The engine auto stop-start feature is being removed from some 2021 Cadillac Escalade models currently in production.
The feature will not be included on certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade SUVs that would have otherwise been assembled with the technology in place. Cadillac Society has learned that this change would take effect on all Escalades produced after June 7th, 2021. Affected Escalades are powered by the naturally-aspirated 6.2L V-8 engine (production code L87), which is rated at a maximum 420 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque.
Cadillac Escalades with the optional 3.0L I-6 turbo diesel engine (production code LM2) remain unaffected as of this writing and will continue to be produced with the stop-start feature intact. The turbo-diesel six is rated at 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines mate to Cadillac’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
The reason for the deletion of the engine auto stop-start feature on the 6.2L gasoline engine is the ongoing microchip shortage, which has been affecting automakers worldwide.
Engine auto stop-start technology shuts down the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, such as at a stoplight or in heavy traffic. The vehicle’s engine springs back to life as soon as the driver’s foot begins to lift off the brake pedal. The purpose of the tech is to help reduce tailpipe emissions and increase fuel economy.
Units of the 2021 Escalade not equipped with engine auto stop-start will see a slight decrease in fuel efficiency as a result of the removal compared to units of the 2021 Escalade equipped with the feature, as shown in the table below.
| Drivetrain | Engine | Transmission | Auto Stop/Start | City mpg | Highway mpg | Combined mpg | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD | 6.2L V8 L87 | 10-speed auto | Yes | 15 | 20 | 17 | Start of 2021 MY |
| 2WD | 6.2L V8 L87 | 10-speed auto | No | 14 | 20 | 16 | June 7, 2021 |
| 4WD | 6.2L V8 L87 | 10-speed auto | Yes | 14 | 19 | 16 | Start of 2021 MY |
| 4WD | 6.2L V8 L87 | 10-speed auto | No | 13 | 19 | 16 | June 7, 2021 |
| 2WD | Turbodiesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | 10-speed auto | Yes | 21 | 27 | 23 | Start of 2021 MY |
| 4WD | Turbodiesel 3.0L I6 LM2 | 10-speed auto | Yes | 20 | 26 | 22 | Start of 2021 MY |
Cadillac officials tell us that the engine auto stop-start feature was nixed in the wake of the microchip shortage to allow Cadillac to continue to produce the highly popular Escalade SUVs. Due to the deletion of the feature, buyers of Escalades without auto stop-start will receive a $50 credit on the vehicle MSRP.
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