The Cadillac Escalade V becomes the first SUV from the brand to sport the V badge, and the sound emitted by its engine, still unknown, portends great performance.
Cadillac’s performance models are well known for carrying the letter V. Although the automaker announced last year that the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing were the last V cars to be powered by a combustion engine, it seems that SUVs had been left out of the equation. After giving some clues previously, it is the brand’s most iconic SUV, the Escalade, which will receive the V badge first and it has just been unveiled, accompanied by a soundtrack that betrays the presence of a supercharged V8 engine under the hood.
Here is the Cadillac Escalade V. Very few details, apart from the images, have been released.
If the style remains instantly recognizable, different artifices are added for more distinction. A black theme, similar to the one found on the regular Escalade equipped with the Sport package, eliminates all the chrome on the vehicle. Exclusive wheels and V badges scattered throughout the vehicle set the tone. The biggest novelty, however, remains the presence of discreet ground effects that encircle the entire vehicle. No interior images were released.
Mechanics still unknown
Nothing has been confirmed on the mechanics that will equip this model. The rumors – and the sound – however, point to the use of a well-known engine in the Cadillac range. It would make sense that the 6.2-liter V8 LT4 equipped with a supercharger, the same one used under the hood of the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, would be the engine of choice. If it develops 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque in the sedan, it will likely spit a little less into the juggernaut. Despite everything, it will be a considerable leap in comparison with the naturally aspirated version of the 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 420 horsepower and is fitted as standard in the Escalade.
While the CT5-V Blackwing can be delivered with a six-speed manual transmission, the Escalade will probably only offer a ten-speed automatic transmission, which is better suited to a vehicle of its kind. It’s a safe bet that all Cadillac Escalade Vs will be equipped with automatic all-wheel drive.
The starting price of the Cadillac Escalade V has not yet been revealed, but we will have more details eventually, especially on the occasion of the official launch which will probably take place next May.
