In addition to the previously reported CTS Sport concept – GM took this opportunity to show off a modified Escalade also with ‘sport’ badging.

It isn’t yet known if a sporty Escalade will see production, but it wouldn’t take much to see a similar model to this badged a Escalade-V.

Check out our Escalade Sport Image Gallery and the press release below:

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Categories: Concepts, News, Escalade
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According to GM’s Fastlane Blog (via Autoweek.com) GM should be bringing some diesel engines to their US lineup by 2010.

The Cadillac version will most likely be the recently announced 4.5l V-8 and find a home in the Escalade line. However, V-6 diesels will be making an appearance in Epsilon-based products in other GM divisions (and a V-6 diesel will be sold in the new CTS soon and a diesel BLS is on sale now, though only in Europe unless US demand increases).

From the blog post by Bob Lutz, GM does not immediately expect the new diesels to be California (and states that use California emissions standards) compliant.

GM is also expected to show a diesel/electric version of the E-Flex architecture in Frankfort, Germany this fall that may lead to a version of the Chevrolet Volt electric car with even greater mileage than it’s gas-assisted version (the Volt runs on electricity with a small engine powering a generator to provide greater range when the initial battery charge runs out – effectively giving triple-digit fuel economy numbers).

No announcements have been made for an E-Flex Cadillac, though if the technology catches on, you might expect a Cadillac version down the road.

Check out the post and video at:

GM Fastlane Blog: Checking Back with Bob

Categories: News, Escalade, Video
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JD Power has released their finding in the 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study.

The rankings take into account customer satisfaction in categories such as Overall Performance and Design, Performance, Style, Comfort, and Features and Instrument Panel.

This year, only one Cadillac took top honors – with the Escalade EXT in a tie with the BMW X5 for top score in the Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle segment.

See all about the awards this year at:

JD Power: 2007 APEAL survey

Categories: News, Escalade, Awards
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The Detroit News is reporting on statements made by John Howell, Cadillac’s product chief, that Cadillac is considering hybrid versions of ‘pretty much every program.’

This addition to their plans are in response to sustained high gas prices that are at least partially responsible for Cadillac’s softening sales this year.

The first Cadillac hybrid will be based on the Escalade and use GM’s new two-mode hybrid system and result in 25% better fuel economy.

See the Detroit News story at:

Detroit News: Cadillac mulls hybrids of all models as sales slump

Categories: News, Escalade
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Business Week has a interesting article about how Cadillac is wooing luxury buyers in China.

As the Chinese discover mobility and acquire wealth, established luxury brands from the western world are throwing every trick they have at making sure they walk away with all this new-found Chinese cash.

Given China’s 1.2 billion people, even the tiny percentage that can afford such extravagances represent a significant number of sales – and mainly to people who have no brand loyalty yet.

Other examples of Cadillac’s push is unique models like the SLS, with improved rear accommodations to cater to the new Chinese rich who prefer to not drive themselves.

Ultimately, increased volumes in emerging markets like China can only help Cadillac in their home market as each sale puts a bit more money in the bank that can then go to develop products for all markets.

Read all about it (and don’t miss the slide show that shows what a Cadillac showroom in Shanghai looks like) at:

Business Week: Cadillac Floors it in China

Categories: News, Commentary, CTS, STS / SLS, SRX, XLR, Escalade
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