The 2023 Cadillac Escalade V is a thug amongst saints and a brutish example of serious American horsepower.
It is insane when you think about how powerful this “SUV” is. Andre had a remarkable opportunity to drive this beast deep in the middle of the desert (AKA Phoenix Arizona – in summer). That addition, the staggering heat of Phoenix, AZ in summer, it may have affected the way the Cadillac Escalade V performed. To find out, you’ll have to check out the video below.
The whole setup for this truck meant a different approach to beefing up the power.
Rather than simply shove a blower on top of the current GM 6.2-liter V8, the CT5-V Blackwing donated a lot of material to this powertrain. As such, this powertrain is entirely unique to the Escalade V – for now. Induction comes by way of a massive Eaton twin-scroll, intercooled 2.65-liter supercharger. This setup, along with significantly upgraded engine hardware, (10-speed) transmission, and even a beefed-up transfer case – all harness this power.
This all boils down to 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. Currently, that makes the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V the absolute most powerful SUV in its class. Still, that kind of power and luxury does not come cheap. Right now, the base price for a 2023 Cadillac Escalade V runs at $149,990 – before additional fees.
There’s something else to consider: the future. General Motors has made no secret that it is heading to an electrified future. Internal combustion engines will be phased out over the next decade. At the very least, fuel gulping, and excessive engines like the one in the Escalade V may not last long.
The thing is, with this weapons-grade monster under the hood, can it be used elsewhere? I know what you’re all thinking: the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and GMC AT4-X would become animals with this powerplant. Indeed it’s true, but they would become impossibly expensive like the Ram TRX and (most likely) the upcoming Raptor R.
At the very least, it will be interesting to see how this mill works in the hefty Caddy for now.
