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Next-Gen Cadillac Escalade Will Offer High-Performance Model

Back in 2018, GM Authority and our sister publication, Cadillac Society, exclusively reported that the next-generation Cadillac Escalade would come with no less than three different engine options. Now, we’ve received new information that one of these powerplants will bless Cadillac’s flagship SUV with a new high-performance model variant.

Citing sources familiar with future Cadillac product plans, Cadillac Society reports that the high-performance Cadillac Escalade will be “very powerful.” Naturally, specifics are few and far between at this point, but when it comes to engine choices of the “very powerful” variety, three possibilities come readily to mind – the LT4, the LT5, and the LTA.

Potential Engines For High-Performance Cadillac Escalade
Engine Application Max Horsepower Max Torque
Supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 CTS-V 640 630
Supercharged 6.2L LT5 V8 Corvette ZR1 755 715
Twin-Turbo 4.2L LTA V8 Blackwing CT6-V 550 627
2016 "LT4" 6.2L V-8 AFM VVT DI SC (LT4) for Cadillac CTS-V

Supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8

The first option is the supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8. Previously offered in the now-defunct Cadillac CTS-V, the LT4 was tuned to deliver 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque in that application. It makes 650 horses and an equal amount of pound-feet in the C7 Corvette Z06 and sixth-gen Camaro ZL1.

1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna LT5 engine - 2018 SEMA Show

Supercharged 6.2L LT5 V8

Another possibility is the supercharged 6.2L LT5 V8. Essentially a go-faster version of the LT4, the LT5 has yet to find its way into a Cadillac model, but can be found under the hood of the monstrous Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, where it lays down an impressive 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque.

Cadillac Blackwing Engine from spot

Twin-Turbo 4.2L LTA V8 “Blackwing”

Both the LT4 and LT5 are prime examples of the old-school overhead-valve/push-rod engine design, which is a fantastic fit for sports machines like the Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette ZR1. However, it’s possible Cadillac may want something a little more modern for the high-performance Escalade SUV, which makes our third choice the new Cadillac-exclusive DOHC twin-turbo, 4.2L LTA V8, otherwise known as the Blackwing engine. Currently, the only vehicle that runs the Blackwing is the Cadillac CT6-V, where it produces as much as 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. And given the LTA is exclusive to the Cadillac brand, it certainly makes a whole lot of sense to toss it under the hood of a high-performance Escalade. That said, there’s also the potential for a higher-output version of this very engine.

For reference, the current Cadillac Escalade is equipped with the all-atmosphere 6.2L L86 V8, where it produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

2020 Cadillac Escalade - Spy Shots - Exterior - December 2018 0012

According to the Cadillac Society report, the high-performance Cadillac Escalade was originally expected to be released for the final few model years of the current fourth-generation, but now, we know it will for sure drop with the new fifth-gen model, potentially as an Escalade-V or Escalade Blackwing.

Wanna learn more about this new go-fast Caddy? Then subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.

Source: Cadillac Society

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. I think that the top dog will be the Blackwing and not the old engines….

    Reply
  2. The Blackwing has some impressive stats, but it really needs another 50 horsepower for “proper” bragging rights.

    Reply
    1. But see with those turbos providing tons of low down and maintained torque through the band, and a 10spd, another 50hp is a bit irrelevant on a truck

      Reply
    2. That’s what we should expect. Blackwing does not mean only 550 hp. No doubt there will be more powerful numbers from this engine.

      My guess.

      – 6.2 engine for the base model.
      – Blackwing with 550 hp for the first V.
      – Blackwing with 650 hp for the top V.

      I really doubt they will put the old engines for the hot versions.

      Reply
  3. Again, power has never been the problem. Get the interior right and everything else will be alright.

    Reply
    1. U will be shocked when u see the interior.

      P.s. Alex, where are you Alex? 😀

      Reply
      1. Nothing from Cadillac has “shocked” me in a long time, so we’ll see. The concept cars show that they have some interesting ideas, they just need to follow thru with something groundbreaking instead of just incremental, good enough, updates.

        Reply
  4. Other media outlets reported earlier that the LT4 will be used. Unsure if the same 650hp or detuned slightly.

    Reply
    1. It’s all speculation… they can report all they want but I’d rather have the whole picture of what’s available than a rumor misleading me into a different direction. Always appreciate gm authority giving me the whole perspective.

      Reply
  5. I’d have to guess Blackwing. Why build a Caddy exclusive engine and not use it in their flagship?

    Reply
  6. Blackwing with 600 HP and All Wheel Drive with the complete /V/ treatment

    Reply
  7. Since GM is going to charge an outragouse price for their flagship they need to get it right . I hope the truck is a revolutionary design and not the evolution that won’t do it . The inteerior needs to be first class , and not pull from the GM parts bin . With the new XT6 taking place of the entry level Escalade 100 g’s will become the norm for Slade .

    Reply
  8. im thinking the black wing engine with a DCT drivetrain, AWD, magnetic ride, brembo brakes and that sort of stuff.

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    1. Absolutely! big cars like the escalade need to figure out the land barge effect to truly be performance vehicles. I cant wait to see what they do to fix that aspect.

      Reply
  9. Escalade V12, Escalade Sport Concept & Escalade “V”. We’ve been down that road a few times before. Sorry fellas, I’ll believe it when I see it on the showroom floor with a pricetag next to it.

    Reply
  10. If its anything like the “amazing’ Cadiallacs Johenn bragged about – then – MEH.

    Reply
  11. Please GOD,
    Don’t let them mess this up like they did the trucks.
    All I got to say about this.

    Reply
  12. Hopefully Chevrolet won’t be introducing a Suburban SS equipped with their LT5 750 hp supercharged 6.2L V8 which would cost $30K less than the Escalade while being able to blow the doors off the Escalade Blackwing.

    Reply
  13. Really getting tired of getting teased on the new GM SUVs.

    Reply
  14. Higher power engine version for the Blazer too please!!!

    As a multiple-Camaro owner, I want a performance Blazer variant!!!

    Reply
  15. I would love to see a higher HP BLACKWING for the ESCALADE , I will buy one !!!!!

    Reply

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