Photo: GM
Cadillac's flagship SUV, along with other full-size models from General Motors such as the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, will get a minor update for the "2015.5" model year. The most important upgrade of them all is the addition of the 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission, which promises very quick full-throttle upshifts and better fuel economy.
Mated to the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, engineers are adamant that the new auto box will be able to swap cogs "up to eight-hundredths of a second quicker than those of the dual-clutch transmission offered in the Porsche 911." That's a big difference compared to the sluggish Hydra-Matic 6L45 unit that's got two fewer gears.
In the big Caddy's case, we expect the two-wheel drive version of the Escalade to improve its EPA estimate of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway a couple of miles. The 6.2-liter V8 engine propelling the luxury SUV churns out 420 hp and boasts with variable valve timing, direct injection and active fuel management.
As if that wasn't enough, documents obtained by GMI hint that a 360-degree camera system will also be offered as an option that works in conjunction to the existing rearview backup camera. Specifically, both side mirrors will be fitted with tiny cameras, while a third one will be mounted within the vehicle's front grille.
All four cameras will show a full 360-degree view around the car for added assistance while parking. Take that, BMW and Range Rover! In addition to the previously mentioned, the Cadillac Escalade Platinum may get a panoramic glass sunroof, while all models are due for an updated version of the CUE infotainment system.
At the moment there's no info on when these bits and bobs will be applied to the full-size SUVs from GM, but we expect that the "2015.5" Caddy Escalade, Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon to go on sale sometime this fall.
In the big Caddy's case, we expect the two-wheel drive version of the Escalade to improve its EPA estimate of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway a couple of miles. The 6.2-liter V8 engine propelling the luxury SUV churns out 420 hp and boasts with variable valve timing, direct injection and active fuel management.
As if that wasn't enough, documents obtained by GMI hint that a 360-degree camera system will also be offered as an option that works in conjunction to the existing rearview backup camera. Specifically, both side mirrors will be fitted with tiny cameras, while a third one will be mounted within the vehicle's front grille.
All four cameras will show a full 360-degree view around the car for added assistance while parking. Take that, BMW and Range Rover! In addition to the previously mentioned, the Cadillac Escalade Platinum may get a panoramic glass sunroof, while all models are due for an updated version of the CUE infotainment system.
At the moment there's no info on when these bits and bobs will be applied to the full-size SUVs from GM, but we expect that the "2015.5" Caddy Escalade, Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon to go on sale sometime this fall.
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