autoevolution
 

Hypothetical Cadillac Vistiq-V Swaps the EV to ICE Power; Three-Row SUV Packs 682 HP

Cadillac Vistiq-V rendering by c_zr1 7 photos
Photo: c_zr1 / Instagram
Cadillac Vistiq-V rendering by c_zr12026 Cadillac Vistiq official introduction2026 Cadillac Vistiq official introduction2026 Cadillac Vistiq official introduction2026 Cadillac Vistiq official introduction2026 Cadillac Vistiq official introduction
After the Lyriq, Celestiq, Escalade IQ, and Optiq, Cadillac also wants to come out with the 2026 Vistiq, a fresh three-row zero-emissions SUV that looks like it could sell like hotcakes – if only the Ultium platform got its problems together and sorted them out.
Looks like Cadillac will have a pretty busy 2024. They will start sales of the Celestiq flagship as a statement of their commitment to the novel zero-emissions lifestyle. They will have to iron out the quirks and trouble caused by the use of GM's BEV3 platform, which isn't doing any better than the company's Ultium drive units and Ultify software, by the way.

But they also want first to start deliveries of the mighty Escalade IQ mainly based on the same Ultium underpinnings and BT1 components as the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, and Cruise Origin. Hopefully, more of the issues encountered so far will be resolved by the time it comes to market.

Meanwhile, the newly announced Optiq and Vistiq are major wildcards. The former is an upcoming compact luxury electric crossover SUV that will be produced exclusively in China by the SAIC-GM joint venture – and who knows if too many people will accept something entirely 'Made in China' on their driveway. Meanwhile, the latter sounds like the EV jack of all trades, but it could also be the master of none.

The Vistiq was the final EV announced last year by Cadillac as a mid-size three-row SUV slotted between the Lyriq and Escalade IQ – it's obviously a family-oriented affair that's good for everything. But that will only be possible if GM uses the correct mix of components and has the proper pricing.

Well, not everyone is sure of its success as an EV. For example, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators would love to swap it for ICE power! This virtual artist, better known as c_zr1 on social media, gives us major CGI food for thought in the form of the upcoming EV that ditches electrons for dead dinosaurs. Even better, the pixel master also makes the ICE-powered Vistiq a high-performance affair.

More precisely, the CGI expert performed a string of subtle digital retcons to make the upcoming Cadillac Vistiq a member of the V-Series family! Not just any sibling, though, as the entirely hypothetical Vistiq-V borrows the 6.2-liter V8 supercharged Blackwing engine from the Escalade-V, complete with 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft (885 Nm) of torque sent to all wheels through a ten-speed automatic transmission.

Unfortunately, the author didn't bother to show us more POVs other than a rear three-quarter pose where the unofficial Vistiq-V has quad exhaust outlets, a dual-color (black top and blue body) treatment, a lowered stance, V badges and exterior details, a more prominent spoiler, and massive black wheels. So, do you like it better than the upcoming Vistiq EV or not?


If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram
About the author: Aurel Niculescu
Aurel Niculescu profile photo

Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories