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We Bid the Fourth-Generation Cadillac Escalade a Fond Farewell

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The Sport Edition is available on all but the base trim. Features include a gloss black front grille and exterior trim; 22-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels, and Midnight Silver paint.

 

The Cadillac Escalade has always represented excess with its imposing presence, oversized grille, and massive amounts of bling. It has evolved through four generations and remains the best seller in its class.

The all-new fifth-generation and 2021 Cadillac Escalade will arrive sometime next year. And if the spy shots are any indication, it’ll feature a dramatically restyled front end. We’ve also heard that additional autonomous features and perhaps a rejigged powertrain lineup are in the offing. These changes should help the big Cadillac stay ahead of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Lincoln Navigator in their collective quest for full-size luxury SUV shoppers.

2020 Cadillac Escalade

Now in its sixth and final year, the fourth-generation 2020 Cadillac Escalade might be easy to overlook, especially with a new model soon to follow. But we know some customers simply will not wait, which is why we’ll examine the model at hand. The following are the Escalade’s highlights:

1. Standard and stretch models.

Cadillac offers the Escalade in two configurations: the standard model rides on a 116-inch wheelbase, while the stretched ESV version sits on a 130-inch wheelbase. The ESV adds significantly more third-row legroom and overall cargo space. It is our recommended model for anyone needing to carry more than five passengers and their trappings.

2. One powertrain combination.

The Escalade’s 6.2-liter V8 engine is a familiar one, utilized in various capacities across the GM network, including in the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro, and the GMC Yukon XL Denali. With an output of 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, this burly engine gets it done. Cadillac pairs the V8 with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy, however, is not one of its strong suits as it makes an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway for a combined 17 mpg. Four-wheel drive versions are rated 14/21/17 mpg.

3. Four Cadillac Escalade trims for your consideration.

Cadillac offers the 2020 Escalade in four trims: Escalade, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. You’ll pay from $76,490 for the base model with the Escalade ESV starting at $79,490. Key standard features include magnetic ride control, LED exterior lighting, a hands-free power liftgate, keyless entry with push-button start, a power-controlled tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row bucket seats, and a 12.3-inch cluster display.

4. Ample tech and safety features.

The Escalade comes with an 8-inch touch-screen display, navigation, and a 16-speaker Bose audio system. Moreover, Cadillac includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports, and wireless charging. Automatic parking assist, front and rear parking assist, and a surround-view camera system are included.

5. Trim-level upgrades make a difference.

Although already well equipped, there are numerous upgrades available that improve upon the base model. Depending on the trim, you’ll find a unique grille design, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, ash wood trim, an 18-way power driver’s seat with massage, a front console compartment with cooler, and a microfiber suede headliner. Cadillac adds safety features too, including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and automatic emergency braking.

Cadillac Utility Vehicles

The Escalade sits at the top of a now four-model utility vehicle assembly. Further, it is followed by three crossovers — the XT6, XT5, and the XT4. With two Escalades to choose from, Cadillac shoppers have much to consider when shopping for a high-profile people mover.

2020 Cadillac Escalade Specifications

Cadillac 2020 Escalade
Segment Full-size luxury SUV
Price Range From $76,000
Destination Charge $1,295
Standard Engine 6.2-liter, V8
Horsepower 420 @ 5,600
Torque (lb.-ft.) 460 @ 4,100
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Seating 8
Curb Weight (pounds) 5,578 to 6,088
Wheelbase (inches) 116.0, 130.0
Length (inches) 203.9, 224.3
Width (inches) 80.5
Height (inches) 74.0, 74.4
Headroom (f,r…inches) 42.8, 38.7, 38.1; 42.8, 39.1, 38.5 (ESV)
Legroom (f,r…inches) 45.3, 39.0, 24.8; 45.3, 39.7, 34.5 (ESV)
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 64.9, 64.4, 62.6
Hip room (f,r…inches) 60.9, 60.2, 49.3
Storage (cubic feet) 15.2, 51.6, 94.2; 39.3, 76.7, 120.9 (ESV)
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) NR
Towing (pounds) 7,900 to 8,300
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 26 to 31
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 14/23/17 (2WD); 14/21/17 (4WD)
Manufacturing Plant Arlington, Texas

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — The History of the Cadillac XLR

Photo copyright Cadillac division, GM Company.

Mid-Engine Marvel: C8 Corvette Debuts

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The all-new Corvette on stage in California Thursday night.
Fifty years after NASA launched its first moonshot, GM follows with one of its own. An all-new Chevrolet Corvette was unveiled last night, the first mid-engine version of this super Chevy. An old military aircraft hangar in Tustin, California, served as the venue for the eighth-generation (C8) Corvette’s debut, with NASA astronauts, company workers and officials, and media in attendance.

New Ground for a Standard Bearer

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette not only breaks new ground, but it underscores GM’s investment in cutting-edge technologies, including those that will help the company transition to autonomous vehicles. Not surprisingly, the new Corvette keeps one important tradition alive: it will once again be powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine, a rarity in a segment where boosting with superchargers and turbochargers represents the standard.

The engine, though, is new (dubbed LS2) and designed specifically for the Corvette. With the available Z51 package, it has an output of 495 horsepower and 470 foot-pounds of torque, and works with a Tremec-supplied 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This is the first time in decades a Corvette debuts without a manual transmission. We do not know whether one will be offered in the future.

How fast will the Corvette Stingray go? GM says it has an estimated 0-60 mph time of under 3 seconds, placing it in lofty company. Models such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari F12tdf, and even the current Chevrolet Corvette Z06 all slip just under the 3-second threshold. Remember, this speed number applies to the base model — GM made no mention of the other models which are certain to follow.

Key aspects of this model include large side air intakes for engine cooling and aerodynamic performance. You’ll also note the door, hood and hatch releases are hidden.

C8 Corvette Dissection

GM’s hour-long news conference followed a half-hour primer of all things Corvette. Much information about the C8 Corvette was shared, although a few things were not mentioned. Among the highlights are the following:

1. Price and ordering details. GM threw open the order books for the 2020 Corvette, allowing shoppers to “request a reserve” of the new model. Production begins late this year at the company’s Bowling Green, Kentucky, manufacturing plant, with the first deliveries taking place in early 2020. Although pricing details weren’t delineated, the automaker stunned everyone by mentioning the starting price will begin under $60,000. That price point will play a big role in keeping the Corvette attainable for enthusiasts.

2. Slightly larger and heavier than the outgoing model. GM employs many weight-saving measures with the all-new Corvette, including greater use of aluminum, carbon fiber, composite materials, fiberglass, and steel. However, the C8 gains a half-inch between the wheels and is nearly 5.5 inches longer overall. It is slightly heavier too, weighing 3,366 pounds to the current 3,298 pounds of the C7. The cabin is a bit larger too with an extra inch of seat play possible.

3. Rear-wheel drive only. Rumors that the new Corvette would feature all-wheel drive, at least as an option, apparently was just that…a rumor. Power is routed to the rear wheels in the traditional Corvette way. But the debut involved the Corvette Stingray only with no mention of other models certain to follow. A twin-turbo V8 has long been touted as a possible option, likely to power a future ZR1 model. We also know that some type of electrified variant is in the works. If a hybrid Corvette does appear, there’s always a possibility some power could be routed to the front wheels, making it an all-wheel-drive model. One more point: for the first time the Corvette will be manufactured with available right-hand drive, expanding the Corvette’s range to such countries as Japan and the United Kingdom.

Take note of the placement of the quad-tip exhaust pipes.

4. A state-of-the-art suspension system. A sports car is nothing without cutting-edge steering and handling. The 2020 Corvette will showcase several improvements, including coil-over dampers, an upgraded electric steering system, and electric-powered brakes. An important feature is an automatic suspension lift for the front end — this system raises the car’s front end by two inches, helping the Corvette avoid pavement scraping. Importantly, the system can be programmed to store as many as 1,000 locations tracked by GPS. This means if you’re accessing a steep driveway known for scraping the front end, the car will automatically lift as you make your approach thanks to your pre-set.

5. An all-new interior. We’ve seen Corvette interiors improve over the years. Early on, Corvette cabins were relatively disappointing, not rising to the level of a premium sports car. For 2020, Chevrolet promises to deliver improvements, including real metal inlays, cut-and-sewn leather, steel speaker grilles, and available carbon-fiber trim. Customers will have a choice of six interior color themes (along with a dozen exterior colors). A long row of buttons on the center console will control most interior functions. Three types of seat choices, digital displays, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system are among this model’s features.

6. Stellar storage space at the ready. With the engine sitting in the middle, much interior space is now free. Indeed, the cockpit is placed 16.5 inches forward over the C7 Corvette. In front and again the back, there is a pair of trunks, offering a total of 12.6 cubic feet of storage space. GM says the C8 Corvette can hold two sets of golf clubs or several pieces of luggage.

Multiple color choices, two stitching options, and three available seat designs
accompany the all-new Corvette Stingray.

The Future is Here

Zora Arkus-Duntov, known as the “father of the Corvette,” long had a mid-engine Corvette in mind. Indeed, several prototypes were built, but Arkus-Duntov never saw a production version. He died in 1996.

We’ve now gotten our first glimpse of the new Corvette, one that takes this iconic sports car in a fresh direction, even as demand for such models falls. The C8 Corvette represents GM’s moonshot, what the automaker hopes mirror the “right stuff” that propelled NASA to lunar greatness.

See Also — So Long, Farewell to the C7 Corvette

Photos copyright GM Corp. Special thanks to Automotive News, which supplied inspiration for many of the details outlined herein.