Based
on General Motors’ all-new full-size SUV platform, the 2007
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 ber
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 ber and stiffer, fully-boxed frame that is designed for improved
crash energy management.
