Reports are coming in that General Motors is looking for a way to compete in the performance SUV segment populated by the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.
The rumor holds that a 600-hp (447-kW) version of the Cadillac Escalade may go on sale later this year along with similar variants of the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. This appears technologically viable, because all three are driven by the same 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 rated at 420 hp (313 kW) and 623 Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque. Adding a supercharger would easily net an extra 200 hp (150 kW) or so. For example, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing uses a similar setup for 668 hp (498 kW) and 894 Nm (660 lb-ft) of torque.
There has been no official comment yet. According to Hennessey Performance, the three SUVs mentioned above have their ECUs protected from tampering, whereas those of the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra are relatively easy to mod. This might indicate that GM wanted to undercut tuners’ sales in favor of its own performance cars.
