Cadillac Escalade to go Lambda

Leftlane confirmed earlier this year that Cadillac was earmarked for a Lambda crossover vehicle, but it was unclear exactly what nameplate was up for Lambda consideration. But according to a new report, the Escalade will be making the switch from its truck-based GMT-900 platform to the more car-like Lambda architecture.

According to Automobile, the Escalade will be making the switch from SUV to CUV in light of upcoming CAFE standards and the complete fallout in the full-size SUV market. A date has yet to be set for the Escalades conversion, but the switchover should happen in 2012 or 2013 - about the time when the current Lambda vehicles (the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia) will be receiving their first major update.

Despite its switch to a crossover platform, the Escalade won't be completely forgoing its bling-bling roots. In order to differentiate itself from the other Lambda vehicles (which could total two or three by the time the new Escalade's launches) the Escalade will still be packing a V8 punch, although it remains unclear exactly what powerplant GM is eyeing for the luxury "˜ute.

The new Escalade will also sport Cadillac's art and science design theme, as well as an interior unique from the other Lambdas.

As for the Escalade EXT pickup, it could receive a new lease in life in the form of GM's Zeta platform - the same that underpins the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Camaro. Pontiac's G8 ST sport truck is slated for production next year, and could serve as the basis for the next Escalade EXT. However, GM seems more committed to the Escalade than EXT, so it's quite possible that the truck version could be sent packing in order to prepare for the newly passed fuel economy regulations.