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2015 Cadillac Escalade gets 8-speed auto, range-topping Platinum Collection trim

The redesigned 2015 Cadillac Escalade is still quite fresh on the market, but the luxury brand has a host of mid-model-year updates for its massive luxury SUV that should make it an even better driver. The range-topping Platinum Collection (pictured above) is also all set to ensconce drivers in leather when it hits the road in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The entire Escalade range now gets an eight-speed automatic to replace the previous six-speed, and four-wheel drive models also get a two-speed transfer case to go along with it. New standard features include a Surround View camera system, 4G LTE connectivity, and the electric tailgate also now closes hands-free, in addition to opening that way.
To make riding in the Escalade an even more luxurious experience, Cadillac is adding a Platinum trim. Exterior changes add even more shine to the behemoth SUV with a grille wearing the redesigned brand crest, additional chrome trim, 22-inch wheels and Platinum badges. However, the interior is where things really get plush. The first and second row of seats are wrapped in Nappa, semi-aniline leather in a choice of either beige or gray. The dashboard, upper door panels and center console also get hand-stitched and wrapped leather, plus a suede microfiber headliner. Both front seats are heated and cooled with 18-way power adjustments, and the driver even gets a massaging function. Rear passengers are hardly left out, either, with 7-inch LCD screens in the headrests and a 9-inch screen in the center.

2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing First Drive Review | A magnificent sunset

Rising from the ashes of the ATS-V, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing represents the ultimate (in the purest sense of the word) in compact performance from GM’s luxury brand. The name Blackwing was originally applied to a stillborn, twin-turbocharged V8 destined for a new generation of luxury sedans, but has been repurposed as a symbol for CadillacÂ’s stubborn insistence on doing right by its performance heritage, right up to the end. Yes, the end. The last gasp. The grand finale. Swan song. Farewell tour. Whatever version of finality works best for you, apply it here, because Blackwing represents the gasoline-powered CadillacÂ’s final form. There are two key components to a sport sedan: a kick-ass powertrain and a chassis than can wrangle it. Check and check. A modern and powerful twin-turbo V6 resides under the CT4-V Blackwing's hood, and it rides on the latest and greatest revision of GMÂ’s global Alpha platform, which evolved from the same basic underpinnings of the ATS, CTS and Chevy Camaro. A stretched and widened version is the foundation for the CT5 (look for our review of that car's Blackwing next week). In transitioning from ATS to CT4, Cadillac decided to reposition and price its smallest sedan against EuropeÂ’s subcompacts. In the grand tradition of CadillacÂ’s sporty four-doors, this makes it a size mismatch. ItÂ’s almost as large on the outside as a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class, rather than the front-wheel-drive based 2 Series Gran Coupe and CLA-Class with which the CT4 nominally competes on price. This generational re-branding also resulted in a new, very different approach to high-performance models wearing the letter V. Before, they represented the pinnacle of their respective nameplates, but now, a -V represents the mid-grade offering. Upgraded certainly (limited-slip rear differential, more power, adaptive suspension) but positioned against AudiÂ’s S and BMWÂ’s M-Sport models. Cadillac even calls it "CT4 V Series" in certain places because the situation wasn't confusing enough. And although there's nothing ambiguous about the Blackwing's position atop the CT4 hierarchy, Cadillac's have-their-cake-and-eat-it-too approach to the CT4Â’s positioning still makes things a little hinky.

Hotter Cadillac ATS-V+ could use LS7 power

Rumor has it Cadillac is working on an even hotter version of the ATS-V, possibly called ATS-V+. And the latest intel from Motor Trend suggests this new model might have a great, big V8 under the hood. The V8 in question is the high-revving, naturally aspirated 7.0-liter LS7 from the Camaro Z/28. The hand-built engine makes 505 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque in the Z/28 – a nice increase over the 464 hp and 445 lb-ft in the standard ATS-V, which uses a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6. Motor Trend says the ATS-V+ will come to market with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as the seven-speed manual 'box from the Corvette. A dual-clutch transmission will come to market later. Of course, we'll believe it when we see it. But an LS7-powered ATS-V sure sounds like a great package to us. Here's hoping.