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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. This
precise wheel-to-body relationship - enabled by a wider track - gives Escalade a
more athletic presence and lowered stance.
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. The harmonious color
and grain of the materials were carefully selected to provide a premium feel as
well as durability. Flush-mounted controls and radios, with almost imperceptible
gaps, convey precision and integration.
Attention to detail is evident throughout the vehicle. There is no visible
hardware to greet occupants when the doors are opened and there are no exposed
fasteners or hardware on the pillars, seats or seat tracks. The seats have
"close-outs" that surround the seat bottoms and seat tracks, creating a more
finished appearance. Fasteners and hardware are also covered when the seats are
folded.
When it comes to convenience and capability, Escalade delivers with a new
industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases
access to the third-row seat, as well as a power-assisted rear liftgate that
opens and closes with the touch of a button. The remote starting feature is
standard and is integrated with the tri-zone automatic climate control system,
allowing the interior to be heated or cooled when the vehicle is remotely
started.
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 and 417 lb-ft of torque 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. The
introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser
is the industry's first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve
engine. The unique dual-equal phaser adjusts the camshaft timing at the same
rate for both the intake and exhaust valves. Aluminum cylinder heads and an
aluminum engine block offer reduced mass, an attribute that supports improved
vehicle weight distribution and improved fuel economy.
A new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L
engine. One of the industry's most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features
clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio - including two
overdrive gears - that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and
fuel economy. The 6L80's six forward gears have smaller "steps" between them,
compared to a conventional four-speed automatic, which bolsters both performance
and the feeling of smoothness. Shorter steps between the gears help the
transmission quickly find the best gear for the vehicle speed and road
conditions, with less back-and-forth hunting on grades - a trait that is
particularly helpful when towing. Also, the 6L80 has Driver Shift Control (tap
up/tap down) capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and
downshifts with a button on the column shifter.
A stronger frame and chassis supports the more powerful powertrain and enables
the Escalade's exceptional responsiveness and ride and handling smoothness. A
new, fully boxed frame offers 49 percent increased torsional stiffness and a
35-percent improvement in beaming frequency, compared to previous models. In
addition, all front and rear suspension attachment points are stiffened for
improved suspension performance and reduced road input into the vehicle. The
frame supports wider front and rear tracks - approximately 3 inches (76.2 mm)
wider in front and 1 inch (25.4 mm) wider in the rear - that enhance stability
and driving confidence through a more secure road feel and a lower center of
gravity.
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. The ABS system works with the standard
StabiliTrak stability control system's new rollover mitigation technology. This
software algorithm technology uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle
"tip-up" and apply appropriate brake force to help prevent such events.
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.
Cadillac Escalade: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications