GM global vehicle line executive for full-sized trucks, Rick Spina, has confirmed that the next Escalade, thought to be moving to the unibody Lambda chassis used by the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia, will actually stay body-on-frame.

Given recent up-tick in sales of the GMT900 based SUVs (think Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe, and Escalade) GM has decided to invest in a new version of the platform and this will result in a new version of these body-on-frame, rear-drive SUVs being built to replace the current models.

The advantage of the body-on-frame design is normally higher load and tow ratings than a unibody design can match – making it the more desirable design for full-sized SUVs.

This will also cement the Escalade EXT’s future as well (a unibody version of the super-short-bed version of the Escalade would have been difficult to pull off).

Source: Automotive News

Categories: News, Escalade, Rumored Models
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You may have noticed, the automotive press has seemed to discover something we have mentioned in the past, Cadillac will very likely move the Escalade to thier Lambda architecture for the next generation.

As big as the current Escalade but hundreds of pounds lighter, the new Escalade would be able to give similar performance with smaller, more fuel efficient engines – though a V-8 will likely debut in the Lambda in the Cadillac version.

Expect completely unique sheetmetal, interior, as well as hybrid-drive versions to ensure that the Escalade maintains the image GM has worked so hard to give it over the years.

Interestingly, Cadillac is rumored to be working on a truck version of Lambda so that they can continue to offer the EXT version of the Escalade.

Categories: News, Escalade, Rumored Models
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With rising gas prices and increases in CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards set to take effect in the coming decade, the future of Cadillac’s products is in doubt.

Rumors are swirling that the STS/DTS replacement (both cars were to be replaced with a single uber-model to compete against BMW’s 7-series and Mercedes S-Class), expected to be built on a premium version of GM’s new Zeta rear-drive chassis, has been canceled. The next Escalade is up in the air. Smaller products are being considered that might never have been before.

This casts doubt onto the direction Cadillac might take in the future. Will they continue on their quest to go toe-to-toe with the luxury industry heavyweights model for model (and with the new regulatory climate, what does that mean)? Will they dial back their ambition and compete with the second tier of the luxury market? Will they find their own, distinctive, path?

Let’s take a look at what will and might happen at Cadillac in the near future:

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Categories: News, Commentary, BLS, CTS, STS / SLS, SRX, DTS, XLR, Escalade, V-Series, Rumored Models
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Sorry for missing this one…this news dropped on the same day my first child was born…so I was a bit distracted. We’re working to get one of these for a full-blown driving review – so stay tuned.

The 2009 Escalade Hybrid (available in standard Escalade form for now, no EXT or ESV to start) is packing GM’s new two-mode hybrid drive that provides a 50% boost in highway mileage. This for a $3600 premium over a comparable non-hybrid Escalade (for a MSRP of $71,685). Power running boards and 4-wheel drive are the only options.

This should give Escalade buyers an option beyond picking a smaller vehicle for reducing their fuel bills.

Read on for the press release:

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Categories: News, Escalade
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AutoPacific, the automotive research firm, has just published their latest Vehicle Satisfaction Awards list. This study is based on the opinions of actual owners of 2008 model year examples.

Cadillac took top honors in the respective segments of the Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, CTS, and DTS. This resulted in Cadillac, as a brand, being named the overall winner.

Way to go Cadillac!

Read all about it at:

VehicleVoice: AutoPacific Announces 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Categories: News, CTS, DTS, Escalade, Awards
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