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Cadillac Boss Says Performance SUVs Are On The Table

If there’s one area where Cadillac has certainly lagged behind its rivals it’s in the sport crossover and SUV department.

Road & Track says the automaker is looking to remedy that problem, though. The publication recently sat down with Cadillac boss Steve Carlisle for an interview and asked him if performance SUVs were in the pipeline. His response?

“I say why not.”

Carlisle was quick to point out that performance crossovers and SUVs will never replace true sports offerings at Cadillac, though – welcome news for anyone who is a fan of previous V-Series products and wants to see more hardcore Cadillac sports cars and sports sedans.

“You’re dealing with higher [centers of gravity], weight distributions, everything like that,” he added.

As we reported last month, the next-generation Cadillac Escalade will offer a high-performance model of some sort. It’s not clear if General Motors will choose to put one of its pushrod V8s in the car, such as the supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 engine used in the previous-generation CTS-V, or if it will opt for the newer, twin-turbocharged DOHC 4.2-liter LTA V8. A different engine entirely could also be used – very little is known about this upcoming Escalade variant.

The Escalade isn’t the only vehicle from Cadillac’s crossover/SUV portfolio that is rumored to get the performance treatment. Photos alleging to show a rear end of an alleged Cadillac XT4-V were sent to GM Authority last month, potentially hinting at the arrival of such a model, but we were unable to verify the authenticity of the photos.

Cadillac now employs a two-tier V-Series strategy as well, so any performance crossovers and SUVs that arrive will likely fall under this split strategy. That means we see softer, less intense performance crossovers and SUVs from Cadillac first, just as we saw the CT4-V and CT5-V before the expected Blackwing versions. This is assuming its performance crossovers and SUVs fall under the V-Series brand, of course.

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Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. How could they not have this on the table for one of the most iconic SUV’s on the market? How come they’ve not done this yet? GM has a stable of proven HI PO engines plus the new Blackwing. They’ve been complacent with the current one. Just do it already.

    Reply
  2. Would have liked it better if he had said in the way. Even with you still can’t be sure about Cadillac. They love to make promises then change their minds.

    Reply
  3. I can only imagine what a Hi-PO variant would cost… with Tahoe pricing already reaching 80k+

    I would love to see a 2 Door – Tahoe option…..

    Reply
  4. I will like they offering performance off-roading SUV, not track roading performance SUV.

    Reply
  5. I know this is going to be a longer read than what most people are going to care to read about, but i wrote in on the Ford Authority side last night. Although I’m happy that GM is adding performance to Cadillac, I’m truly beginning to worry about the future of GM. Talks of ending the Camaro, upcoming engines, a bronco fighter, a new midsize truck, etc are all pointing to signs of very bad things to come and it’s truly sad because it doesn’t have to be. The new “Blazer” was honestly a terrible idea. They should have never done that to that nameplate.
    What I do think would be a wise move for General motors, would be to first and foremost, leave China completely. That GM should focus strictly on the American lineups of Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac, and the Australian lineup of Holden and that’s it. It would help GM a lot if they were to do that. Along with returning their factories to American soil to help build the country back up again and boost brand loyalty again here in this country.
    Secondly, GM, needs to realize that not everyone is thrilled about the idea of the future being full of electric, hybrid or autonomous vehicles. Some people do, but a lot of us don’t. Some of us just want a car company, that actually still just makes good cars. It doesn’t have to be the everything thingy, we want simple good solid GM cars again and there are still a lot of us out there who want a company that offers a full range of vehicles including coupes, sedans, crossovers, SUVs and trucks. There are a lot of us out here who realize if we’re buying a truck that we want a truck, that means we’re not looking to compete with the neighbor’s Prius in terms of fuel economy. That’s not what we bought the truck for, granted yes having a truck that makes an honest 18-24 mpg on the highway is a great thing. it really is. but not at the sacrifice of it still being a truck. Trucks should have either a straight-6 or a V8 and honestly that’s it. Honestly, most cars should have either a straight-6 or a V8 and that’s it and a pushrod V8 at that.

    Let’s make it plain and simple this is what GM’s lineup should look like:
    Chevrolet cars
    Camaro
    Camaro LT: Straight-6 320hp 3.8L, 10-speed auto, focus on near buck-level comfort and tech
    Camaro RS: Entry level V8 5.3L Pushrod 385hp, 8-speed auto, 6spd manual
    Camaro Z/28: Mid level performer 5.7L V8, 425hp, 10-speed auto, optional 6-speed manual
    Camaro SS: Hot Street performer 6.5L 495hp 10-speed auto or high performance 7-speed DCT, 1LE suspension
    standard
    Camaro ZL1: Top performing car, supercharged 7.0L V8 w/780hp, 10-speed DCT only
    Malibu
    Malibu LT: Straight 6 3.8L 320hp, 10-speed auto
    Malibu SS: 5.7L V8 mid level street performance sedan 425hp
    Malibu Chevelle SS: Supercharged 7.0L 780hp, 10-speed DCT only
    Malibu Laguna: Luxury trim sedan 3.8L straight-6, hybrid 10-speed trans, AWD
    Chevrolet SUVs
    Chevrolet Trailblazer
    Trailblazer LS: 320hp 3.8L i-6, 10-speed auto, AWD standard
    Trailblazer SS: 6.5L 495hp V8, 10-speed auto, performance AWD, performance suspensoin
    Trailblazer Cheyenne: 5.7L V8 425hp, 10-speed auto, performance AWD, luxury performance suspension
    Chevrolet Blazer
    Blazer Deluxe 5.3L 385hp, 10-speed, on road/light off road Blazer
    Blazer Z71 4×4 5.3L 385hp 10-speed, off road blazer w/ 6-speed manual option, 4″ lift suspension, 35″ all terrain
    tires, beadlock wheels, washable interior, etc
    Blazer Cheyenne: Luxury blazer Deluxe
    Blazer Z71 Cheyenne 4×4: More upscale version of the Z71 Blazer with an optional 5.7L V8 and an inline-6 turbo
    diesel.
    Chevrolet Tahoe
    Tahoe LS: 375hp 5.3L V8, 10-speed, AWD standard
    Tahoe GT: 425hp 5.7L V8, performance suspension, performance AWD, large Brembo 6-piston front, 4-piston
    rear brakes, magnetic ride suspension
    Tahoe Z71 4×4: Off road setup w/ 3″ lift kit, 33″ all terrain tires, 20″ beadlock wheels, unique suspension, body
    armor, etc
    Tahoe Limited: blacked out luxury/performance Tahoe w/ 6.5L 495hp V8, 10-speed auto performance
    suspension, 6-piston front/rear Brembo brakes, magnetic ride, etc
    Tahoe Cheyenne: Ultimate luxury Tahoe, 5.7L 425hp V8, 10-speed, magnetic ride, large brakes, etc
    Chevrolet Trucks
    Chevrolet S10
    S10 WT: S10 work truck, 2 or 4-wheel drive, bare bones 3.8L I-6. Auto or 6-speed manual
    S10 LS: The well appointed ever day S10 3.8L I-6 320hp, 10-speed auto AWD optional
    S10 Z71: Currently known as the trail boss
    S10 ZR2: Off road Xtreme S10, 2-doors w/ diesel option and 3.8L I-6, 4″ lift, unique suspension, big brakes, body
    armor, washable interior, etc.
    S10 ZR5: same as above w/ 4-doors
    S10 Xtreme: Return of the 5.3L V8 mini truck. 385hp, 8-speed auto, AWD, Brembo brakes, mangetic ride, aero
    enhancements, styling upgrades 20″ performance wheel and tire package, etc.
    S10 Cheyenne: Luxury S10 3.8L I-6, AWD, magnetic ride, large brakes, luxury interior and exterior
    Chevrolet Silverado
    Silverado WT: Inline-6 4.7L, 345hp/380lb-ft torque, 10-speed auto, 2 or 4-wheel drive bare bones pickup truck
    Silverado Deluxe Classic-10 4×4: 425hp 5.7L V8, 10-speed auto, classic two-tone paint, classic interior, 20″ Rally
    style wheels, all terrain tires (not too aggressive but still truck-like) etc.
    Silverado Z66 Custom: Well appointed pickup truck w/ 5.3L 385hp V8, 10-speed auto w/ 2 or 4-wheel drive
    option
    Silverado Z71: currently known as the Trail Boss. This should be the standard for the Z71 with all the bells and
    whistles along with the lift kit and aggressive tires.
    Silverado SS 485hp 6.5L V8, 10-speed auto, ultra high performance pickup truck, lowered stance, 305/35R22 tires front and rear 22×12″ wheels, 6-piston front/rear Brembo brakes, magnetic ride performance suspension, high flow exhaust system (exit in front of rear wheels, etc. the return of the red bowtie emblems should happen on this truck as well.
    Silverado Cheyenne: Ultimate Luxury Silverado (currently known as the High Country pickup) two tone paint options, 22″ Chrome wheels, supreme luxury (for a Chevy) interiors would be a must on this vehicle.
    Chevrolet Silverado HD: HD truck series with a few different trim levels
    Holden/GMC
    Holden Cars
    Holden Monaro
    Monaro: Straight 6 3.8L 320hp, 10-speed
    Monaro Formula: 5.7L 425hp V8, 10-speed
    Monaro Trans Am: 6.5L 495hp V8, 10-speed
    Monaro Firehawk: 7.0L Supercharged 780hp, DCT

    Holden Commodore
    Commodore: 3.8L I-6 320hp, 10-speed
    Commodore GT Ram Air: 425hp 5.7L, 10-speed
    Commodore GXP Ram Air: Supercharged 7.0L, DCT
    GMC SUVs: This is where some of the more modern engines come into play
    GMC Jimmy: 2.7 turbo 10-speed
    GMC Jimmy Typhoon: 3.6L Turbo 420hp/430tq, ultra high performance, brembo brakes, performance suspension,
    etc.
    GMC Jimmy Denali: 3.8L N/A I-6 320hp, AWD, 10-speed, premium Denali luxury and styling
    GMC Yukon: 425hp 5.7L, 10-speed
    GMC Yukon Denali 425hp 5.7L 10-speed AWD, magnetic ride, Brembo brakes, premium Denali luxury and styling
    GMC Suburban: 6.5L 485hp V8, 10-speed Auto, AWD
    GMC Suburban Denali: 6.5L 485hp 10-speed auto, magnetic ride, Brembo brakes, Premium Denali Luxury and
    styling
    GMC Trucks
    GMC Sonoma: the everyday Sonoma w/ 3.8L I-6
    GMC Sonoma AT4: Off road Sonoma w/ diesel option or standard inline-6. 10-speed auto standard w/ optional
    6-speed trans on both gas and diesel engines
    GMC Sonoma Syclone: same powertrain as the Typhoon
    GMC Sonoma Denali: Top notch Sonoma
    GMC Sierra 1500: the every day Sierra w/ a 5.3L 385hp V8 and a 10-speed auto and GMC Professional grade quality
    GMC Sierra 1500 Denali: 425hp 5.7L, 10-speed, 4×4, Denali luxury, tech and styling
    GMC Sierra 1500 AT4: Off road Sierra w/ 385hp 5.3L
    GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 plus: Off road Sierra w/ 425hp 5.7L V8
    GMC Sierra 1500 RST: 485hp 6.5L V8, 10-speed auto, AWD, Brembo brakes, magnetic ride, lowered, 22×12″ wheels w/305-series tires at all four corners, exhaust exiting in front of rear wheels, blacked out lights and trim, performance oriented luxury interior (like an AMG), improved aerodynamics, etc.

    GMC Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks

    Buick: Buick is a unique brand with a very vague future. This should be where the bulk of GM’s electric and hybrid cars are focused:
    Buick Regal GS: 2.8L I-6 280hp, 8spd auto, AWD
    Buick Regal T-Type: 3.0L twin turbo V6 400hp/400tq 10-speed, performance RWD, performance suspension, Brembo brakes
    Buick Regal Grand National: same setup as above with AWD
    Buick Regal GNX: 3.0L twin turbo V6 AWD Hybrid 10-speed auto 475hp/650tq, magnetic ride, ultra high performance suspension, large 6-piston Brembo brakes front/rear, etc
    Buick Regal GT Crossover: Similar setup to the Grand National but in cross over Form
    Buick Regal Avenir:
    Buick Riviera
    Riviera
    Riviera GS
    Riviera LS
    Buick Skylark
    Skylark
    Skylark GS Stage 1
    Skylark GS Stage 2
    Skylark GSX
    Buick Electra
    Electra: Luxury Electric
    Electra 225: performance electric
    Buick Wildcat midsize luxury sport Crossover
    Wildcat: Electric luxury sport crossover with styling cues from the late ’60s models
    Wildcat Grand Sport: Hybrid 3.0L AWD 475hp/650tq
    Wildcat Custom: 3.0L twin turbo 400hp/400tq premium crossover
    Buick Lesabre full size SUV
    Lesabre: Hybrid premium SUV w/ 2.8L I-6 Turbo Hybrid
    Lesabre Custom: Electric Premium SUV
    Lesabre 455: Electrc performance SUV
    Cadillac: DOHC twin turbo V6 cars and DOHC twin turbo V8 cars and ultra high performance Electric with nothing under 485hp. These are the cars needed to fight the likes of AMG & Ferrari
    Cadillac C8 Corvette Stingray
    Cadillac C8 Corvette ZR1
    Cadillac C8 Corvette E-Ray
    Cadillac CT4
    Cadillac CT4-V
    Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
    Cadillac CT5
    Cadillac CT5-V
    Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
    Cadillac CT6
    Cadillac CT6 Blackwing
    Cadillac Elmiraj Coupe
    Cadillac Elmiraj V
    Cadillac Elmiraj V Blackwing
    Cadillac Seville Crossover
    Cadillac Seville V Crossover
    Cadillac Seville V Blackwing Crossover
    Cadillac Escalade
    Cadillac Escalade V Blackwing
    Cadillac Escalade V
    Cadillac Escalade Excelsior
    This would offer a simplified and desirable GM Lineup, keeping with the VSS-R, VSS-T and VSS-S platforms throughout the entire range of cars. Also GM should expand its performance lineup to more of the American aftermarket brands such as most of the brands that fall under the Holley umbrella along with some upgrades from companies like Edelbrock and a few of the American performance and luxury wheel companies.Of course, what i wrote above are just my thoughts and my dream GM lineup. Granted not everyone will agree with it but i’m sure some people will.

    Reply
    1. “Honestly, most cars should have either a straight-6 or a V8 and that’s it and a pushrod V8 at that.”

      “Secondly, GM, needs to realize that not everyone is thrilled about the idea of the future being full of electric, hybrid or autonomous vehicles. Some people do, but a lot of us don’t.”

      Firstly, you need to realize that not everyone is thrilled about the idea of a future being full of high-insurance, hard on gas, RWD performance trucks and cars that show no new technological features, and seem like a boomers lame throw-back idea of what they remember of the 1960’s; an era that fewer and fewer younger buyers can even relate to.

      Some people want these kinds of cars, but overwhelmingly most of us don’t because they aren’t realistic, financially sound purchases, practical, or even desirable.

      Reply
      1. i guess that’s why cars like BMW and Mercedes Benz have twin turbo 6 and 8 cylinder engines, and BMW has inline engines, that’s why Toyota and Mazda are coming out with a new rwd based inline-6 turbo setup and Toyota’s new supra has an inline-6 turbo. Or why Ford just returned the explorer to a RWD chassis with a twin turbo chassis. And if Pushrod engines are so terrible on gas, then why does the C7 vette with a 6.2L Pushrod engine get nearly 30mpg? I do realize that most techs hate the fact that all of these cars with all of this new tech have all of these recalls and dumb stuff going on with them. I do realize how much simpler and better the auto industry was when there wasn’t as much crap crammed into these half-done cars. I do realize how much alot of techs dont like working on hybrid cars and how many techs and other auto industry jobs are going to be lost when the industry moves to electric vehicles. You speak of realistic, financially sound, practical vehicles but you don’t even know what they are. Cars with less of these modern marvels would be more realistic, financially sound and practical because you have “tech” to break. Having a lot of tech is not usually a good thing. It’s actually worse than having a simple design that actually works and since the pushrod v8 has been around since the 50’s and it’s still working strong today and they have made alot of tech advances, I’m pretty sure your short sighted argument is amazingly invalid. (oh yeah and Ford just came out with a new pushrod engine for their HD trucks if i’m not mistaken so what were you saying again? Not much of anything. Thanks!)

        Reply

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