Earlier this week, Cadillac Society spied a Cadillac Escalade-V undergoing acceleration at wide-open throttle, allowing us the unique opportunity to hear its lovely, aggressive exhaust note. However, that particular model did not have a complete exhaust setup, lacking the finishing touches that will be seen on the production model. Now, though, we caught another model out on public roads dressed with a production-intent exhaust configuration.
The production-intent setup features two black trapezoidal exhaust tips, one on each side of the vehicle’s rear end.
The dark finish of the tips lends to a sportier, more sinister appearance to the full-size performance SUV. In fact, these exhaust tips have the same trapezoidal shape as on the Cadillac V-Series performance sedans. However, only the ultra-high-performance V-Series Blackwing models, the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, feature a dark finish identical to what we see on this Escalade-V prototype. The dark finish of the tips differentiate the Blackwing models from “regular” CT4-V and CT5-V, which have bright chrome exhaust tips, albeit in the same shape.
Though it doesn’t carry the Blackwing moniker, the Cadillac Escalade-V will be the ultra-high-performance variant of the Escalade range. Hence, Cadillac’s decision to add a dark finish to the SUV’s exhaust tips makes perfect sense.
Though not yet confirmed by Cadillac, the Escalade-V will harness the same supercharged 6.2L V8 engine (production code LT4) as the CT5-V Blackwing and third-generation CTS-V. The V8 powerhouse makes 669 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque under the hood of the CT5-V Blackwing, but at this time, it’s not clear what it will produce in the Escalade-V. However, sources have told us to expect at least 640 horses out of the robust driveline.
Escalade-V prototypes have been spied testing on public roads several times over the past few months, meaning its development is well underway. In fact, sources tell us that a reveal is imminent before a launch in the second half of 2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle.
To hear the Cadillac Escalade-V growl under wide-open-throttle, check out our video below.
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.
A classy chrome trim piece has been replaced by a more modern and athletic glossy…
Driven by the gasoline-powered Escalade.
The question now is which XT5 we'll get - the first-generation, or the new second-gen.
Broadening the luxury EV crossover's bandwidth for the 2026 model year.
The melding of two American icons.
The marque's first all-electric high-performance V-Series model has landed.
