Very nice Escalade....but is something else in the future?

[ViperDVMan]

After seeing the new Escalade as well as its specifications, I can't help but be amazed that the Escalade is pulling to the top of its class....competing with SUV's like the Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX470, Land Rover Range Rover, and the Mercedes G-class.

However, the only competition I see as being something for Cadillac to worry about is the upcoming G-class replacement, ditching the military-spec guise for a new unibody shared with the smaller ML-class. It's already a more sophisticated and refined setup than the body-on-frame Escalade, and it has IRS too. But what worries me and probably worries Cadillac is the fact that Mercedes is already dropping the 500+hp AMG 6.3L into the ML class, so you bet they're going to do the same with the G-class. And that AMG engine will beat the Escalade hands down. Therefore, it makes me wonder what Cadillac has in store for a potential V-series Escalade.

I doubt they'll be using the supercharged Northstar since that isn't nearly as substantial of a power increase as the other V-series cars, gaining anywhere between 120 and 150hp. I say either supercharge your existing motor, drop a supercharged LS2 in it, the LS7, or really make a statement with the Escalade and drop in that XV12. Not only would you beat the AMG G-class in power, you'll also make a real statement. "The first ever V12-powered SUV". In fact, Mercedes seems to be the only other company capable of doing this...not only that, but also right at this moment. If you really want to beat Mercedes, drop a V12 in your SUV before they do. This goes back to an older banner I used to display, "Vote yes on Proposition XV12". It would also make for a great vehicle in which to launch an engine that would also be shared with the ULS project, and a possible updated XLR-V.

Gas prices? That's okay, most people who buy such expensive cars and SUV's as these could give a rat's ass about gas prices.

So with that little proposal out of the way. Are there any plans for a V-series Escalade, or is Cadillac just going to surrender to AMG's constant onslaught like they did by cancelling the SRX-V?

[mgescuro]

I would expect a V10 or V12 in a V series Escalade.
I would also expect far better interior choices AND a floor mounted shifter... or at the very least paddle shifter. Otherwise, all you'd have is an overpowered Escalade and no other distinguishing features.

Frankly, what GM would do is drop a big engine, wrap the dash with leather, lower the car by and inch or 2.. and tack on $15K. I sincerely doubt they would do anything else to distinguish it. And that's crap.

[AmericanRevolution]

I'd rather see a V-series SRX over a V-series 'scalade. I think the SRX-V would be much better performance wise and would suite a larger number of people. After an SRX-V and a ULS (CALL IT FLEETWOOD ****************AMIT!) and V-series for that, when we can talk about a Escalade-V.

[giagastormer]

What would be the point of a V-Series Escalade? I can't figure this out? I highly doubt Cadillac is worried that MB is coming out with a 500+ hp SUV. There would be such a limited market, just the effect it would have on GM's total SUV gas mileage figures wouldn't be worth it. I would MUCH rather see GM take all that development money and make a super blinged out Escalade ESV Platinum, with a tweaked 6.2 V8 making around 425 horsepower. Slap an $85,000 sticker on that puppy, and they will sell like hotcakes.