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The Upcoming Cadillac Escalade-V Will Sound Mean

According to sources close to the development of the upcoming Cadillac Escalade-V,  the high-performance luxury SUV will have a particularly intimidating exhaust sound. 

“Very bold and throaty” are the words that describe the upcoming SUV’s exhaust note, Cadillac Society has been told. That’s not particularly difficult to imagine, since the Cadillac Escalade-V will have the supercharged 6.2 V8 engine (production code LT4) under its hood. It will make over 640 horses, which are sure to make a lot of noise as they pound the pavement.  Cadillac’s ten-speed automatic transmission will handle shifting duty.

Considering the Cadillac Escalade-V will have the same engine as the upcoming Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, we can assume that the two vehicles will sound similar under full power. However, the Escalade will have a unique exhaust treatment, resulting in a different note.

Moreover, the Escalade-V will feature a dual-mode (active valve) exhaust system, enabling drivers to tone down the throaty roar with the touch of a button. That’s thanks to electronically-controlled valves that can be opened or closed, allowing drivers to make as much – or as little – noise as they feel appropriate for any given driving scenario. 

The upcoming Cadillac Escalade-V will be available in two body styles: the regular-length model or the extended-length ESV (Escalade Stretch Vehicle), which adds an extra 15 inches in length. Cadillac Society spies recently snapped photos of a camouflaged Escalade-V ESV prototype undergoing testing on public roads, as well as high-altitude testing. 

Beyond the powertrain, the high-performance luxury SUV will feature plenty of other high-performance upgrades, including a model-specific suspension system with recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control. There will also be upgraded brakes and a unique set of multi-spoke wheels with a black finish, along with a modified front fascia and a trapezoidal, quad-tipped exhaust with a black finish.

The Escalade-V is expected to launch in the second half of the 2022 calendar year as a 2023 model year vehicle.  Want to stay up to date on the Escalade-V? Then subscribe to Cadillac Society for the latest Cadillac Escalade news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage. We also invite you to join the latest discussions in our Cadillac forums.

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V Photos

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Alexandra Purcell

Alexandra is a Colorado-based journalist with a passion for all things involving horsepower, be it automotive or equestrian.

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