model and could complement the V Sport model very well with an 8 or more transmission gearing.
Same as for the TT V6 which gm can give it more room to produce 520 hp/530-560 bl of torque with an 8 speed or more transmission gearing.
Know this sounds backwards as the 6.2 Ecotech Engine could be the standard engine with a V8 but an Escalade with less cylinders with more horsepower and torque as a V Sport may not be such a bad idea as long Cadillac sweat the details and people more than willing to pay more for performance with the same or better fuel economy like the 6.2 V8. The suspension would need to be stiffer quite a bit same as for steering feel but other than that. It could work. Just have to wait and see. I say that the take rate for the Vsport model could be 10%-20% of sales.
The TTV6 could be tuned for more power and torque and can be used as a V Sport model while a turbo diesel model can be used as an alternative for better fuel efficiency. I am glad that Cadillac is giving customers more choices in engines for Cadillac in the future.
The only engine choices for the ’07-’14 Escalade was the regular V8 engine and the hybrid model which did not sold all that well.
I’m liking the idea of an Escalade Vsport, but I’m not liking the idea of having a TTV6 serve as the main engine! Nothing less than a TTV8 should do!!
Also, it’s about time GM get down and dirty with advanced diesel technology. The only V-6 that should be available on this Caddy should be a turbo diesel V-6; or even perhaps a turbo diesel V-8 could prove to be profitable! Better yet, I hope to see the Volt’s technology expanded to this application of vehicles: an extended-range Escalade is sure to win over customers!!! Didn’t the Ciel concept have an electric range motor mated to the twin turbo V-6, the same twin turbo V-6 that ultimately made it to production? When’s that type of technology gonna become available? This is sure to give Cadillac an edge……
The V sport Escalade is supposed to be more powerful than a normal Escalade. The idea that Cadillac wants to offer the 3.6L TT V6 in the V sport Escalade trim makes me laugh. It’s almost as if Cadillac is making Lincoln feel good about putting the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 in the Navigator; some might think of that as friendly competition. I am starting to slowly feel less skeptical about a TT V6 taking the place of a V8, and a diesel engine would be nice too. I think the 3.6L TT V6 should be the base engine, and then the V sport Escalade should get the 4.5L TT V8. I don’t think it would make sense for Cadillac to offer a V sport Escalade that only performs marginally better than a regular Escalade. The 6.2L V8 is already putting down 420 HP and 460 lbs-ft of torque, and that only serves to reinforce the idea that a 4.5L TT V8 that can make 500 HP or more would fit the V sport Escalade well. Another engine they can offer in the Escalade could be a turbo diesel V6 of some sorts, if only to please the European market.