All Chevrolet and GMC trucks with 6.2 EcoTec3 V8 engines will come standard with an 8-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission to replace the current 6-speed for 2015. I imagine the 2015 Cadillac Escalade will be joining that list.
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, as well as GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali models have the 6.2 with 420 horsepower, 460 lb-of torque as standard or optional.
So far it looks like the 8-speed automatic will not be going into GM's smaller 5.3 V8s, but that might change to strengthen the Suburban's position against the 2015 Ford Expedition.
From GM's briefing:
The GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed is approximately the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic. Its 7.0 overall gear ratio spread is wider than GM's six-speed automatic transmissions, providing a numerically higher first gear ratio to help drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering. The 8L90 also enables numerically lower rear axle ratios, which reduce engine rpm on the highway.
GM is promising fuel economy figures in "the fourth quarter" of this year, hopefully this transmission helps those big V8s make a little more mileage.
Image: Andrew P. Collins, with a six-speed GM truck. But the eight-speeds will look the same, so, you get the idea.