Cadillac News: Next Cadillac Escalade To Stick Its Roots, Become More Luxurious and Advanced

[William Maley]

Back in December, we reported on the anomaly that is the Cadillac Escalade. The model represents a number of things the brand would like to leave behind - too much bling and sharing a platform with Chevrolet and GMC to name a couple. But it is also the model where Cadillac makes the most money and brings in buyers from German and Japanese luxury brands.

 

"How do you balance the desire to bring it into alignment with where we're taking the brand and the equally intense desire not to screw up a good thing?" said Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen back in April.

 

The answer appears to be not messing with the formula and just building on top of it.

 

“The Escalade must become more sophisticated and technically advanced, more detail oriented” in its interior design and materials, said de Nysschen at a recent media event.

 

“We can do all that with a body-on-frame architecture.”

 

What de Nysschen means by the Escalade becoming 'more sophisticated and technically advanced' is unknown and we'll likely not find out till the next-generation due out sometime in 2020. But we wouldn't be surprised if Cadillac introduces an ultra-luxury version with a $100,00+ price tag.

 

Source: Detroit Free Press

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[Frisky Dingo]

Good. Smart move. Keep upping the tech and material and build quality. They have a good thing going.

[Drew Dowdell]

Good! It's selling so well, people in the US love it. Other global markets can go for something else if they want. No need for for all vehicles here to be Euro/Chinese saleable.

[G. David Felt]

As per other threads, this is where I have stated that BOF SUV can continue to evolve and easily beat the over rated G-Wagon as well as get better and better.

 

Locally, I ran into a Seahawk who has his escalade and had my cadillac dealership install a supercharger on it. So he added the V symbol to the back and side doors.

 

I truly believe Cadillac can and should make a V-Sport as well as V edition version of Escalade and ESV.

 

Escalade

Escalade ESV

 

Escalade Platinum

Escalade ESV Platinum

 

Escalade V-Sport

Escalade ESV V-Sport

 

Escalade Platinum V-Sport

Escalade ESV Platinum V-Sport

 

Escalade V Edition

Escalade ESV V Edition

 

Escalade Platinum V Edition

Escalade ESV Platinum V Edition

 

This is how I would see the versions of the Escalade!

 

[Suaviloquent]

We're going to have diesel Escalade soon...

 

That'll be pretty cool. However, I think the V8 is by default the best in class V8 engine because it's the only Naturally Aspirated V8 available.

As per other threads, this is where I have stated that BOF SUV can continue to evolve and easily beat the over rated G-Wagon as well as get better and better.

 

Locally, I ran into a Seahawk who has his escalade and had my cadillac dealership install a supercharger on it. So he added the V symbol to the back and side doors.

 

I truly believe Cadillac can and should make a V-Sport as well as V edition version of Escalade and ESV.

 

Escalade

Escalade ESV

 

Escalade Platinum

Escalade ESV Platinum

 

Escalade V-Sport

Escalade ESV V-Sport

 

Escalade Platinum V-Sport

Escalade ESV Platinum V-Sport

 

Escalade V Edition

Escalade ESV V Edition

 

Escalade Platinum V Edition

Escalade ESV Platinum V Edition

 

This is how I would see the versions of the Escalade!

 

 

VEEEE for Victory, YA, Guuuuuudth..

 

For ourselves, and four Mother Amereeeca.

[El Kabong]

They would be insane to mess with the formula. It is the ideal combination of luxurious and American. That is exactly what they're looking for.

[oldshurst442]

I found this on youtube...

 

Listen to the whole 2 minutes of this clip...

It reveals EXACTLY how I fee about this piece of news...and I mean EXACTLY!

 

[ocnblu]

If only they had a car with as much cache as the Escalade... why, it would be like 1976 all over again, when Cadillac was the ultimate ride to be had.

Edited February 12, 2016 by ocnblu

[hyperv6]

Well I would not get carried away with a ton of models.

I see them taking this vehicle and competing with the new Bentley in a way but in a Cadillac way.

Also I see them driving up the tech and luxury to the top level it can be and then charging for it. As time goes on they will not be able to sell as many of these as they are now but they will continue and charge more for them.

The price will limit sales and make it more exclusive whole driving up profits to retain the money they are taking in now. The lost sales will fall to the less expensive and more efficient models that can be sold in larger volumes.

I would expect they will take this a little more car like but still based on a SUV.

Like the SRX now it may have dropped in volume 3 percent but profits were up 7%.

Edited February 13, 2016 by hyperv6

[oldshurst442]

Funny you say that  this way Hyper...

 

see them taking this vehicle and competing with the new Bentley in a way but in a Cadillac way.

 

 

Because I see the new Bentayga  as an SUV competing with the Escalade...in a Bentley way...

And with Johan's announcement...

 

"How do you balance the desire to bring it into alignment with where we're taking the brand and the equally intense desire not to screw up a good thing?"

 

“The Escalade must become more sophisticated and technically advanced, more detail oriented in its interior design and materials"

 

 

Is just  advancing the Escalade upwards towards the Bentley side of things...

[smk4565]

The Escalade is the most successful Cadillac product, if it ain't broke don't fix it.  I do think at some point they will need a unibody large crossover.  I'm sure they'll get a lambda, it would be nicer if they had a 3 row Omega bases crossover.  I could see the day when the BOF suv is dead, but I think that is beyond 10 years from now.  

 

A V-series Escalade would be a good idea, people will always pay for more power, well except for Toyota Corolla buyers, they won't.  But the types that buy big SUVs will pay more for more power.

 

As far as competing with the Bentley, they won't do it with the Escalade.  The Bentayga has a 190 mph top speed, you can't get an Escalade to 190 mph.  Maybe Cadillac shouldn't be thinking about pushing the Escalade up-market but rather introducing a vehicle above Escalade.  

[oldshurst442]

For you SMK...

 

http://www.hotrod.com/news/1508-watch-hennesseys-665hp-yukon-denali-xl-drag-race-a-hellcat-challenger/

 

This absurd 6,000-pound SUV will lay down a 4.7-second 0-60 mph sprint before barreling down the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 110 mph.

 

 

GMC Denali long wheel base...

from the link...

 

Sure...Hennessy Hot Rod and not factory. 

Sure we dont know what the top speed is pf this

Im sure Cadillac could and will use some of that good 'ol American Hot Rodding techniques to make a Cadillac Escalade V be as close to Benteyga  performance.

So...before you try and negate this of what i have posted...

YOU state 190mph for the Bentley...the vehicle aint even on the drawing board yet...but...this Hennessey Beast actually exists...its not a Cadillac Escalade...its the closest thing to an Escalade...its a GMC Yukon Denali...practically all the lux is their with all the heft as this is the XL...the long wheelbase one...

 

I wouldnt underestimate what the General could do with its new found performance technology for all out performance and what that Chevy Small Block under the hood is capable of...

 

EDIT : plus what Suave is sayin' about the next gen being of an aluminium body...less weight equals a very possible way of extracting better performance numbers...

Edited February 13, 2016 by oldshurst442

[Suaviloquent]

Hmmmm.

 

The Escalade is definitely a formula that you have to look at and say, how do we attract even more people to it, without messing it up?

 

I'd rather Cadillac be disciplined and not get too greedy, which is what they're doing, and that's the right decision for now. Don't change it unless you're sure it won't offend your existing buyers.

 

Measure the brand equity. Is it tied to the name or to the product? I'm pretty sure right now, because they do this research, it's tied to the product in terms of what customers imagine in image of what the product is.

 

If they can transfer more of that same equity into the name, by taking incremental steps into some more variations, more luxury, they have more breathing room to change the product.

 

Like for example, look at the transformation that the new Acadia did to the last. It got smaller. But the space efficiency is higher so, the loss in total volume, while material, is lessened.

 

I'm sure such a transformation of the Escalade is likely next-gen, but you gotta realize, it'll be based on the aluminum body that GM is working on for the next half tons. 

[oldshurst442]

But SMK...I dont think JDN really cares about Escalade performance numbers...as THAT is not what the Escalade is all about...and I think HE ACKNOWLEDGES that the Escalade aint about performance numbers...

 

“The Escalade must become more sophisticated and technically advanced, more detail oriented” in its interior design and materials, said de Nysschen at a recent media event.

 

“We can do all that with a body-on-frame architecture.”

 

 

He does not hint on any performance criteria...unless of course he means "technically advanced" as performance oriented...

And he confirms that its not hard to do it even with BOF...

 

Either way...the Escalade is about to become even more of a Halo car for Cadillac...in SUV form...and that is in preparation for the Bentayga assault...JDN is not ready to concede SUV supremacy to Bentley, even if the Bentley will probably cost twice as much as the Escalade.

 

The Bentayga a Bentley or not, the Escalade is still gonna be the 'Slade!

Edited February 13, 2016 by oldshurst442

[smk4565]

I don't think the Escalade is about performance either, and I don't think you get max performance on a BOF truck.  This is why I think they should do it with another vehicle, such as an Omega crossover that has less weight and is more conducive to a performance vehicle. 

 

As far as Bentley fighting goes, that is a $220-280,000 truck, not even close to anything Cadillac sells.  And what about the Lamborghini SUV that is coming?  That will probably be $300,000, is the Escalade going to fight that too?  And then Rolls-Royce has a $300 or maybe $400,000 SUV coming.

 

I don't think we are going to see a $250,000 base model Escalade built on a Silverado chassis with a $300,000 platinum model.  The Escalade is best staying where it is and doing what it does.  The Escalade and Mercedes GL have almost run every other full size SUV in the $70-100k segment out of business, the Infiniti and Lexus and Navigator are hanging on by a thread.  They should stay the course.

[oldshurst442]

SMK...that is the thing...all these high priced SUVs are gunning for the Escalade...

 

Its the Escalade that is on top of this hill...

 

Kinda like how everybody is still gunning for the BMW 3 Series...

Even with Cadillac's best attempt yet with the ATS, which is the best attempt from anybody, the BMW 3 Series is still the King...

 

Its up to the rest try to dethrone the Escalade...

 

Just because something costs more, doesnt mean that people will gravitate to it and call it the best...

Sure, some athletes and rappers  will go to the Bentley or Lambo and especially the 1%ers...

 

But JDN, as you see, is fighting back, to at least keep the image of the Escalade alive...and THAT is what is needed.

First and second year sales of the Bentley will probably be high...but if JDN produces an Escalade worthy of a REAL Cadillac, meaning, the Escalade is kinda up to par to a Bentley in terms of quality and sophistication, even if it falls a tad short, which it probably will fall short,  regardless of the price difference and especially BECAUSE of the price difference, the Escalade still retains its cachet, and going forward, not only does that help the Escalade retain MOST of its core buyers, it helps Cadillac the brand grow in prestige...

[hyperv6]

I don't think the Escalade is about performance either, and I don't think you get max performance on a BOF truck.  This is why I think they should do it with another vehicle, such as an Omega crossover that has less weight and is more conducive to a performance vehicle. 

 

As far as Bentley fighting goes, that is a $220-280,000 truck, not even close to anything Cadillac sells.  And what about the Lamborghini SUV that is coming?  That will probably be $300,000, is the Escalade going to fight that too?  And then Rolls-Royce has a $300 or maybe $400,000 SUV coming.

 

I don't think we are going to see a $250,000 base model Escalade built on a Silverado chassis with a $300,000 platinum model.  The Escalade is best staying where it is and doing what it does.  The Escalade and Mercedes GL have almost run every other full size SUV in the $70-100k segment out of business, the Infiniti and Lexus and Navigator are hanging on by a thread.  They should stay the course.

Not in price but in type of prestige and in that direction for quality.

It may not match Bentley lock step for price but it could for prestige at a lower but still high price.

Keep in mind the Bentley is based on a Porsch SUV and the Porsche is Shared with a Audi SUV and the Audi is Shared with the VW SUV. To be honest they did not hide it all that well as all have even similar shapes. The main difference is they went more car like while Cadillac has remained truck like. Even all the VW models weigh in about the same as the Cadillac well over 5,000 pounds.

[regfootball]

good move.  I doubt it will become that much more sophisticated......this is just PR talk.  

 

The Escalade is iconic, you don't mess with icons.  (Although GMC did that with the Acadia).

 

Cadillac can say this now when gas is cheap, at least its easier to.

 

People like that the Escalade is a true truck.  Keep the fans happy.  I would not be surprised to see aluminum body panels and possibly a re-worked rear that would create more cabin space.

 

An Omega based Cadillac crossover would be cool.  Right now though, Cadillac will try to sell as many Escalades as they can, I think, while the cash faucet is still running and there are not many other crossovers in the cadillac showroom that can steal from it.

[surreal1272]

The Escalade is the most successful Cadillac product, if it ain't broke don't fix it.  I do think at some point they will need a unibody large crossover.  I'm sure they'll get a lambda, it would be nicer if they had a 3 row Omega bases crossover.  I could see the day when the BOF suv is dead, but I think that is beyond 10 years from now.  

 

A V-series Escalade would be a good idea, people will always pay for more power, well except for Toyota Corolla buyers, they won't.  But the types that buy big SUVs will pay more for more power.

 

As far as competing with the Bentley, they won't do it with the Escalade.  The Bentayga has a 190 mph top speed, you can't get an Escalade to 190 mph.  Maybe Cadillac shouldn't be thinking about pushing the Escalade up-market but rather introducing a vehicle above Escalade.  

Says if it's not broke then don't fix it and in the same breath says that they need to fix it (i.e. go CUV). 

 

That is all.

 

And why does the Escalade need to worry about an overdressed VW, I mean Bentley (see if you get that)? As a matter of fact, why is the Bentley not catching more hell for being that closely related to a $45K Volkswagen?

Edited February 13, 2016 by surreal1272

[surreal1272]

good move.  I doubt it will become that much more sophisticated......this is just PR talk.  

 

The Escalade is iconic, you don't mess with icons.  (Although GMC did that with the Acadia).

 

Cadillac can say this now when gas is cheap, at least its easier to.

 

People like that the Escalade is a true truck.  Keep the fans happy.  I would not be surprised to see aluminum body panels and possibly a re-worked rear that would create more cabin space.

 

An Omega based Cadillac crossover would be cool.  Right now though, Cadillac will try to sell as many Escalades as they can, I think, while the cash faucet is still running and there are not many other crossovers in the cadillac showroom that can steal from it.

Sorry but the Acadia is not an icon like the Escalade. It would be a huge stretch to call it that.

[smk4565]

I said keep the Escalade as it is for the next 10 years, post 2025 they'll have to see what the market is.   But for now it is a good cash cow.

 

I also said add an Omega crossover in addition to the Escalde, not to replace it.  A CT6 based crossover with a 400 hp turbo V6 and 500 hp turbo V8 would run rings around an Escalade, and probably have just as much interior space.

[surreal1272]

I said keep the Escalade as it is for the next 10 years, post 2025 they'll have to see what the market is.   But for now it is a good cash cow.

 

I also said add an Omega crossover in addition to the Escalde, not to replace it.  A CT6 based crossover with a 400 hp turbo V6 and 500 hp turbo V8 would run rings around an Escalade, and probably have just as much interior space.

It won't happen. As long as GM can make full size trucks, they will always have the BOF Escalade. It has earned it's place to keep it that way, unless sales take the worst tumblr in the history of car sales. Anyway, the CT6 platform is much smaller than what underpins the Escalade, so that's not going to happen either. They will slide in 3 row CUV that is larger than the XT5, while not stepping on the Escalades toes because they can continue to market the Slade as even more upscale with the right packaging combination (V series for example). They do not have to give up one to have the other. Mercedes sure as hell doesn't have to worry about it. The GL and the G wagon co-exist nicely without stepping on each other's toes). Cadillac doe into have to worry about it either. 

 

Also, you contradicted yourself on the "in addition to" claim. You state here that you want a Lambda added.

"The Escalade is the most successful Cadillac product, if it ain't broke don't fix it.  I do think at some point they will need a unibody large crossover.  I'm sure they'll get a lambda, it would be nicer if they had a 3 row Omega bases crossover."

 

 

And then you immediately follow that with,

"I could see the day when the BOF suv is dead, but I think that is beyond 10 years from now."

 

 

i.e., you think when the BOF is dead, they will go CUV. That is not "in addition to". That is replacing.

Edited February 13, 2016 by surreal1272

[Cmicasa the Great]

The sophistication will most likely come from advanced forced induction engines and hybridized models that the Chevy and GMC brands will most likely miss out on. Not to mention other exclusive amenities.

[hyperv6]

It will see a TT V8 DOHC engine like the other Cadillac models will get. I think they are talking 4.2 so it can be used in China and other places with tax on displacement.

[smk4565]

A CT6 has a 6 inch longer wheelbase than an Escalade.  The CT6 is longer than an Escalade too.  You could easily build a vehicle the size of an Escalade, with better interior packaging, and probably that weighs 1,000 lbs less on Omega.    Maybe that could be a vehicle above Escalade, or maybe an Omega Cadillac crossover could be priced $70-100k to compete with the Mercedes GLS and they could push the Escalade up market. 

 

They could price the Escalade at $115,000 base and $140,000 for the platinum model.  But you'll see the Escalade sales tank at those prices.   So this is why the Escalade will sit in the price position it is in now, and we'll get a Lambda based 3 row crossover for $50-60k rather than an Omega based crossover.

 

I never said I want a Lambda Cadillac, I said I am sure Cadillac will build one.  If I were Cadillac I'd build every crossover off Alpha and Omega, with the lone exception of the smaller than ATS crossover could be off some global front drive platform.

[balthazar]

^ Escalade already is $70-100K. But it's going to move up in price in the near future, just like every vehicle moves up in price.

There is no demonstrable reason to move the E to a unibody.

 

And a fat 'NO!' to a sub-ATS anything at Cadillac. Please.

[smk4565]

Well Cadillac is getting a sub ATS sedan and 2 crossovers below $39k, so unless they are $34k and $37k (unlikely), one of them will have to be priced under ATS.

 

I think Cadillac is afraid to build an Omega crossover, because it would be better than the Escalade, and then what?  if they call it XT9, you can't have Escalade sitting in the middle of an XT naming system, and if they make it better than Escalade and cheaper than Escalade, you don't need an Escalade anymore.  So it becomes a bit of a catch 22.

 

I think there is a think at GM that the Escalade is the top SUV, therefore every other Cadillac SUV gets dumbed down on a Chevy chassis.  Just like how for the past 30-40 years the Corvette had to have the horsepower and performance of any GM car.  When Cadillac should have a sports car above Corvette.  But Cadillac won't get a sports car better than the Corvette, because GM top brass won't want the Corvette to look bad.

[surreal1272]

A CT6 has a 6 inch longer wheelbase than an Escalade.  The CT6 is longer than an Escalade too.  You could easily build a vehicle the size of an Escalade, with better interior packaging, and probably that weighs 1,000 lbs less on Omega.    Maybe that could be a vehicle above Escalade, or maybe an Omega Cadillac crossover could be priced $70-100k to compete with the Mercedes GLS and they could push the Escalade up market. 

 

They could price the Escalade at $115,000 base and $140,000 for the platinum model.  But you'll see the Escalade sales tank at those prices.   So this is why the Escalade will sit in the price position it is in now, and we'll get a Lambda based 3 row crossover for $50-60k rather than an Omega based crossover.

 

I never said I want a Lambda Cadillac, I said I am sure Cadillac will build one.  If I were Cadillac I'd build every crossover off Alpha and Omega, with the lone exception of the smaller than ATS crossover could be off some global front drive platform.

It's called Cadillac XT7 and it is going to be built using the Omega platform. You are already late with this revelation of yours, which is why every thing you have brought up prior is moot. Oh, and if Cadillac goes that price route with the Slade, they won't have a problem moving it if they make it worth that kind of dough. It's not that hard. If MB can charge that kind of cash for a severely dated looking G-Wagon, then Caddy will have no problem with a more upscale Slade in that price range.

Edited February 14, 2016 by surreal1272

[surreal1272]

^ Escalade already is $70-100K. But it's going to move up in price in the near future, just like every vehicle moves up in price.

There is no demonstrable reason to move the E to a unibody.

 

And a fat 'NO!' to a sub-ATS anything at Cadillac. Please.

This and stating that GM/Cadillac is "scared" to build a Slade sized crossover is just asinine and ignorant, but not surprising given the person who said. MB can do this but Cadillac can't. Got it SMK.

[balthazar]

smk4565 ~>>Well Cadillac is getting a sub ATS sedan and 2 crossovers below $39k, so unless they are $34k and $37k (unlikely), one of them will have to be priced under ATS.<<

I've not yet read any pricing info, but at this point it's all conjecture. Like most people, I feel starting pricing is pretty much immaterial. It's the SIZE that I'm concerned with; Cadillac should never build something smaller than the current ATS.

 

smk4565 ~>>I think Cadillac is afraid to build an Omega crossover…<<

It might be called 'product planning' rather than "fear".

 

smk4565 ~>>...because it would be better than the Escalade, and then what?<<

Who says, where & why? And then; nothing.

 

smk4565 ~>>If they call it XT9, you can't have Escalade sitting in the middle of an XT naming system, and if they make it better than Escalade and cheaper than Escalade, you don't need an Escalade anymore.  So it becomes a bit of a catch 22.<<

It's a "catch 22" like the GLS is better & cheaper than the horrible g-wagon, or maybe it's not a catch 22 in even the remotest sense.

 

 

smk4565 ~>>I think there is a think at GM that the Escalade is the top SUV, therefore every other Cadillac SUV gets dumbed down on a Chevy chassis.<<

There are no "Chevy" chassis's, especially in the truck segment; haven't been for decades.

 

smk4565 ~>>Just like how for the past 30-40 years the Corvette had to have the horsepower and performance of any GM car.<<

Except the handful of times when it didn't.

 

smk4565 ~>>When Cadillac should have a sports car above Corvette.  But Cadillac won't get a sports car better than the Corvette, because GM top brass won't want the Corvette to look bad.<<

That's just about impossible, with the Corvette making ferraris and numerous other so-called 'supercars' look bad as it is.

[surreal1272]

smk4565 ~>>Well Cadillac is getting a sub ATS sedan and 2 crossovers below $39k, so unless they are $34k and $37k (unlikely), one of them will have to be priced under ATS.<<

I've not yet read any pricing info, but at this point it's all conjecture. Like most people, I feel starting pricing is pretty much immaterial. It's the SIZE that I'm concerned with; Cadillac should never build something smaller than the current ATS.

 

smk4565 ~>>I think Cadillac is afraid to build an Omega crossover…<<

It might be called 'product planning' rather than "fear".

 

smk4565 ~>>...because it would be better than the Escalade, and then what?<<

Who says, where & why? And then; nothing.

 

smk4565 ~>>If they call it XT9, you can't have Escalade sitting in the middle of an XT naming system, and if they make it better than Escalade and cheaper than Escalade, you don't need an Escalade anymore.  So it becomes a bit of a catch 22.<<

It's a "catch 22" like the GLS is better & cheaper than the horrible g-wagon, or maybe it's not a catch 22 in even the remotest sense.

 

 

smk4565 ~>>I think there is a think at GM that the Escalade is the top SUV, therefore every other Cadillac SUV gets dumbed down on a Chevy chassis.<<

There are no "Chevy" chassis's, especially in the truck segment; haven't been for decades.

 

smk4565 ~>>Just like how for the past 30-40 years the Corvette had to have the horsepower and performance of any GM car.<<

Except the handful of times when it didn't.

 

smk4565 ~>>When Cadillac should have a sports car above Corvette.  But Cadillac won't get a sports car better than the Corvette, because GM top brass won't want the Corvette to look bad.<<

That's just about impossible, with the Corvette making ferraris and numerous other so-called 'supercars' look bad as it is.

This^^ because conjecture and "if, if, ifs" don't fly unless you are just trolling as usual.

[smk4565]

G-wagen is mostly hand built, thus it costs more.  The G-wagen also offers V12 power,   and 2/3 of them are AMG trim, so that drives the price up.    The GLS is an all around better vehicle than the G-wagen, in fact the GLE is probably a better vehicle and is the same size and half the price.  The G-wagen sells because it has a cult following

[balthazar]

g-wagon does NOT 'sell'; 200 units a month is a drop in Mercedee's bucket. 

It's "hand built" because it's ancient construction method won't work with modern assembly robots. Also probably cheaper to hand-assemble it rather than dedicate an assembly line to a few hundred cars/month. 

 

But the fact remains; the GLS is 50 years newer, far better and cheaper,

and then what?

[smk4565]

Mercedes doesn't even build the G-wagen in their factory.  Magna Steyr builds it in Austria.  And they sell about 14,000 a year globally.  Not terrible for that price point.

[regfootball]

 

good move.  I doubt it will become that much more sophisticated......this is just PR talk.  

 

The Escalade is iconic, you don't mess with icons.  (Although GMC did that with the Acadia).

 

Cadillac can say this now when gas is cheap, at least its easier to.

 

People like that the Escalade is a true truck.  Keep the fans happy.  I would not be surprised to see aluminum body panels and possibly a re-worked rear that would create more cabin space.

 

An Omega based Cadillac crossover would be cool.  Right now though, Cadillac will try to sell as many Escalades as they can, I think, while the cash faucet is still running and there are not many other crossovers in the cadillac showroom that can steal from it.

Sorry but the Acadia is not an icon like the Escalade. It would be a huge stretch to call it that.

 

you're not a suburban milf housewife.

[surreal1272]

 

 

good move.  I doubt it will become that much more sophisticated......this is just PR talk.  

 

The Escalade is iconic, you don't mess with icons.  (Although GMC did that with the Acadia).

 

Cadillac can say this now when gas is cheap, at least its easier to.

 

People like that the Escalade is a true truck.  Keep the fans happy.  I would not be surprised to see aluminum body panels and possibly a re-worked rear that would create more cabin space.

 

An Omega based Cadillac crossover would be cool.  Right now though, Cadillac will try to sell as many Escalades as they can, I think, while the cash faucet is still running and there are not many other crossovers in the cadillac showroom that can steal from it.

Sorry but the Acadia is not an icon like the Escalade. It would be a huge stretch to call it that.

 

you're not a suburban milf housewife.

 

You don't know that.

[balthazar]

Mercedes doesn't even build the G-wagen in their factory....

...because it's ancient construction method won't work with modern assembly robots.

 

We still have a far better, FAR newer GLS at a cheaper price- why not build the GLS at a higher price point and eliminate the embarrassment & anachronism the G is in the catalog?

Because "and then what?"

 

- - - - - -

U see the point, right?? The Escalade can co-exist even with an Omega-based SUV, at a higher price point, and remain unique, just as the G & GLS co-exist. Different appeals to different buyers. That's 'what'.

[Robert Hall]

 

Mercedes doesn't even build the G-wagen in their factory....

...because it's ancient construction method won't work with modern assembly robots.

 

We still have a far better, FAR newer GLS at a cheaper price- why not build the GLS at a higher price point and eliminate the embarrassment & anachronism the G is in the catalog?

Because "and then what?"

 

 

The thing is,  I don't think anyone really views the G class as an 'embarrassment'...their buyers certainly don't.   The G-class is going to get some internal competition soon, though, if the rumoured Maybach version of the GLS comes out...

 

 Look at Land Rover..they've kept the positively ancient Defender in production forever while having the modern Range Rovers around also.  Though the Defender has always been considerably cheaper than the Range Rovers and without the luxury image.   They have finally stopped production on the Defender, and supposedly have a new one under development, but I can't imagine it will do well compared to the classic version ..

Edited February 14, 2016 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[balthazar]

Automotively, the G is an embarrassment. Other than the Wrangler, no other vehicle in production today is as incredibly dated.

 

No doubt financially, it's like 50% pure profit, so the accountants love it.

 

I guess the buyers must like it pretty well too, to drop that much coin on a 1978 mercedes built with 1965 technology.

[regfootball]

 

 

 

good move.  I doubt it will become that much more sophisticated......this is just PR talk.  

 

The Escalade is iconic, you don't mess with icons.  (Although GMC did that with the Acadia).

 

Cadillac can say this now when gas is cheap, at least its easier to.

 

People like that the Escalade is a true truck.  Keep the fans happy.  I would not be surprised to see aluminum body panels and possibly a re-worked rear that would create more cabin space.

 

An Omega based Cadillac crossover would be cool.  Right now though, Cadillac will try to sell as many Escalades as they can, I think, while the cash faucet is still running and there are not many other crossovers in the cadillac showroom that can steal from it.

Sorry but the Acadia is not an icon like the Escalade. It would be a huge stretch to call it that.

 

you're not a suburban milf housewife.

 

You don't know that.

 

^^^^^^^^^ props

[oldshurst442]

Props indeed....

 

I would just like to point out that Suburban MILFs, Real Housewives of whatever county if you will, still prefer an Escalade over the Acadia...

[Suaviloquent]

(Profusely laughing at 1. Impressive busting of logic by Balthazar. 2. Surreal with the excellent comeback).

 

The G-Wagon is like the Hummer H2, except a German leather lined version of it. It sells because of brand image and image alone - while the Escalade sells not only on image, but emprically the recent one trounced every contender in this size class handily.

 

Yes, a BOF, leather, wood lined GMT2XXX beat the crap out of the light-years better than G Wagon GLS.

 

Alas Cadillac, we all know fer sure that there is a market for a factory built, hot-rod Escalade. 

 

Also....what does anyone think of the name "V-Twin"? What if that was used for a TT Cadillac Engine?

 

Discuss? Reply? OKAY NO!?

[hyperv6]

Automotively, the G is an embarrassment. Other than the Wrangler, no other vehicle in production today is as incredibly dated.

 

No doubt financially, it's like 50% pure profit, so the accountants love it.

 

I guess the buyers must like it pretty well too, to drop that much coin on a 1978 Mercedes built with 1965 technology.

But it is different than most anything on the road and that is what sells the Wrangler and so my PT Cruisers etc.

This is one area most automakers miss as it can be a risk but to be different often can garner many sales.

GM learned that with Hummer but has yet failed to repeat it with say GMC.

There is money in odd different and something strange at times. It works some times and it fails some times like the Pacer and Aztek but if you can or are willing to add that odd or retro industrial design often it will pay off.

Hell we even see it yet in the Mini as sales have been good for them globally.

It is not a right or wrong deal as much as some folks want to stand out in the crowd just as someone who pierces and tattoos their face and colors their hair orange. Not something i feel I need to do but other have a thing for it. If I can make money at it I would dye their air and punch holes in them for a large sums.

Just my way of saying even if the Wrangler is not my taste more power to them.

Not everyone wants to have to hit the locate button to see which SUV is theirs in the parking lot.

This is not something I would want Cadillac to do but I feel GMC could take on a more industrial like Hummer look and not take too much risk. They have a start but I would like to see them do a Wrangler like vehicle that Chevy will not have.

Edited February 17, 2016 by hyperv6

[G. David Felt]

I agree with Hyper that Cadillac does not need to push the limits with the Escalade, but GMC DOES need to build the Hummer HX and offer Hummer packages for their product line.

 

[hyperv6]

I would not want a Hummer but a new modern GMC version that is a good cross of GMC styling but a Hummer like quality. In other words knock off things like the flat windshield.

[G. David Felt]

I would not want a Hummer but a new modern GMC version that is a good cross of GMC styling but a Hummer like quality. In other words knock off things like the flat windshield.

I understand that and your right if you built this as is, the tree huggers would attack GM. But this concept is a great starting point, then put on a Modern 21st Century GMC design language.

 

Hummer Underpinnings with the crawl ratio and the rest of the off road toughness and then give it the current EAT MY MUD GMC Design.

[hyperv6]

Well the Hummer underpinnings were Chevy trucks accept for the H1.

I would just give the GMC a more edge for off road and make it a little more tough edged like Hummer was.

Bob Lutz said one of his greatest regrets was not to make Hummer a GMC model vs. the division it became. He said it would have been much more flexible and may have saved the line compared to shutting down a whole division.

The H2 really was based on a Tahoe and the H3 was based on the Trailblazer.

I would like to see GMC do a better Wrangler like Chevy did a better PT Cruiser with the HHR.

I also would love to see them do a larger model and even a possible rock crawling buggy that could be street driven daily. Put a small Eco in it and make it interesting like some of these new cars that are out side the box like the Cross Bow or other niche models.

Just look at the guys still fixing up cut down Sidekicks and Trackers yet today.

[regfootball]

Props indeed....

 

I would just like to point out that Suburban MILFs, Real Housewives of whatever county if you will, still prefer an Escalade over the Acadia...

maybe in luxury circles but around these parts the ladies get worked up over Acadias.  No one really wants the size and bulk and truckiness of the suburban.  

 

Still remember my wife telling me about when her boss got her new Acadia and couldn't stop gushing.  She took the crew out to lunch and everyone was oohing and awing over all the room, even in the back.  

 

Of course now, they won't even fit in it.

 

And absolutely not the only time i have talked to an Acadia owner and they haven't loved the snot out of it.  A comment is always, it has such good room.

 

Vans, lambdas, explorers, are the family haulers you see most around here.  The company i work for now has like 8 traverses for the construction staff to make field visits.  They used to have pickups and suburbans.

[oldshurst442]

 

Props indeed....

 

I would just like to point out that Suburban MILFs, Real Housewives of whatever county if you will, still prefer an Escalade over the Acadia...

maybe in luxury circles but around these parts the ladies get worked up over Acadias.  No one really wants the size and bulk and truckiness of the suburban.  

 

Still remember my wife telling me about when her boss got her new Acadia and couldn't stop gushing.  She took the crew out to lunch and everyone was oohing and awing over all the room, even in the back.  

 

Of course now, they won't even fit in it.

 

And absolutely not the only time i have talked to an Acadia owner and they haven't loved the snot out of it.  A comment is always, it has such good room.

 

Vans, lambdas, explorers, are the family haulers you see most around here.  The company i work for now has like 8 traverses for the construction staff to make field visits.  They used to have pickups and suburbans.

 

I cant argue with you there.

 

1. My partner's wife has an Acadia...and she LOVES it to death...

2. Not that I want to argue with you....because you made some solid points, but Im also tired from arguing in the Camaro 1LE thread...

[regfootball]

Edited February 18, 2016 by regfootball