The Intriguing Badging of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
You might not have noticed, but Cadillac has slowly added three-figure numeric badges to its vehicles. The latest model to bear this mark is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, which features a “600” badge on its rear liftgate. Other numerals will be utilized if Cadillac rolls out different powertrain options for its flagship SUV.
The number 600 represents the torque produced by the Escalade’s standard 6.2-liter V-8 and the available turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six. However, it’s important to note that this number refers to the engines’ torque in Newton-meters rather than the more commonly used measurement of pound-feet in the United States.
This seems straightforward, but the situation is more complex. Instead of simply converting pound-feet to Newton-meters, Cadillac decided to complicate matters further by rounding the conversion to the nearest 50. Consequently, the “600” on the new Escalade’s rear is somewhat misleading, as the SUV’s V-8 and diesel six-cylinder engines actually produce 624 Nm of torque, which equates to approximately 460 lb-ft. Moreover, the number 624 isn’t as visually appealing as 600, a factor that likely influenced Cadillac’s decision (particularly considering overseas markets like China, where such figures make more sense). The rationale for not using engine displacement was to allow for these badges to also be applicable to future electric vehicles; nonetheless, turbocharged models do have a ‘T’ after the number, indicating what lies under the hood.
In summary, Cadillac’s numerical badging scheme can be confusing, making it difficult for American consumers—who are accustomed to pound-feet—to fully understand the torque figures. This situation often leads to misconceptions regarding the actual capabilities of various Cadillac models. However, this isn’t the first time Cadillac has made a seemingly illogical naming decision.
Understanding the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
- Explore the technological advancements in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
- Learn about the history and evolution of the Cadillac Escalade
- Examine the Escalade’s impressive design and features
