Cadillac Escalade-V

Speedo boys have been dreaming of a V version of the Cadillac Escalade SUV and while the idea of the Escalade-V is nothing but a far-fetched dream, looks like the time's come because the dream of an Escalade-V has finally come true. The most powerful Escalade has finally awakened.

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V

With prices starting at an ultra-expensive $149,695 plus additional costs, the first-ever Cadillac Escalade-V deserves no words because this is the most powerful full-size SUV in the world. 

The heavyweight champion for hustlers and celebrities has been given lots of swagger by Cadillac and that swagger gave the Escalade-V some specially-made fascias with dark quad exhausts and V-Series badging to show the world who's the big boss. Behind the swagger-laden looks, the Escalade-V works just like a normal Escalade, inside and out.

Under the hood, the Escalade-V is powered by a monstrous 6.2L supercharged V8 engine that produces 682HP of power and 653lb-ft of torque, which is shockingly weak against the king of high-performance SUVs, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. Mated to a 10-speed AT, it's capable of going from 0-60mph in four and a half seconds. 

That sounds quick but apart from the monstrous V8 engine that powers this swaggered Escalade, there's lots of action involved underneath the Escalade-V because it's been kitted with e-LSD, Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension. Although it feels heavy to handle as expected, the Escalade-V behaves like it's on a rampage spree and looks like it's going to be one heck of a rollercoaster thriller from start to finish. What awaits in the end? A real knockout blow.

With the first-ever Escalade-V, this monstrous swagger should not be snubbed because this is the ultimate version of the current-generation Escalade and if anybody snubs at it should have a lot of explanations. I'm talking about you, Forza producers.

With the monstrous V8 engine, track-honed dynamics, and the same Escalade swagger as expected, the Escalade-V is no doubt the heavyweight champion in the lineup, and with its knockout blows delivered at every corner, hustlers beware when this behemoth rolls through the streets like a boss. Any takers?

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe/GMC Yukon/Cadillac Escalade (GM T1XX)

The largest SUVs on the face of the planet, the Chevrolet Suburban and its shorter Tahoe twin, as well as its more professional sibling, the GMC Yukon, and its luxurious one, the Cadillac Escalade, have been regenerated into a completely new generation with new look, new interior, new performance, and new tech while keeping America's favorite full-size SUVs more dominant than ever in the world where SUVs are the new normal and they are the kings...or presidents if you prefer.

First let's start with the new Chevrolet Suburban (priced at $51,700 plus additional costs) and its shorter Tahoe sibling (priced at $49,000 plus additional costs). These two titans have been reigning the Chevrolet SUV range since their first appearances several years ago and with these two received their full model changes, looks like they're still on the roll with new and exciting ways to get the gentlemen from all walks of life rolling for more.

Observing on the design, the new models looked almost similar compared to its previous model but with a more futuristic touches to make them look fresh and perked for more. It's about as neatly polished as a well-maintained horseshoe and when you take them on and off the road, dominance is what the new Suburban and the new Tahoe summed up neatly the American way.

The new interior is where these two American titans shine the most because the new models got best-in-class cargo room, more legroom than the previous model, and can have up to five display screens including its exclusive 15-inch HUD. Thanks to its larger interior dimensions, the new Suburban and the new Tahoe can fit almost all kinds of situations it can see fit such as getting the kids after soccer practice, escorting corporate titans like a proper associate or a bodyguard, law enforcement, delivering goods to the customers, or when you just want to be driving on the great American roads by yourself, experiencing its unrivaled all-rounder performance only these SUVs possess.

Under the hood, the new Suburban and the new Tahoe can be fitted with either the beefy Duramax 3.0L diesel engine, a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 HP of power and the more powerful 6.2L V8 with 420HP of power, which is offered exclusively on the High Country variant. all of these engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox with  a push-button electronic shift.

It maybe extremely bulky to drive because of such size but the new models wanted to make it more engaging than the previous generation and with that, they both come with an independent rear suspension paired with the optional Magnetic Ride Control and the first-in-class Air Ride Adaptive System (for the Z71 and High Country variants) which offers load leveling at all four corners of the vehicle and up to 4 inches of ride height adjustment. Such setup really made the new Suburban and Tahoe nearly good on and off the road and looks like General Motors have really outdone it this time.

Of course with safety is the new normal in today's motoring world, both models feature up to thirty safety and driver convenience features as well as trailering features that will help drivers getting familiarize with the art of trailering. It's the same stuff you saw in the current Silverado and family outings on the great outdoors have never been this good.

Having enjoyed the new Chevrolet Suburban and the new Tahoe, let's get to know about the new-generation GMC Yukon next and although it is the more professional sibling of the Suburban and Tahoe, the new Yukon tries to set itself apart with its more distinguishable design and interior, not to mention the performance of course.

Priced at 50,700 US Dollars plus additional costs, the new GMC Yukon tries to separate itself from its Suburban and Tahoe siblings because it features a uniquely different exterior design and interior compared from its Chevrolet sibling and the addition of the more stylish Denali variant really made a bold statement about it. Either way, the new Yukon has the best-in-class cargo room and it's got more legroom than the previous model. Of course, like its Chevrolet sibling, the new Yukon can seat up to eight people, which is a seat less than the previous model, which is a bit of shame for a people mover but it still works for all walks of life, be it for weekend getaways or for work, whichever works best.

Just like its Chevrolet siblings, the new Yukon can be fitted with either the beefy Duramax 3.0L diesel engine, a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 HP of power and the more powerful 6.2L V8 with 420HP of power, which is offered exclusively on the Denali variant. all of these engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox with  a push-button electronic shift.

The new Yukon features an all-new Active Response 4WD with an eLSD, allowing this SUV to work rather well in all kinds of roads, no matter how rough it can get. Come to the AT4 variant and you'll get some off-road oriented features such as a two-speed transfer case, Traction Select System, Hill Descent Control, and much more, not to forget about the Air Ride Adaptive System.

Lastly, the new Yukon, like its Chevrolet siblings, features up to thirty safety and driver convenience features as well as trailering features to make trailering life more easy.

And now we get to the most luxurious of the three, the all-new Cadillac Escalade, which starts at an extremely pricey 76,195 US Dollars plus additional costs.

The Escalade has been known to be the full-sized SUV favored by the generation of hip hop and gangsta rappers from the ghettos since the first generation and with its new generation, looks like it has elevated from its thug status to boss status, if you know what I mean?

The styling of the new Escalade is a bit regular compared to the previous model, although it bears close resemblance to the Hyundai Palisade from all the wrong barrels of life but take note that despite its Palisade-esque styling, it's still a Cadillac Escalade and it behaves just like its predecessors.

The new interior is where the Escalade's critical point because never in the history of automobile has ever seen a vehicle spawning a unique-looking screen like this. Yes, the new Escalade features a curved OLED with 38-inch diagonal display. We are familiar with OLED display on expensive TVs but on a vehicle? Why not? Anyway, while we are getting salivated over its OLED display, the instrumental panel works like Audi's Virtual Cockpit system, even better because that instrumental cluster works as a navigation system with augmented reality, which is surprisingly showy for a car like this and with the implementation of night vision, it gets even more of a show-off even after hours,

As a luxury three-row full-sized SUV targeted for the rich and famous people, especially the Republicans alike, the new Escalade is surprisingly luxurious because of its best-in-class cargo room and more legroom compared to the previous Escalade. When you slap this SUV with the available 36-speaker sound system and rear seat entertainment system, the new Escalade works as a party wagon for VIPs enjoying themselves on the back, which is the charm point of this new model. Oh and did I forgot to tell you that it comes with a refrigerator on the console?

Under the hood, the new Escalade is offered with a choice of either a 3.0L Duramax diesel engine and the 6.2L V8 with 420HP of power, all mated to a 10-speed gearbox. Apart from that, the new Escalade features Magnetic Ride Control, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, eLSD, and independent rear suspension, making it slightly more engaging to drive than the previous model while keeping the guests happy for more. Of course, it even packs the most cutting edge safety tech available.

So, which of these full-sized SUVs from General Motors do you prefer? The legendary Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe? The more professional GMC Yukon? Or the luxurious Cadillac Escalade? You decide...

Photo: General Motors

Forza Horizon 4: Winter surprises from the US to the UK

With winter nears its climax, I managed to get a hand on this week's prize cars on Forza Horizon 4 and both of these cars are blessings straight from the United States of America; the Pontiac Firebird and the Cadillac Escalade ESV.



Both of these gems are from the greatest country in the world and while they're not as great as today's cars, these V8-powered cowboys really know how to add some American charm to our journey across Britain. The Firebird Trans Am SD-455 is by no means one of the muscle cars that survived the Oil Crisis to live the tale of drivers past and present while the third-generation Cadillac Escalade, in ESV Platinum form, knows how to turn intimate get-togethers into parties. I know, I said this while driving one back in the original Horizon several years ago but you get the point.



Now that I had both of these prize cars, let's see how an orangutan like me going full throttle on those American icons in the middle of the British winter. Roll the tape.




Job well done, there's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride!

Cadillac Escalade (GMT K2XL)

2015 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade, the SUV favored by the generation of hip hop and gangsta rappers from the ghettos, has been regenerated to an entirely new look complete with a brand new platform, new interior, and new features that will keep this new model back to its clean slate after years of being treated as a car for the ghetto goons or so we thought.

So, what's new about this new model?

The new model is kinda like its lesser cousins, the Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, because they both wear the same underpinnings derived from its you-know-whats. Like these, this new platform will not spawn an EXT sport truck and its hybrid derivatives because...like it says on its books, this new Escalade will not spawn a hybrid model as well as its EXT sport truck. Dismissed.

Dismissed?

Dismissed. No Escalade Hybrid nor Escalade EXT for this generation. So sorry...

Anyway, like what I said, WHAT'S NEW?!

Oh! Okay! The new model now looks more well-tailored on the exterior, like a heavily armed bodyguard who is heavily armed to the teeth, guarding a social party for the VIP. Judging by the way the new exterior design looks, that is as first class as a cargo plane all smothered with some palace-like comforts fit for a tyrant.

Hmmm...what about the interior?

2015 Cadillac Escalade interior

2015 Cadillac Escalade interior

Although while the exterior is new to us, the new interior of the Escalade is pretty much like the Cadillacs of today. It's just like when BMW still using the same interior design to all models with absolutely no differences whatsoever. You still have the configurable cluster display, the Cadillac CUE, and those catastrophically difficult dashboard  which makes your fingers deemed to be confused. Apart from its cockpit confusions, the passenger comforts is pretty much like those Japanese luxury MPVs of today but of course, this isn't one of them. This is an all-American made SUV built for the crooks and cools.

When fully equipped, you can expect a rear-seat entertainment system that plays your favorite DVD (or Blu-Ray) movies while on the go. Of course, while some consider it a family car, no other family can afford the Suburban with a Cadillac badge on it. Only the gangsta rappers, MVP athletes, or the Men In Black from the CIA, NSA, or any government organizations snooping on us can drive those.

If you can opt in for the long-wheelbase ESV model, you can have extended luggage space fit enough for some man stuff to put in to your man cave at your home. Tough stuff, though.

Tough?

Well, yeah. It is kinda tough indeed thanks to its extensive use of high-strength steel and it's not just all about being tough on the outside, it's the inside that counts thanks to its host of safety features such as Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic, Side Blind Zone Alert, Safety Alert Seat and Forward Collision Alert. Combined with Rear Vision Camera, Rainsense automatic wipers, and IntelliBeam headlamps.

What about performance?

The new Escalade now comes with the new and more powerful 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 FlexFuel petrol engine, the same engine used to power the new GMC Yukon Denali models. It develops a class-leading power output of 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It features Advanced Direct Injection, Active Fuel Management, and Variable Valve Timing. With that engine output, the EPA estimated fuel mileage is 21MPG highway. That sounds less but some say, it's an improvement from the last model.

Handling aside, the new Escalade comes with the Magnetic Ride Control, which lets the Escalade behave like a full-size saloon but honestly, being a big and burly car the size of five or six burly American football players, getting through the bends is an expert level worth unfathomable. When normally driven, it feels more comfortable like a luxury limo as long if there's someone not waving hands like a show off.

Should I buy it?

2015 Cadillac Escalade

At the start, the new Cadillac Escalade is priced from $71,695 to $92,840 so not only it's expensive than its GMT K2XX cousins, it's more expensive than its rivals such as the MB GL-Class and the Infiniti QX80 but on the upshot is that you can afford one rather than the Range Rover.

Sadly though, because this is too expensive, you can't afford one of these unless if you're working with the music industry or with the MIB.

Available colors: Dark Granite Metallic, Majestic Plum Metallic, Radiant Silver Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Silver Coast Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, and Black Raven.

Photo: General Motors

Forza Horizon: It's not a party, it's an intimate get-together...for cars!

Let me put it this way, Forza Horizon is all about cars, fun, and games. If it's getting over the top, you might be thinking that this is all just an intimate get-together but you are wrong. Sure you might be saying " It's not a party, it's an intimate get-together" but accept it. This is not an intimate get-together. It's a PARTY! No wonder Turn 10 threw themselves the biggest party for car enthusiasts only at their XBOX 360 consoles and guess what? This is even more life-ruingly fun than other games!

What I have here is an S65 AMG, which comes with the same 6.5L V12 that I had on the SL65 AMG but let me remind you that this V12-powered sport saloon has a thousand torques on it. With so much torque, this is just like Dr. Hannibal Lecter got invited to a party, which is not a party but it's an intimate get together. Horizon party! Horizon party!

The Midnight Cinderella

The thing about this S-Class though is that every politicians had one, even bling-bling celebs had one, then famous athletes, high-ranking generals, high-profile Arabs, the Mafia, the Yakuza, the Triad, those big-shots. It seems that the S-Class flagship is a priviledged car for the priviledged few because of its high price and luxurious amenities only the S-Class has to offer and with the V12-powered AMG model, it combines the same comfort of the S-Class while delivering the supercar-like performance courtesy of the skunk works deep inside the bowels of AMG.

The Shining

And then there's this Cadillac Escalade, which is the status symbol for those who are living the bling-bling lifestyle in western part of America.

Big shot, coming through

Over the years, I've seen most of the guys who owned an Escalade spend a lot of cash putting up with some shiny oversized wheels, some bling-bling materials, some billet grilles, some in car entertainment, some bulletproof materials, so on, so forth. The list goes on and on and on because such popularity really made the Escalade one of the darling of the "Cruising" scene and as years go by, the Escalade will become a future classic because when a load of seniors wanted to have one, boy, those old people sure know how to relive their youth. Get it?

Like a boss

Even in its third-generation look, the Escalade stuff is still there. There's still the luxurious interior fit for the king, the big V8 engine that is very very thirsty, and the status of being a bling-bling car for the bling-bling boys out here. This is just another one of the cars that is surely got invited to the Horizon party, which is not a party, it's an intimate get-together. Horizon party! Horizon party!



Those cars sure know how to turn an intimate get-together into the biggest party in Colorado. It's the H to the O to the R-I-Z-O-N! What? H to the O to the R-I-Z-O-N! That's right!