Back in July 2019, before the all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade was even revealed, GM Authority reported that General Motors was planning a high-performance version of the fifth-generation (2021 and newer) Escalade. Recent comments made by Cadillac Chief Engineer, Tony Roma, provide some insight into the thinking behind the rumored Escalade-V.
Roma’s comments were delivered during an interview with Autoline After Hours about a future expansion to the Cadillac Blackwing range, currently represented by the upcoming 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing ultra-high-performance luxury sedans, and of upcoming V-Series models.
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing features the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 engine
“Blackwing is reserved for really the pinnacle, the purest expression of performance, track capability, and that’s what it’s going to stand for going forward,” said Roma. This automatically excludes the possibility of an Escalade-V Blackwing, since a vehicle of the Escalade’s weight and such a high center of gravity is definitely not going to be the purest expression of track capability, no matter how powerful it is.
Roma seems to agree. “You won’t see [the Blackwing name] on every vehicle,” he said. “It’s not appropriate. I couldn’t imagine doing an Escalade-V Blackwing. Maybe we’d do an SUV, maybe we’d do an Escalade-V, who knows.”
Now, it’s not for us to put words in Roma’s mouth. He did not say outright that there would be an Escalade-V. But what he did say seems what a high-ranking Cadillac spokesperson might say if they knew an Escalade-V was coming, but couldn’t talk about it. Call it a hint, if you will.
The supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 most recently fitted to the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the logical choice for the Escalade-V. In its newest application in the CT5-V Blackwing, the blown push-rod makes a very healthy 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque, which is 248 horsepower and 199 pound-feet more than the 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet produced by the naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 which serves as the standard engine in the fifth-gen Escalade. The 3.0L I-6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax engine is optional, rated at 277 horses and 460 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines mate to the still-new GM ten-speed automatic transmission, with either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. The same should also take place for the Escalade-V.
Don’t count on the ultra-modern twin-turbo DOHC 4.2L V8 LTA which was featured in the discontinued Cadillac CT6-V, to make an appearance. Unfortunately, this motor – which was known as the Blackwing engine and made 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque in the CT6-V – will never again see the light of day.
In addition to more power, we fully expect the Escalade-V to feature improved braking and handling via a more robust suspension, including Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive suspension, along with more potent brakes, as well as larger/wider and more performance-oriented tires. We just can’t wait, but while we do, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news and 24/7 GM news coverage.
Comments
I always thought the Blackwing DOHC 4.2L V8 should have been in the Escalade, but read somewhere it didn’t fit. In the CT6 it looked enormous and heavy.
Another big mouth useless exec, everybody tries to become Elon Musk. Stop yapping for self promotion and killing the demand for current models.
Mr. Roma is not just another big mouth useless executive , he was with the V development from the beginning , if it wasn’t for him we probably wouldn’t have these high performance cars Cadillac has been making since the release of the first gen. CTSV , and lord knows we would not have a 6 spd. manual transmission available in the Cadillac product line .
I do not care about a manual transmission. I want level 3 (and level 4) autonomous car. Mr. Roma should speed up work on Ultra Cruise, so we can have it as soon as possible.
Zero f*cks given about Mr. Roma. Cadillac will continue to be cheap even with a “V”. A more powerful engine and brake upgrades,, big deal. They won’t upgrade other critical components. Most buyers would think just adding a “V” badge and nothing else will provide more power. As a company, they will never produce an Escalade worthy of the price tag at any trim level. Prove me wrong. Protip, you can’t!
The current 2021 Escalade Sport Platinum is worth the price.
Let’s go!
An Escalade V has been wanted for a long time.
I saw an autoline Detroit interview where a GM engineer who was working on the 2L TDI admitted he couldn’t understand how VW passed emissions without def when GM was having such a hard time. We now know how that worked out. The blackwing 4.2T was cancelled due to emissions…
I say drop the LT5 in the Escalade and watch out!
It was dropped because it didn’t fit in with GM homogenization. WHY does Cadillac need that when we have a Chevy engine that can be used…..
Yes an LT5 In both the Escalade and the Yukon Denali
The CT6-V makes 640 lb-ft SAE certified, stop saying 627
They need to hurry up, an upgrade engine is needed to fend off the big German SUVs.
Wont happen! See my comment below….
If you want to understand Blackwing, just look at AMG Black Series. GM are trying to replicate/copy their success model right down to the name.
I’m still not impressed with Cadillacs decision to drop the name V-Sport in favor of V for the mid-level sport trim. I think it caused confusion and watered down the name V simultaneously. I have no problem with Blackwing but it should have been V-Sport and V-Blackwing. And yes the Escalade should have a V model, preferably a V-Blackwing.
This Chief Engineer Tony Roma, may need a refresh. First, make the product reliable, dependable and durable. Bring that product to be at par with at least three others on top and don’t think of continuing this garbage, where Cadillac brand enjoys 28th ranking in terms of customer satisfaction, despite being most expensive.
Remember this is GM! The V will be a ESCALADE with the Chevy Tahoe police package and a tone of hype………..
Jeep Grand Wagoneer is going to be producing 471HP, comes out this year. Escalade needs the V model and fast please so we can place an order for the Escalade V in time for the 2022 model year.