2015 Cadillac Escalade Hennessey HPE550 Boasts 557 HP MotorTrend
April 23, 2014
By: Jason Udy
If the new 2015 Cadillac Escalade’s 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque aren't enough, Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has a solution. The Texas-based tuner offers a supercharger for the Escalade’s 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8 that bumps power up to 557 hp and 542 lb-ft --increases of 32 percent and 18 percent, respectively, at just 6.0 psi of boost, according to Hennessey.
Performance upgrades include a high-flow supercharger and intercooler, HPE engine management calibration with dynamometer tune and road testing, and installation including required gaskets, fluids and hardware. Other pieces include serial-number plaques for the dash and engine compartment, Hennessey and HPE550 exterior badges, and embroidered Hennessy floor mats. Priced at $15,950, the upgrade includes installation and a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.
Agreed. Even a detuned LT4-variant would make a huge difference in a truck like this. Of course, I'm willing to bet that Cadillac would probably charge more than the $15k premium being asked for by Hennessey for such an upgraded truck. And quite frankly, Hennessey's pricing for this upgrade is not ridiculous, given the target market and the improvement in HP and TQ.
So my dealership here bought the SLP escalade and put it on the showroom floor at $99k. I think they sold it at $79k almost a year later. It's pretty much a answer to a question nobody asked.
It's only 6 psi of boost. That's about right. If you want more then you just need to change the pulley size. They like to limit the boost to make sure they have reliability. GM put's they're engines together with cast parts not forged so they can only take so much boost before bad things start happening. Then you have the transmission to worry about. I do not think they have upgraded that at all given the price of the package. If you bump up the power a lot then other things start breaking. I am sure if you want max power Hennessy will accommodate but be prepared to pay big bucks.
Yuck....but I've decided I am gonna lay off of the Escalade. Though I still hate it and think it is bad for Cadillac, I have to acknowledge that Cadillac needs the vehicle as a cash cow. If there is any possible way for all the things I want for Cadillac to happen then they need a vehicle that is cheap to make but can be sold for a high price. If the Escalade can help fund the ATS, CTS, LTS, Elmiraj, an exclusive assembly plant, Cadillac-only powertrains and platforms, plus a F1 racing program then I'm all for it! Even if it's just a Tahoe in a tux!
Design is not really what I'd like in terms of "upgrades" but an Escalade Supercharged with the LT4 (and the 8-9AT ASAP) and interior upgrades would be just what the Escalade needs as it trends upmarket.
I would much rather get this classy beast. AMG managed to get over 600hp from just a 6L engine as well, Cadillac fails once again. That Hennessey Escalade, just looks like a fat ugly SUV with an ATS front. Lazy design once again.
I just don't like those wheels and red calipers. Give me the Supercharged motor with the upgraded brakes without painting and stock wheels. Perfect sleeper!
V-Sport Escalade would be an over the top vehicle, nice to have and most likely without peer but
the projected sales / income versus cost of developing it probably stopped it happening.
Maybe something Gm could revisit if Hennessey version proves popular...
i drove the supercharged slp escalade for 1500 miles last year,
i really didnt feel much difference at all compare to my stock lade at the time.
Slp would be total waste imo.
I truly am amazed at how that hack somehow has wiggled his way free from the many people he bent over through the years! Most magazines articles on his cars today act completely oblivious to his very questionable past!
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