MotorTrend reports that GM insiders are saying that the next-generation Cadillac Escalade will jump from its current GMT900 truck platform to the Lambda crossover architecture that underpins the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave, and Chevy Traverse. MT points to the Buick Enclave Super that didn't happen as evidence that an Escalambda would be able to handle an eight-cylinder engine, which would be a step up from the rest of El Generalissimo's increasingly-crowded crossover lineup. Edgier, CTS-like styling would likely be a given, too. Frankly, this is a good idea. The packaging afforded by the Lambda platform is vastly superior to what the GMT900 trucks offer. Remember that in the latter, the 3rd row is bolted to the cargo floor, it doesn't fold flat, and it's generally uncomfortable. The Lambda solves that instantly, and is better suited for what's positioned as a luxury vehicle anyway. Ride quality would be much better, and if GM Design were to deliver an interior on par with what's now found in the CTS, a Lambda-based Escalade would probably represent a quantum leap forward in terms of styling and refinement over the current vehicle. As for the Avalanche-based Escalade EXT, MT says that GM's mulling over the idea of moving to a unibody pickup, a la the Zeta-based GMC Denali XT concept, to replace both of those vehicles. Again, not a bad idea, especially for Cadillac. The downside is that owners of the current vehicles who use them to tow will likely need to look elsewhere to fill that need. Still, if Cadillac's gig is to sell legit luxury vehicles, moving to more car-like platforms makes all kinds of sense. It's going to be really interesting to see if any of this stuff actually pans out.
Cadillac recently provided some Detroit-area media an opportunity to drive the new Cadillac Escalade hybrid. From a driving perspective the Escalade is indistinguishable from the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids, which should come as no surprise since it is mechanically identical. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as these big SUVs are the most fuel-efficient of their type. One area where we had hoped to see a difference, however, was in the hybrid signage. When the Tahoe and Yukon launched, their flanks were emblazoned with huge hybrid stickers. They've apparently done little to stimulate sales. Unfortunately, the Escalades on hand for the drive were similarly marked, though the lettering was a bit more subdued. Nonetheless, we asked Cadillac officials, "Will it be possible for customers to order a hybrid without the rocker panel and window graphics?" The response was that all hybrids would be shipped from the factory with the decals. However, at customer request, the dealers can easily remove the lettering with a heat gun. We also learned that some states actually prohibit any stickers on the glass, so vehicles shipped to those states will go without the windshield and tailgate decals from the factory. Even without the sticker package, the Escalade still has prominent hybrid badges on the fender vents, the C-pillar and tailgate, so no one is likely to miss what it is.
If you are in the market for American excess and feeling a bit green at the same time, Cadillac has your next vehicle. It's the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, and it goes on sale this month with an MSRP of $71,685 (a mere $3,600 premium over a comparably-equipped Escalade, GM boasts). The "first-ever hybrid on a large luxury SUV" features GM's advanced Two-Mode Hybrid technology allowing it to run on just battery power during idling (do electric cars idle?) or low-speed driving conditions. Like the gas-only model, the Hybrid also incorporates Active Fuel Management meaning it can run on as few as four cylinders to save fuel. The 2009 Cadillac Escape Hybrid earns EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 city/21 highway (the non-hybrid Escalade is rated 12/19), so there is some gas to be saved here.
If you're buying an Escalade, there's a good chance that even the Platinum Edition ESV won't be enough for you. That's why companies like Becker and STRUT exist, so that you can shine like one of the brightest stars in the multiverse. When these two companies get together on something... well, you'll probably need tinted goggles to behold it. So it's with a bang that they introduced a special edition Cadillac ESV limo.
How do you top platinum? With a floor-to-ceiling leather interior, where you'll enjoy a home -- or is that limo? -- theater system, broadband Internet, a wall-mounted computer screen... and the company of your statuesque personal assistant with the Eastern European accent.
Memorial Day has passed and beach season is upon us. With the long summer days and cool ocean breezes, it may be tempting to take your new SUV out for a spin on the sand. If you are dumping that much money into a vehicle, why not share a special moment with your ride? Perhaps a close up view of the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean is in order. That was exactly the idea shared recently by a man in San Clemente, California. He decided to drive his 2008 Cadillac Escalade out to the ocean's edge to watch dawn break. However, the man must not have been one of California's avid wave riders, as he displayed an extreme lack of tide awareness and little concern for sand consistency. The eager sun watcher apparently ventured too far off of dry shore. Water saturated sand is the recipe for quicksand, so it was no surprise that the massive SUV sunk into the ground, trapping its driver in the raising surf. Even with waves reaching up to the rear view mirrors, the Escalade pilot refused to abandon ship, at least until authorities noted it was highly possible for the vehicle to flip over.
In the end, the Escalade adventurer was cited for driving on the beach, as typically only service vehicles such as those of the police or lifeguards are permitted to roam freely on beaches. There are some places, like Daytona Beach, Florida, that have general automotive admission, however. In that case, sand conditions are closely monitored, but even then it is not uncommon for folks to get stuck. This summer, we suggest beach goers keep all four tires on the pavement. All that sand is hard to clean up anyway, plus saltwater is rather corrosive.
Woke up this morning and I bought myself Tony Soprano's Escalade. Those may not be the exact words to the theme song from the hit HBO drama, but that's all you'll be singing if you take the winning bid at Barrett-Jackson's upcoming auction in Florida.
Last summer we brought you news of Tony Soprano's Chevy Suburban being sold on eBay. This year, the white 2003 Cadillac sport-ute which the character drove on The Sopranos is one of seven cars from the television series being sold at auction with no reserve at the Collector Car Event in West Palm Beach, Florida, from March 26-30. Joining Tony's Cadillac will be Vito Spatafore's black DeVille and the champagne CTS that Paulie Walnuts drove across Chris Moltisanti's front yard, as well as the '97 Mercury Villager which Tony and Paulie drove in Florida and several of the cars from the shootout at Tony's club. Check out all the cars in the gallery below.
The cars will all be sold without reserve to benefit the Los Angeles Children's Hospital. Last year, Barrett-Jackson auctioned off Carmela Soprano's Porsche Cayenne for $90,000 to benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. Nearly five hundred vehicles will be auctioned at this year's event, including the pair of KITT Mustangs from NBC's Knight Rider we brought you previously.
