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The Formula 1 circus is descending on Texas as I type this, then heading to Mexico next week for one of the calendar’s most cherished races. With Sergio Perez back on the grid this year, Cadillac (the automaker and the F1 team) is throwing a big party on both sides of the border to celebrate not just the Mexican racer, but also its second race ever on American soil. It’s just revealed an awesome cowboy-inspired livery, as well as a “Checo Perez Edition” Escalade V.
This special-edition, three-row SUV doesn’t get any performance upgrades, but that’s probably fine, since its 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 already produces 682 horsepower, enough to hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. It does get some neat visual enhancements that may be enough to persuade the biggest F1 fans to spring for one of the only 11 units that will be produced. Why 11? That’s Perez’s racing number.
Cadillac
Some of these enhancements include blacked-out badging (that’s supposedly a different tone from the other black badges already available), monochromatic Escalade badging on the front and rear of the SUV, an exposed carbon fiber engine cover, aluminum pedals, unique graphics in the ground projections, a numbered plaque, and an exclusive welcome kit. They’ll be offered in only two colors closely linked to the Cadillac F1 car: black or white.
The only kicker: All 11 units are allotted to the Mexican market, so if any die-hard fans in the U.S. are willing to spend the equivalent of $222,500 for one, they’ll have to head south.
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As deputy editor, Jerry draws on a decade of industry experience and a lifelong passion for motorsports to guide The Drive’s short- and long-term coverage.
