Report: Details on GM’s next-gen full-size SUVs, new Escalade due next year

GM has been tossing around the idea of dropping its ever-popular Escalade model for quite some time, and the execs have finally reached a decision in favor of the model. While it does not suit the direction in which the brand is looking to move towards, the financial gains of keeping the model ended up outweighing all other factors.

In order to keep the Escalade, Cadillac has chosen to make some changes to its lineup. The Escalade will be remodeled for 2013, and Cadillac is building a new large crossover model to sit between it and the SRX. The Escalade will no longer have an EXT variant, and it is likely that the ESV is the only variant that will continue.

Power for the next generation Escalade will come from an updated version of the current Gev V motor, a small block V8 that is expected to have a smaller displacement, at 6.0-liters or less for fuel economy purposes. The new V8 will be make about 403-hp and be mated to a six-speed 6L80-E transmission, leaving the new eight-speed transmission for future generations.

While the next Yukon Denali will be sharing powertrain components with the Escalade, the SUV will remain unique both inside and out, also keeping its current size.

– By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Car and Driver