2007 Cadillac Escalade: an icon reborn


Cadillac has issued the following press release:

Cadillac unveiled the 2007 Escalade, the next generation of the iconic luxury SUV. The all-new Escalade establishes a new level of refinement and style, delivered with an instantly recognizable form that introduces the next step in Cadillac’s ongoing renaissance.

Based on General Motors’ all-new full-size SUV platform, the ’07 Escalade features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful and most efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower (301 kw) and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).

Cadillac Escalade will be available in the first quarter of 2006, with extended-wheelbase Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT models to be introduced later in the year. The Escalade family is one of the most aspirational nameplates in the industry and attracts the youngest customers in Cadillac’s portfolio of automobiles.

Cadillac Escalade will also be sold outside North America , thus strengthening Cadillac's global portfolio.

Distinctive design
Escalade has a sleeker, cleaner and more athletic form with improved aerodynamics while appearing smaller in stature. It is instantly identifiable and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a more detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.

Details in elements such as wraparound fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards enhance Escalade’s flowing design and bolster the feeling of refinement. All major sheetmetal and body components are new and feature crisp, taut lines. The sleek, toned look includes a faster windshield angle of 57 degrees, which flows gracefully into the roofline. This also improves aerodynamic performance to a segment-best 0.363 coefficient of drag, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise.

The bold Escalade front-end design features a Sixteen-inspired egg crate grille with detailed chrome elements and a prominent wreath-and-crest insignia. The grille is flanked by tri-element headlamps that use High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting technology, with available IntelliBeam automatic headlamp beam control. The sides of the vehicle look fresh and clean with new doors, a single-piece window surround and seven layers of chrome accents. Rear-end styling also is distinct and is highlighted by LED taillamps, LED-lit center high-mount stop light (CHMSL), chrome accents and an integrated trailer hitch cover.

Larger standard and available wheels, including standard 18-inch wheels and available chrome 22-inch wheels, are tailored to fit the wheel openings.

Refined, spacious interior
All-new interior styling is a cornerstone of the new Escalade. The flowing, luxurious interior is complemented with premium materials and a distinct layout not shared with any other GM full-size SUV. The cabin also is more spacious, with an instrument panel that is lower and moved forward in the vehicle. This warm and inviting interior comes in two colors: Ebony and Cashmere.

Escalade’s exclusive interior includes a unique instrument panel, instrumentation gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting, Nuance leather-covered seats, leather-covered door trim and center console, fabric-covered interior pillars and an available heated steering wheel.

The two-tone Cocoa-on-Cashmere appearance gives Escalade the aura of a roomy luxury sedan. The upscale styling is complemented by new, softer and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel and other trim pieces. Flush-mounted controls and radios, with almost imperceptible gaps, convey precision and integration.

An enhanced array of audio, infotainment and safety options also includes an available 8-inch touch-screen navigation system, as well as a DVD system with large 8-inch flip-down screen. A segment-first Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system is integrated into the new family of radios that play DVD audio, DVD video, CD audio, CD videos, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio.

The new Escalade is more spacious. More fore/aft front seat travel provides the segment’s leading legroom for front-seat passengers. Second-row seat legroom and knee room, and third-row seat headroom are increased over the previous models. The second- and third-row seats also have more shoulder room – a feat accomplished while also offering standard roof-mounted head curtain side air bags. Cargo room has increased by 4.2 cubic feet (118.9 liters) behind the second-row seats and 2.3 cubic feet (65.1 liters) behind the third row. The third-row seats fold flat and are easily tumbled forward or removed for maximum cargo area. Also, the unique, two-compartment center console is the segment’s largest. The glove box offers 25 percent more storage space than previous models and features damped opening operation that reinforces Escalade’s overall feeling of refinement.

Driving experience
With a reputation as one of the segment’s top performers, the ’07 Escalade builds on its heritage with a combination of performance, responsiveness and comfort that channels the vehicle-wide refinements into an effortless driving experience.

A new 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kw) and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm) is exclusive to Escalade. This all-aluminum engine uses variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower.

A new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine.

A stronger frame and chassis supports the more powerful powertrain and enables the Escalade’s exceptional responsiveness and ride and handling smoothness.

The front suspension consists of an all-new coil-over-shock design that delivers linear, solid and unwavering ride and handling characteristics on all road surfaces. Also new is a rack-and-pinion steering system that provides precise and responsive control and superior on-center feel. A highly refined five-link rear suspension complements the front suspension for great road isolation and vehicle handling.

Larger, four-wheel disc brakes and an all-new ABS system from Bosch help ensure braking performance. Larger vented front and rear brake rotors, 50-percent stiffer dual-piston calipers, longer-life brake pads and the new system’s design result in enhanced pedal feel, reduced brake noise, predictable, linear brake response and shorter braking distances. A new Bosch 8.0 next-generation four-channel ABS system is also standard.

Enhanced driving control and ride smoothness are offered with the standard Road Sensing System, which uses electronically controlled shock absorbers to make nearly instantaneous damping adjustments. The system “reads” the road and anticipates the best damping rates.

Safety and security
The ’07 Escalade is designed to be among the industry’s safest and most secure vehicles, with numerous safety systems and crash-avoidance technologies. New occupant protection features include head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and an industry-first 360-degree front safety belt pretensioner activation system.

The myriad of crash sensors are complemented by crash-avoidance systems such as standard StabiliTrak with rollover mitigation.

Crash avoidance is bolstered through enhanced driver control dynamics such as wider front and rear tracks, as well as a more responsive suspension – including a new coil-over-shock front suspension design and new rack-and-pinion steering. The Escalade is built on a stronger and stiffer, fully-boxed frame that is designed for improved crash energy management

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