Hope Busta Rhymes saved some cash; Cadillac might revive the Escalade EXT pickup

By Nick Jaynes October 10, 2013

2015 cadillac escalade hybrid it could happen — Cadillac did something remarkable with its former EXT and Hybrid Escalade variants; it made both rappers and treehuggers happy. And now, they could be back. Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cadillac could make both Busta Rhymes and Ed Begley Jr. very happy with its latest admission: the Escalade EXT pickup and the Escalade Hybrid could live again.

Just a few short years after axing the pair of Escalade offshoots, Cadillac says a triumphant return for both the EXT pickup and the Hybrid versions of the iconic Escalade could be possible.

It hasn’t said, however, whether such a thing will actually happen.

Speaking with Edmunds, Jeff Luke, General Motors executive chief engineer for global full-size and midsize trucks, said that there’s nothing stopping the leading American luxury brand from giving new life to the two Escalade permutations.

There’s also little convincing Caddy to make the move. Nether the EXT nor the Hybrid sold very well.

Luke explained the Escalade Hybrid buyers were “still business people and they look at payback.” And the additional cost of the Hybrid gave little payback in terms of fuel savings.

The 2015 Escalade’s updated 6.2-liter V8, with its direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation, and active fuel management, makes it exceptionally more fuel-efficient than the outgoing powerplant – we assume.

The EPA figures aren’t yet in. Caddy does promise, those 2015 Escalade fuel economy numbers could be in as soon as the end of 2013.

General Motors recently rebranded itself as both a high-tech company, in terms of both infotainment and drivetrain technology; so an Escalade Hybrid doesn’t seem out of the question.

We would love to see the plug-in hybrid powertrain from the Cadillac ELR bolted under the gorgeous Escalade bodywork.

As for the truck, I consider it the most ‘Escalade’ of the Escalade line. It was showy, extravagant, and needless…and I loved it.

Either way, this is good potential news for ecomentalists and hip-hopists alike. Now we just have to see what move Caddy makes.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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