heres what the cadillac escalade vs launch control is really like It's an outrageous beast. I recently had the chance to get behind the wheel of a whole slew of Cadillac's newest models, including outrageously powerful gasoline and electric versions. The differences are, in some ways, shocking. And in some ways more similar than you'd think. And that makes sense. As a brand, Cadillac seems to be delivering the specs no matter what kind of propulsion you opt for under the hood. heres what the cadillac escalade vs launch control is really like But to keep this on point, let's talk about the Escalade-V. There's a lot a proper review can tell you beyond what I'll cover here. And we'll get a full review up soon. We promise. An absolute brute on paper, it makes use of GM's supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8. Total output is an amazing 682 hp at 6,500 rpm and 653 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. And I made use of all of it. If only briefly. My test facility is not a public road. Not even a quiet one. It's a closed course at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. For round one, I chose not to use the launch control and just floor it the old-fashioned way. First, however, it's important to get maximum performance by activating the V mode, done easily by pressing the V button on the steering wheel. 2027 Audi RS5: All the Details heres what the cadillac escalade vs launch control is really like "Red button brings joy," is how John Cockburn, chief engineer for the Cadillac OPTIQ, described it. Cockburn joined us for the day's activities, and it's clear this man loves his job. And why wouldn't he? The beast hauls hard, and in the rainy conditions, I detect a subtle bit of wheel slip as it rockets forward. Round two: it's time for launch control. I simply brake as hard as I can with my left foot and floor the gas with my right. The 6,361 lb condo-on-wheels holds the line and tilts skyward before I let off the brake, and it lunges both forward and upward. One of our on-site coaches for the day remarks that he thought it almost popped a wheelie. From there, the speed comes so fast I'm tempted to lift. Our instruction is to brake at the tall cones, so I land inside the coned-off box. But the speed is so tremendous, I almost second-guess myself, and the machine wiggles slightly as it shifts gear and keeps on pulling before grabbing third. Then onto the brakes. Hard. I'll add to this that it's all going on in the rain, which can give you some serious doubts. Overall, the entire experience is extremely intense. It's hard not to be in awe. To paraphrase Cockburn. "Escalade-V brings joy." Enjoy the short clip below of exactly how it went down. I'd be remiss if I didn't loop back to my earlier comments about the gasoline vs electric powertrains on offer from Cadillac. To emphasize how you can have your performance any way you like, Caddy also offered the opportunity (amongst numerous other track experiences in everything from Optiq to CT5-V Blackwing models) to do some launches in the Lyriq V. heres what the cadillac escalade vs launch control is really like Replicating the same launch control process, the results are both more (and less) impressive. With 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque on tap, the smaller Lyriq V looks like it would weigh dramatically less than the hulking Escalade-V, but due to the battery weight, it's not as significant as you'd think. Curb weight is 5,980 lbs-so a roughly 370 lb difference. While the Escalade-V does the sprint in 4.4 seconds to 60 mph, the Lyriq V demolishes that time with a stopwatch-shattering 3.3 seconds. There's less drama with no roaring V8 or tilting suspension. Instead, I feel the more immediate torque thrust of the electric motor just sending me straight forward. The smoothness with which it propels me forward might not give all the sensory cues of speed, but from the driver's seat, it's obvious that the electric V is the 0-60 champ. Cadillac's electric powertrains are incredibly impressive, but if I had to choose, that snarling V8 is just too much fun. Look for more Cadillac content in the weeks to come from this event, as well as future events where we're traveling to the Canadian GP to witness Cadillac's first-ever F1 race in Canada! 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: All the Details