As GM Authority initially reported way back in the summer of 2019, General Motors is poised to launch the new Cadillac Escalade-V, a high-performance variant of the popular luxury SUV equipped with a supercharged heart and several other go-fast goodies. Now, although the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator are considered direct rivals, Lincoln says it won’t offer a performance-upgraded Navigator to compete with the new Cadillac Escalade-V.
According to a recent report from our sister publication, Ford Authority, which cites Global Lincoln Product Director John Jraiche, the refreshed 2022 Lincoln Navigator revealed last fall won’t include a high-performance variant to answer the new Cadillac Escalade-V.
“We like to focus on our own identity and focus on how we would deliver our experience that resonates with our clients,” Jraiche told Ford Authority in an exclusive interview. “We understand where the competition is, we’re not looking to emulate anyone. We took a strategy years ago to be separate and distinct with our Lincoln lineup and we’re looking to double down and deliver that strategy in a new way as we transition into EVs.”
As it stands, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator is offered with only one engine option, namely Ford’s twin-turbo 3.5L V6 EcoBoost. Peak output is rated at 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
By comparison, the new Cadillac Escalade-V is equipped with the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine, which can also be found in such high-performance models as the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, third-gen Cadillac CTS-V, C7-generation Chevy Corvette Z06, and the Chevy Camaro ZL1. General Motors has yet to reveal exact figures for the new Cadillac Escalade-V, but at least 640 horsepower is the recipe expected.
In addition to the supercharged LT4 engine, the Cadillac Escalade-V will also feature more aggressive styling, including a new front bumper, rear bumper, and unique wheels. Keeping it shiny side up will be upgraded brakes and specially tuned Magnetic Ride Control suspension.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news, General Motors competition news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Huge mistake from Ford, the Raptor will get the 5.2L from the GT500, so installing the same engine in the Navigator should be rather easy, selling it for 150k should be just as easy. A bespoke 4.0L twin-turbo V8 would be perfect, but developing an engine from scratch is going to be expensive.
Lincoln needs to do something with the Navigator to catch up in the segment they created. The Escalade isn’t the only rivaling product anymore, the Grand Wagoneer comes with two more powerful engines than the 3.5 in the Linc, the GLS63 and XB7 don’t sell in huge numbers, but help moving the lesser versions of those SUVs.
Lincoln already has the 500hp Aviator, Ford has an ST Edge, and Expedition that have considerable engine tunes. Where is Chevy? Slamming 3 cylinders in trailblazers and painting the rims gloss black and labeling it an RS trim? Ford sees the common man/woman buying their products. Meanwhile GM is charging $80k for denalis without any major performance tunes. Ford has the Limiteds running circles around the 6.2s.
We need to start supercharging but not making it a $40k premium. We’re not AMG MB we are an American brand in America, stuff shouldn’t cost six figures to get tuned engines from GM.
RS has and always will be an appearance package.
That 500hp from the 3.5 6 banger is debatable, very few people owning them says it even feels close to 500, on top of the reliability issues plaguing the 3.5, Ford has also lost touch with what people really want across several of their lines, next thing you know you’ll only be able to get a V6 in the Mustang GT. Add to that the prices Ford is asking for some of their vehicles is out right crazy.
Lincoln knows their market and apparently, the consumers who currently own Lincoln don’t seem to care for a high performance Lincoln. Can’t produce something if no one wants it.
Lincoln needs to concentrate on being Lincoln and not copy the competition but study of what they are doing and see what they can learn from them to offer something as an alternative and not as a direct competitor. Competing with someone one on one with the exact product, look and feel from the competitor does not work and never worked. IMO, Lincoln got a good thing going on by being different from everyone.
However, Lincoln can do a Grand Touring Navigator with a hybrid system for those who want a little more performance. But surprise that Lincoln does not offer it but the Aviator at this moment.
Lincoln IMO needs also one CD6 sedan about ’17 Continental’s size with gas/hybrid powertrain to get leftover buyers that’s focus on luxury.
Well said John’s_39! Who is going to want an Escalade V? Watch how many Escalade V’s GM sells. Not worth the development cost and service parts maintenance for 10 years. But shareholders will never know that number as non-V’s will carry that burden. GM does a great job hiding V sales numbers.
In SE Michigan we are swimming in Escalades they are everywhere. At least in this area I’m sure the V’s will do just fine….
Coincidence? GM company cars? Look at the license plate. No frames on GM plates and they renew in September. Often a parking permit hanging from rear view mirror. Not all, but many are company cars.
no more like supplier employee vehicles. these are hard plates and anyways those GM employee provided vehicles are typically provided for only 6 months and Escalades are only provide to the higher ups.
Rank has it’s perks and privileges. Years ago upper management at GM were famous for junkets and retreats. Roger Smith loved fishing trips paid for by the General.
i sure as hell want one
@ Saturn Man….Who wants an Escalade V? Seriously, they will sell out on lots! I mean look at the Ram TRX. They can’t keep them on the lots, and they are over charging them on some dealer lots up to $25K!!
The Jeep Hellcat has also sold very well for a supercharged SUV. Yes, people want more power! I am going to give it a look for sure.
I drive the 2019 Navigator, and do not understand the need or significant sales from such a high power 3 ton SUV. I purchased this for comfort and luxury, not to mention enough leg support in the 32 position massaging seats. The V sells in the sedan, but unlikely in the massive SUV.
This is fine by me and not surprising
It’ll be interesting to see how many of these GM actually decides to build given the current supply chain issues… anyway, I can’t imagine there’s sufficient demand for such an “ostentatious” vehicle in large quantitie
And rising interest rates.
It’s still an extremely expensive ego booster
Translation: Lincoln is a dead brand. Investment in Lincoln has not yielded any returns. Volume is at insignificant levels. Game over!
This vehicle is a huge winner, cash cow, for GM. The more bad ass you can make it with factory options and horsepower, the better for sales. Remember this is the vehicle of choice in America for Gangbangers, Pimps, Drug Dealers, Bookmakers, Porno Producers, Bill Collectors, Protection Operators, Racketeers, etc.
It reeks of swagger and authority. That’s what you want in the asphalt jungle.
GM should create a special display for this vehicle at SEMA in Sin City. Lowered and raised versions.
I would like to see the presidential Cadillac beasts replaced by extended Escalades made by Lehman Peterson in Cincinnati. Wow, that would reek of power and authority and be huge head turners.
Well, the Cadillac Escalade website has been updated with the Escalade-V info.
People b-word about Lincoln not offering a competitor to the performance SUV, but Chevy doesn’t even have a super-truck rival to the Raptor and TRX… *clowns*