Next gen Escalade may be GMC Acadia based
09-08-08, 06:42 PM
#1
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Next gen Escalade may be GMC Acadia based
Why not? Cadillac's breakout hit began life as a gussied-up Chevy Tahoe. How big a hit? Word is that Cadillac paid off tooling for the current Escalade just three months after it went on sale. And that's why the division can consider a new SUV -- okay, a crossover SUV -- just as it's putting the big DT7 DTS/STS sedan convergence on ice for a year.
The fact that the Lambda platform already is over-subscribed, with the Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave is why a Cadillac version makes economic sense. And since GM had considered, but cancelled, a V-8-powered Enclave Super, we know a Lambda Escalade will easily package a V-8, in this case a small block, since the Northstar replacement that was supposed to power the Enclave Super also has been cancelled.
If the Lambda Escalade gets the green light, look for much different sheetmetal than any of the current models. It would have to be CTS-edgy, making the Cadillac as distinctive as the Lincoln MKT is from the Ford Flex. And with all this canceling going on, you'd think that the Escalade EXT would be doomed. You'd be wrong: GM also is rumored to be considering a unibody pickup as hinted by the GMC Denali XT concept, to replace the EXT and Chevy Avalanche.
The fact that the Lambda platform already is over-subscribed, with the Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave is why a Cadillac version makes economic sense. And since GM had considered, but cancelled, a V-8-powered Enclave Super, we know a Lambda Escalade will easily package a V-8, in this case a small block, since the Northstar replacement that was supposed to power the Enclave Super also has been cancelled.
If the Lambda Escalade gets the green light, look for much different sheetmetal than any of the current models. It would have to be CTS-edgy, making the Cadillac as distinctive as the Lincoln MKT is from the Ford Flex. And with all this canceling going on, you'd think that the Escalade EXT would be doomed. You'd be wrong: GM also is rumored to be considering a unibody pickup as hinted by the GMC Denali XT concept, to replace the EXT and Chevy Avalanche.
09-08-08, 10:46 PM
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Motor trend or someone broke the rumor that likely the next gen tahoe, yukon will become body on frame designs to help cut fuel consumption.
09-08-08, 11:38 PM
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Escalades are all about BIG
big wheels, big trunk, big bling, big ego, big d*ck that the drivers wish they have
dont downsize it, or ull mess up the gangsta image that it took a long time to create
09-08-08, 11:47 PM
#7
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To you or me, yes, but with the new CAFE rules coming up, I'm afraid it's going to be smaller and lighter for a lot of larger SUV's. My guess is that the next SRX will be on the current GM Equinox/Torrent/Vitara platform, or possibly a spinoff of the new upcoming Chevy Traverse.
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09-09-08, 05:54 AM
#8
The Arcadia platform will be an excellent choice for the New Escalade. I love the look! The Arcadia is by no means small and can fit anyone over 6 ft front & rear with ease. I had the pleseure of driving one along with the current Escalade, Yukon.. The Arcadia is a better drive imo.. Seems like the fuel efficient Vette LS small block motors will be the v8 of choice for GM 
09-09-08, 06:06 AM
#9
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The Arcadia platform will be an excellent choice for the New Escalade. I love the look! The Arcadia is by no means small and can fit anyone over 6 ft front & rear with ease. I had the pleseure of driving one along with the current Escalade, Yukon.. The Arcadia is a better drive imo..
09-09-08, 09:24 AM
#10
Speaks French in Russian
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Well for those that don't know, the Acadia and related vehicles are basically the same size as the Tahoe which the Escalade is based on. Not much of a downsize if at all but it is lower to the ground.
It makes perfect sense. Im all for it.
It makes perfect sense. Im all for it.
09-09-08, 09:45 AM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Not really. The Acadia/Enclave/Outlook platform is not only smaller than the Tahoe platform, but of lighter-grade construction as well. The Tahoe, like the larger Suburban, is essentially a redone Silverado pickup truck, with a full ladder-truck frame. The Acadia is car-based, has a lighter unibody frame, and, not surprisingly, drives more car-like.
09-09-08, 02:53 PM
#12
Speaks French in Russian
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Not really. The Acadia/Enclave/Outlook platform is not only smaller than the Tahoe platform, but of lighter-grade construction as well. The Tahoe, like the larger Suburban, is essentially a redone Silverado pickup truck, with a full ladder-truck frame. The Acadia is car-based, has a lighter unibody frame, and, not surprisingly, drives more car-like.
^^^ Yes. I am completely aware that the Escalade is built on a truck platform while the Acadia is car based. So naturally the current Escalade will appear to be much taller, wider and bigger. However as I stated the dimensions of the two vehicles are actually very similar. The Escalade being only inches bigger on the outside, but much smaller on the inside. Which is why I feel like it is a good move. The size of the vehicle is still there, yet it weighs hundreds of pounds less.
Code:
Acadia Escalade Length 200.70 202.0 Width 78.2 79.0 Height 72.8 74.3 Wheelbase 118.9 116.0
As you can see the Escalade is only inches bigger, but the Acadia has a slightly longer wheelbase.
GM is the KING of rebadges. Throw on a huge grill, give it some big wheels, ugly chrome trim and you'd barely know the difference.
As far as it being a lighter grade structure, how many owners are taking advantage of that latter frame set up?? Less than 10% I believe was the statistic when the Escalade was remodeled. You can option one with low profile tires!!
Last edited by GFerg; 09-09-08 at 02:57 PM.
09-09-08, 08:26 PM
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