<!-- .page-title -->Cadillac Still Going to Get Lambda-based Crossover


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We've heard before that Cadillac would be getting a large, 7-passenger crossover based on GM's Lambda platform architecture (already used for the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia), but that was back before GM went into bankruptcy and emerged as a leaner, cleaner company with government backing.
Today, Karl Stracke, the automaker's vice president of global engineering, told Inside Line that a Lambda-based Cadillac crossover is absolutely a go.
We don't have any information on timing, yet, and we're taking a liberty here and speculating that the eventual large crossover will have a face like the Cadillac XTS concept unveiled this year in Detroit.
A version of the company's direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 is the obvious source of motivation for the Caddy crossover, but perhaps GM will experiment with turbocharging to find a little more power for it.

 

This seems to be the same old GM at it again, since they'd have a version of this large crossover for ALL of their North American brands.

I'm not saying they should never do it, just stating. I believe all the Lambdas are selling well so there's not a good business reason for GM to kill one or two of them off other than the Outlook which dies with Saturn.

 

Agreed. First thing that came to mind when I started reading.

 

Why?....they already have the Escalade, and SRX.....do they really need another SUV?

 

All of their target competition has at least 3 SUV's (except Audi, but I think they are getting a Q3 soon). I think this would be the only truly functional three row luxury SUV. (Most three row SUV's rear is pretty much inaccessible and too cramped. The lambda's interior is almost as big as a minivan's and can have a captain's chair second row with an adult capable passthrough.)

 

^^ Welcome to the new world of CAFE....the SUV is dead.

 

Yep. These large CUVs will replace the GMT900 body on frame designs for all of GM's brands.

 

I think light trucks only have to average 30 mpg by 2016. They need the lambda so they can kill the Escalade.

 

I wonder if they can get away with calling it an Escalade since the name is so synonymous with Caddy. Offer an FI V8 to make a V model?

 

i thought this was old news? i think they mentioned awhile back the next gen escalade will be unibody, basically lambda platform.

 

It is. I justed posted this because the rumors on it are popping up again.

 

I doubt this will replace the GMT900s. The Traverse and Acadia are bringing in lots of new customers while keeping a good market for the Tahoe and Yukon.

So even in the same showroom they each sell well. Some people still want a "truck" or a tow vehicle.

 

It's already been confirmed that the Escalade will be body-on-frame.

As far as the Lambda Caddy.....old GM rears its fugly head. Hopefully Whitacre kills it with fire, it's an awful idea.

 

There's a new Escahoekon coming from GM? Updated GMT900 or new body on frame design?

 

Are they continuing the horrible tradition started by the second generation Escalade of big wheels, solid axle, and AWD?

 

Apparently Ed Whitacre didn't get the memo that badge engineering was supposed to fade along with Rick Waggoners unceremonious punt from Gov't Motors.

Is there really a need for the 5th bloated LAMBDA crossover product?

 

I think GM's little problem for Cadillac is that they need some filler in the SUV line. They have the smallish SRX which fits the needs of some compact and midsize shoppers and then the freakin' enormous Escalade that starts well into the 60's.

Now the Lambdas aren't much smaller than the GMT900s at all, but in the public's eye they kind of are.

I still have to wonder how they will market this in the midst of the Enclave (luxury) and Acadia Denali (luxury). That's a lot of luxury.

 

As I've mentioned in other posts, I do research clinics for Cadillac and I've seen this beast up close and personal. Now while I've sworn away my first born should I mention details regarding this vehicle, I CAN say that it is almost certainly a "go" and that they're experimenting with interior layouts. Believe it or not, think minivan.

I think I can also say that the exterior is typical Cadillac and that it will be the most attractive and aggressive of the Lambdas (that image is pretty close). I actually don't see a problem with its success because GMT900 supported 8 vehicles (Tahoe, 'Burban, Avalanche, Yukon, Yukon XT, Slade, Slade XL, Slade XT).

And as previously mentioned, there's a big product gap now between the smaller SRX (which was going to be the BRX until they decided to downside the SRX) and the Escalade. The Slade is the only 3-row SUV in the lineup. Think of the SRX battling the Lexus RX, Audi Q5, MB GLK, Infiniti FX, while the new Lambda Caddy with 3-rows will battle Lexus GX, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, MB ML/GL. There's definitely a market for this vehicle.

 

Cool.... it's always interesting to hear from someone in the industry, no matter what they're involved in - marketing, R&D, whatever. Except sales.... we haven't had much luck with those guys

 

I should probably clarify "I do research clinics for Cadillac". I'm a participant for a research firm and one of their clients is Cadillac. Of the recent models, I've spent a good amount of time in the new SRX, ATS, this Lambda (I pretty much know the name but I don't think they've announced it yet), and more-than-likely the next Escalade (which is still full-size).

I've evaluated other makes and models as well, but Cadillac is very aggressive right now with customer feedback.

I have done some consultant work for Ford and Mercury in the past, and have tried getting in Mazda's corporate door on numerous occasions (they're still in Irvine, CA) but I guess I can't say I'm currently "in the industry"

 

Success?

You must have missed that memo too, because Generous Motors drove off the badge engineering abyss...

I have a brilliant idea: take the outgoing Saturn Outlook, slap on some more chrome and LED's. Voila~

Ed Whitacre can send me a promissory note for my NEW GM shares!

 

Wait so just to confirm there is a replacement for the GMT900? Or are they just moving to a highly revised (i.e. Mustang) and updated platform? Still gonna be next-gen body on frame SUVs from the General?

 

:blindfold I cannot confirm nor deny anything :blindfold

I cannot comment directly on what I've seen, so what I'll say is that I would be surprised if the Escalade didn't stick around, in limited numbers, as a full-size SUV. However, I can say that whatever happens with the Tahoe/Suburban will happen to the Escalade.