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The Escalade is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only 10 months after it was approved. The standard Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas.
The Escalade was originally based on the GMC Yukon Denali, but was redesigned for the 2002 model year to make its appearance fall more in line with Cadillac's new design theme. The Escalade was not the first Chevrolet-based Cadillac: the first generation Seville and the 1980s Cimarron were based on entry-level Chevrolet vehicles (the Nova and Cavalier, respectively). As of today, the Escalade and Escalade EXT pickup are, together with the Cadillac BLS, the only Cadillac vehicles made outside of the United States since the demise of the German-built Cadillac Catera in 2001. Both the Escalade ESV (a luxurious Chevrolet Suburban) and Escalade EXT were made in Silao, Mexico before the 2006 redesign; the new Escalade ESV is sourced from Arlington, Texas.
The Escalade has proven very popular with aftermarket tuners, who personalize vehicles for usually affluent customers. While such work is not done by Cadillac, much can be ordered through a Cadillac dealer and done by third-party companies. Much like the customized Cadillacs of the 1970s (during the pimpmobile craze), popular modifications include larger wheels, increased engine performance and custom paint. Due to its expensive parts and exposure from celebrity ownership, the Escalade has also been proven to be popular with car thieves as well, becoming the most frequently stolen vehicle from 2001 to 2003 according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.
Major competitors include the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Lexus LX series, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover Range Rover, and the Lincoln Navigator.
The first Escalade was very similar to the top Denali trim of the GMC Yukon. It shared all of that truck's exterior panels, which were themselves differentiated at the front from the regular Yukon/Tahoe. Even the wheels were identical, with the GMC center caps replaced by Cadillac crests.
The Escalade also used the same 5.7 L Vortec 5700 V8 at 255 hp (190 kW). All first-generation Escalades featured all-wheel drive. For 2000, unique vertical rear doors were added.
The Escalade was not sold for the 2001 model year, but returned completely redesigned for the 2002 model year. Rear-wheel drive was standard, as was a 5.3 L V8, with all-wheel drive and the special high-output Vortec 6.0 L V8 engine as options.
The "StabiliTrak" stability control system was upgraded to a four-wheel version for 2003 and power-adjustable pedals were added. For 2004, 20-inch chrome wheels (also known as dubs) were offered, and XM Satellite Radio, second-row bucket seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system were made standard on all Escalades except the EXT. The 5.3 L engine was dropped for 2005 and the OnStar system was upgraded.
[edit] Engines
* 2002-2003 5.3 L Vortec V8, 285 hp (213 kW)
* 2004-2006 5.3 L Vortec V8, 295 hp (220 kW)
* 2002-2006 6.0 L HO Vortec V8, 345 hp (257 kW)
The Escalade moved to the new GMT900 platform for the 2007 model year. Its introduction was accelerated as sales began slipping. The regular Escalade was again joined by a stretched ESV version as well as a new EXT pickup truck. The 2007 Escalade was the official vehicle of Super Bowl XL, with MVP Hines Ward being awarded one of the first Escalades produced.
The Escalade uses an all-aluminum 6.2 L Vortec V8. This pushrod engine boasts variable valve timing, a first in a mass-produced non-overhead cam engine. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. The engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 ft·lbf (565 N·m) of torque. A new six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission is used. The new body boasts a 0.363 drag coefficient, though the large frontal area hurts aerodynamics.
One major new feature absent from the production vehicle is American Axle's "I-Ride" rear independent suspension module. Instead, a conventional five-link suspension is used.
Production of the redesigned Escalade began at Arlington Assembly in January 2006. It is priced from US$57,280, though the rear-wheel drive version at this price was not produced until August. The more expensive all-wheel drive version was produced first, followed by the long wheelbase ESV and EXT pickup (the latter sourced from the Silao, Mexico, plant) in June.
A special Platinum ESV model will follow in 2007. GM's Active Fuel Management will come in 2008.
The Escalade can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.8 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) in the city and 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) on the highway.
[edit] Engines
* 2007-present — 6.2 L Vortec 6200 V8, 400 hp (298 kW)
[edit] Pricing
* 2007 Escalade (RWD) — $54,725
* 2007 Escalade EXT — $54,210
* 2007 Escalade (AWD) — $57,280
* 2007 Escalade ESV — $59,680
[edit] Popularity
The Escalade has proven very popular with aftermarket tuners, who personalize vehicles for usually affluent customers. While such work is not done by Cadillac, much can be ordered through a Cadillac dealer and done by third-party companies. Much like the customized Cadillacs of the 1970s (during the pimpmobile craze), popular modifications include larger wheels, increased engine performance and custom paint. Due to its expensive parts and exposure from celebrity ownership, the Escalade has also been proven to be popular with car thieves as well, becoming the most frequently stolen vehicle from 2001 to 2003 according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.
[edit] Pop culture
The Escalade has quickly become an easily recognizable presence in pop culture. It has been featured in many hip hop music videos, and it may have been the reason for Cadillac's recent popularity among the urban demographic. Comedian Bernie Mac drives an Escalade on his hit sitcom, The Bernie Mac Show, continuing the brand's popularity among TV stars and standup comedians. Tony Soprano began driving an Escalade on The Sopranos, and after wrecking it while avoiding an animal in the road, quickly procured a new one. The Escalade was also mentioned in an episode of Family Guy as Jesus' vehicle of choice.
source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Escalade |
