Cadillac gives the Escalade some muscle, Foxconn officially owns the Lordstown plant, Hyundai recalls a recall. All this and more on today’s issue of The Morning Dump.
Welcome to The Morning Dump, bite-sized stories corralled into a single article for your morning perusal. If your morning coffee’s working a little too well, pull up a throne and have a gander at the best of the rest of yesterday.
The Cadillac Escalade-V Gets Ridiculous
If I’m being perfectly honest, nobody needs a 682-horsepower Escalade, but Callaway’s been making preposterously powerful Escalades for years so let’s see what GM can do on its own. Yes, more details have emerged about the Cadillac Escalade-V and oh boy, is it ever an exercise in excess.
Let’s start with that engine, a variant of GM’s LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V8. While the engine is largely similar to the one in the CT5-V Blackwing, the Escalade-V variant gets a bigger 2.65-liter TVS supercharger to crank out 682 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 653 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. Very stout figures, yet surprisingly peaky for an SUV motor. Power makes its way to all four wheels through GM’s 10-speed automatic gearbox, full-time all-wheel-drive and a limited-slip rear differential. Now, Cadillac says in a press release that all of this put together is good for a 0-60 mph time of under 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile ET of 12.74 seconds at 110 mph. Does that sound a bit mid to you, or am I just jaded by the likes of the Alpina XB7 which does the 0-60 dash in around four seconds flat?
Granted, even the fast Escalade is still an Escalade, so the cabin looks positively sumptuous. As the V-Series is the top-spec model, it gets all the toys from a 36-speaker AKG-branded audio system (another Harman International contraption) to massaging front seats. As is typical for a Cadillac, the Super Cruise hands-free Level 2 driver assist suite is optional and actually really nice to have. Super Cruise is one of the few Level 2 systems that’s actually competent on highway commutes, so it’s well worth the extra cash. Speaking of highway commutes, the Escalade’s up-level air suspension with magnetorheological dampers has apparently been re-tuned for the V-Series model. Hopefully this doesn’t negatively impact the Escalade’s incredibly precise body control and sublime ride comfort.
Alright, so the Escalade-V is big and pretty quick, but what does this giant slab of Americana retail for? Well it’s certainly not cheap. Pricing starts at $149,990 which is a lot, but at least Cadillac’s had the decency to include the delivery and destination fee. That puts the Escalade-V up against some seriously stiff competition. The aforementioned Alpina XB7 starts at $142,295 including destination and is absolutely fabulous from a speed and comfort standpoint. A Mercedes-AMG G 63 may have an abominable wait time, start at $157,500 excluding freight charge, and only include five seats, but it’s likely to hold value insanely well. Then again, neither of these vehicles offer the immense space of an Escalade, so I’m sure the Escalade-V will find buyers. Expect GM’s muscled-up Escalade to hit showrooms late this summer.
Foxconn Picks Up The Hot Potato That Is GM’s Former Lordstown Assembly Plant
Electric pickup truck startup Lordstown Motors has officially handed off its assembly plant to Taiwanese consumer electronics manufacturer Foxconn, who will be responsible for building Lordstown’s allegedly-upcoming pickup truck.
Honestly, it seems kind of insane for a company to base its entire brand around a former GM assembly plant and then sell the plant off, but hey. At an Automotive News-reported $230 million for a 6.2 million square-foot automotive assembly plant right in the heart of America’s northern auto corridor, Foxconn essentially scored the Lordstown, Ohio plant for $37.10 per square-foot. It seems like Foxconn got the better end of the deal here, gaining a fairly cheap factory and an assembly contract. Meanwhile, Lordstown will be responsible for everything else from engineering to homologation.
Local news publication Cleveland.com breaks down the thought process behind the deal, writing:
CEO Dan Ninivaggi told cleveland.com Wednesday that the deal gives Lordstown Motors scale. Partnering with Foxconn, one of the world’s largest manufactures, can ease supply chain issues, get vehicles to market quicker and make the process of doing so cheaper.
“The key theme in the entire transaction with Foxconn if it gives us a more flexible and less capital intensive business model,” Ninivaggi said.
So far, the Lordstown and Foxconn deal sounds a bit like Fisker contracting auto parts giant and G-Wagen screwer-together Magna International to build the Fisker Ocean compact electric crossover. What’s Foxconn going to be doing with the plant? Well, let’s first point out that the companydoesn’t really have much automotive experience. Just last year, The Verge attended a Foxconn EV event where Foxconn chairman Young Liu said “Our biggest challenge is we don’t know how to make cars.” That statement coming from a soon-to-be automobile assembler just a year ago feels a bit like waking up mid-surgery and hearing your surgeon say, “Oh, so that’s what a spleen looks like.” Not particularly confidence-inspiring, is it?
Then there’s the question of commitment. Foxconn has demonstrated some pretty sketchy behavior in regards to the company’s $10 billion, 13,000 employee Wisconsin-based LCD factory that’s now more like a $672 million, 1,454 employee factory. Oh, one last thing, let’s circle back to Fisker. According to Automotive News, Fisker’s sub-$30,000 Pear electric vehicle is supposed to be assembled by Foxconn in Lordstown in just two years. Yeah, this could get interesting.
Hyundai Re-Recalls Some Sonatas
While recalling product is bad enough, recalling a recall really doesn’t sound great. For 2013 to 2014 Hyundai Sonata owners, this recall of a recall will seem almost typical. Did I mention that not implementing the new recall could result in fiery death?
Hyundai rushed headfirst like Leeroy Jenkins into direct injection engines about a decade ago, and it didn’t go so well. While engines blowing from casting issues is what everyone knows these older Sonatas for, this latest recall specifically involves the fuel system. Back in 2020, Hyundai identified premature degradation of the low-pressure fuel line’s junction at the fuel pump. At the time, the official fix was to replace the fuel line should it be cracked and simply apply heat-resistant tape at the fuel pump connection should the fuel line not be cracked. If you’re thinking that the second fix is some Mickey Mouse high school bodge behavior that won’t actually prevent the fuel line from cracking, you’re right. As a result, recall documents detail a new procedure of proper fuel line replacement and 215,171 2013 and 2014 Sonatas are affected. While only one percent of recalled models are expected to experience a fiery fuel leak, a one percent chance of possible fiery death is honestly a bit too high. Recall notification letters will be sent out to owners on July 5, at which point Sonata owners will be able to bring their cars in for repair and enjoy a nice cup of dealership coffee.
Canoo Is Up The Creek Without A Paddle
We at The Autopian are big fans of EV startup Canoo. Its tiny cab-forward prototypes are practical and endearing in all the right ways. Unfortunately, there’s a chance we might never see mass-produced Canoo vehicles. A recent regulatory filing paints a picture of the EV startup’s current state, and it really isn’t pretty.
Two years ago, things looked cushy for Canoo. In 2020, the EV startup went public by merging with a blank-check company at a $2.4 billion valuation. Well, a lot can happen in two years. 2021 fiscal year-end reports show that over the past year, Canoo’s net losses have ballooned from $15.2 million to $125.4 million with no revenue to show. According to Canoo’s latest regulatory filing, “If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding or do not have access to capital, we will be unable to execute our business plans and could be required to terminate or significantly curtail our operations and our prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.” Yikes. While Canoo may be down, it isn’t out yet. TechCrunch reports that during an investor call on Tuesday, Canoo voiced expectations that a $300 million private investment in public equity will clear sometime this week, although that may not be enough to save the startup. Here’s hoping that Canoo can pull things together and we can see more funky electric vans that just the Volkswagen ID.Buzz rolling around in the future.
The Flush
Whelp, time to drop the lid on this edition of The Morning Dump. While the Cadillac Escalade-V looks awesome, I can’t help but feel that it’s a bit pointless. A 0-60 time of around 4.4 seconds isn’t lightning fast these days. It’s more Lightning fast, on par with estimates for Ford’s electric F-150. Moreover, an Escalade feels like an SUV for wafting and after driving the diesel model, I can’t think of a better seven-passenger road trip vehicle. Toys, space and the highway fuel economy of a turbocharged compact crossover? Yes please! I just don’t see any need for the Escalade-V but I’m glad it exists, which begs the question. What’s a vehicle you’d likely never buy but are still glad exists?
Lead photo credit: Cadillac
I was just thinking about how the real problem with the guy weaving through moderate traffic on the 405 at 100 MPH was that he couldn’t hit 100 MPH fast enough, so my mind is really worry free right now.
Will there be an ESV-V? That would be even more awesome!
Hopefully it will eventually trickle down to a Tahoe/Suburban SS lol
At the other end they should build an Escalade ESV with a NA version of the 2.7 from the Silverado W/T and a hybrid system (single electric motor will do). No air suspension. Black-car services would snap it up.
I used to sell Cadillacs, and at least 1 in 5 Escalade buyers wanted an Escalade V. If even only 5% of current buyers converted to the V, that’d be about 2,000 units per year. Doubt GM is gonna be able to keep up with demand, with or without chip shortage.
I agree with your assessment, but I respectfully ask you stop using the Nazi labelling. The abuse of terms like Nazi and Terrorist, is problematic. (something something Ukraine for the former and say, Turkey for the later). Even if it only waters down their true meanings. I think “dumbass militia hicks” would suit much of Ohio better.
Or ya know, maybe just chill out on the juvenile name-calling/labeling thing totally. The superiority complex take of “holier-than-thou” comments is not a good fit for this site. I think we all know sites where that stuff is more welcome.
On another note: While the Eski is not exactly a value buy at that price compared to the competition, I still like it a lot. I’m a Caddy guy, for sure, and don’t even feel bad about how dumb that gut emotion is. I will always pick one over any other car, given the choice.
Noted and agreed. On the first point.
In context of your original post you were playing fast and loose with the term, just sayin. Even if your list of problems include more adherence to the ideology in a subsequent comment, distinction and nuance are still desirable things in every statement.
Minivans. As someone who is increasingly unlikely to have kids I can’t really justify buying a people hauler, but for people who do need that a minivan is such a good vehicle.
absolutely, most people who think they absolutely need the space of an SUV would be massively better served with a minivan.
In case you didn’t know, that warning statement in Canoo’s public disclosure is pretty common and ordinary in the securities industry. Yes, it’s a warning, but it’s usually not interpreted as grimly as presented here.
It sounds scary, but any company that doesn’t already have in hand every dollar they expect to need over the next accounting period for a major project is likely to have a similar statement in their public disclosures.
I’ve seen that phrase, almost verbatim, in dozens of disclosures and I don’t even follow startups much.
Inexperienced investors who bought without doing research sometimes sell when these risk warnings are published, regardless of the real prospects of the company behind it.
Canoo may be in trouble, or this may simply be a CYA notice to avoid potential shareholder lawsuits in the future.
*the initial phrase, not the full statement.
Sports cars. I like having rear doors. Maybe if I had a five-car garage, my sixth car would be a Cappuccino or a Caterham.
The”stock” LT4 with the 1.7L Eaton R1740 TVS is rated to 640/630, strange that they’re saying the TVS 2650 number is 682? That supercharger will easily put out close to 4 digit HP numbers on a 6.2 DI LT engine.
Probably derated it to survive in a 3 ton truck. It’s definitely good for more. But likely will blow up at 60,001 miles if it was tuned for more.
Toyota Prius. It makes a ton of sense from an efficiency and flexibility (as opposed to pure EV) point of view. It also does everything most people need. This was the vehicle that showed the way for mass produced hybrid technology. I just don’t like it. The interior is a styling mess. The exterior shape is fine, but the styling is, well, more Toyota. Having also actually driven a few, no thanks. But I’m really glad it exists.
Honestly, I don’t have a use for most vehicles. Little mini Kia Rios, Honda Fits, Ford Fiestas and such? Too small for me. Most MASSIVE modern trucks? Too big, don’t do enough towing, don’t do enough hauling, my 93 F150 covers what I need from a truck (and has a better turning radius.) SUVs should be crushed and recycled into Station Wagons. etc etc etc.
However, because I don’t have a use for most vehicles doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate them*. I was following the Gridlife Sundae Cup cars on the One Lap Of America last week, and they looked like they had as much or more fun than some of the supercars or purpose built racecars.
*Except SUVs. SUVs can all be destroyed.
Chevy SS. I love the idea of it, love a good sleeper. Don’t need a sedan, and would rather have a dedicated sports platform for that power
The Flush: I would say every super/hyper car being made. Only the 1% can afford them, but I’m glad they’re being made
Oh good; I was just watching an Escalade weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating the hell out of everyone yesterday, and thought, “You know what that thing needs? More power.” Glad Cadillac is on top of it.
Someone was probably late for their flight.
Mazda Miatas, at 6’4″ I can’t fit in one but I sure do get a smile seeing them around town.
Yup as someone who is 6’3″ I’m right there with you. I’ve never actually driven one but the last time I sat in one which was admittedly a long time ago so they may have gotten a more spacious interior (Shhhh let me hope!) it reminded me of my friends RX7 convertible and driving that car was enjoyable unless I had to shift… Or steer… Or see the gauges. Knees almost halfway up the steering wheel is no way to drive a car.
Oh I feel this line of thinking! I love convertibles and coupes but so many times when I look at the better ones, I can’t fit in them comfortably. Why?! Yell at me all day, Miata is the answer, but if your head is above the windshield, and you’re knees are as high as your chest, it’s the answer only for those whose bald spot you can see just standing there. Life is so unfair, it’s designed for the little people, and I love the little people, always nice to them, but can’t we have a little adjustment to sizing by now? It’s not like it needs to be everything, but maybe I don’t want to drive a SUV or a full size truck just to have something that fits my height that’s fun to drive, I have the money!. Thanks for letting me vent, I feel better, although I know it will never change.
This is when the answer is a VW Golf R…
I’d try a stinger? Not quite the fun to drive you are looking for but a high school buddy is on his second Sonata and he is 7’2″ so Hyundai might be doing something right
Not that they’re available in Canada anyway, but the Honda E. Love the little thing but I’d have no use for it at all