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New Cadillac Escalade Coming With Camaro ZL1 Power

The All-New Escalade Will Enter The Performance SUV Scene With The LT4 Supercharged V8

Cadillac Escalade

Sources speaking to Muscle Cars & Trucks have confirmed that an overproof Cadillac Escalade is indeed currently in the making, and eluded that it would sport a 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V8 engine under the hood. Sources couldn’t comment in detail about the performance SUV, but the phrase used consistently was it will be a “powerhouse.” It’s expected to be called the Escalade-V.

Update: here it is!

Strangely, as the SUV segment has boiled and turned hotter than ever, Cadillac has shied away from performance versions of its own crossovers and SUVs. This hopped-up Escalade will change that. It’s also important to note that this super Escalade program survived the same GM restructuring earthquake that did in the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

Additionally, this high-performance Escalade-V program also survived the turbulent regime change within Cadillac itself. This program was originally initiated by former Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen when outlining the brand’s 10-year plan some time ago. Original intel from some outlets stated that this souped-up Cadillac Escalade-V would make it in time for the current-generation model, which is set to be replaced next year. At one point that may have been true, but it’s become clear that plans were pushed onto the all-new Cadillac Escalade. At the same time, Cadillac is officially going to be the tip of the spear for GM’s electrification strategy. So it would appear as if the brand is widening the bookends up a bit, between high-octane SUVs and zero emission vehicles.

Cadillac Escalade HPE800
Hennessey Performance Engineering Has So Far Satisfied Power Hungry Escalade Buyers, But As A Third Party.

An LT4 supercharged V8 found in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and C7 Corvette Z06 would be sufficient enough to hustle the Escalade around. In each application, the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 makes 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the Escalade today, that’s a 230 hp bump—perhaps a bump worthy of the V-Series badge or the forthcoming “Blackwing” moniker.

The next-generation Escalade portfolio is on the General Motors T1 platform. Other powertrains for the luxury SUV are unclear, though plopping the Cadillac-exclusive 4.2L twin-turbo LTA DOHC V8 under the hood at some point seems like a no-brainer. The engine comes in two flavors currently in the CT6-V sedan: a respectable 500 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, or a more formidable 550 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

In the world of 707 horsepower Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs that sell immediately, an equal-parts opulent and powerful Cadillac Escalade seems like a shoe-in. It will also come in with more output than the 585 horsepower Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG – the SUV of choice for nearly every wealthy urban villain.

All three of GM’s large body-on-frame SUVs are due for a renewal soon. Expect the next Escalade to debut as a 2021 model with the “powerhouse” brewing in the background for just a tad longer.

Your move, Lincoln.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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