Cadillac Confirms New Crossover Debuting in 2018

Cadillac flew halfway around the world to announce its intention to build a new crossover called the XT4.

The best-selling model in the Cadillac stable – and only crossover for that matter – will finally have a smaller sibling. With little else to say at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen stood up and announced “a new compact crossover called XT4 will debut in 2018 in the U.S. and subsequently in Europe.”

He also promised “an entirely new series of efficient and powerful engines.” And reinforced the brand’s product cadence following the XT4 “a new Cadillac will be brought to market every six months, a total of five carlines in the space of two years.”

Cadillac’s next crossover was expected to wear the XT3 badge and compete in the compact corner of the segment. Its name may have changed but its position in the market will not, as the brand attempts to reel in a buying public which has turned a blind eye to the crossover barren Cadillac lineup.

2017 Geneva Motor Show Coverage

The President also used many, many words to avoid saying the Escala would never make serial production.

“As our brand expands, it will do so based on a strong foundation of product substance. The Escala Concept is indicative of that substance. It is the prototype for our ongoing product offensive, containing key aspects that will characterize our designs going forward.” said de Nysschen. “Escala is a statement of intent for the next iteration of the Cadillac design language, and also technical concepts in development for future Cadillac models.”

The Escala’s 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is a prototype for a new powertrain in development for future Cadillac V-models.

A version of this story originally appeared on GM Inside News

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