2007 SEMA Show: Aims for Drama With 550-HP Escalade Sport Concept

LAS VEGAS — Urban hipsters should find their heads swiveling at the Cadillac Escalade Sport concept, one of the luxury marque's 2007 SEMA Show offerings.

The Escalade concept boasts a sport-tuned suspension with a 2-inch-lower ride height, a high-performance brake package and unique air induction and exhaust systems. The underhood cover protects a small-block V8 with approximately 550 horsepower linked to a 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior gets a modified front and rear fascia with new upper and lower grilles, a new roof rack, new hood and retractable side steps with aero rockers. Eye-popping 24-inch forged alloy wheels add to the sense of drama with this concept.

The cabin is outfitted with Recaro sport bucket seats in the first and second rows with the third row deleted. The rear hatch gets an aluminum cargo floor. The driver gets a modified center console with new shifter and shift knob, along with billet aluminum pedals.

Cadillac brags that the concept "showcases even more of the dramatic presence and power" that has made Escalade an "image leader."

What this means to you: The already impressive Escalade takes on even more stature at the SEMA show.

© Source: edmunds

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2007 SEMA Show: Cadillac CTS Sport

LAS VEGAS — The public unveiling of the 2009 CTS-V is still more than two months away. Meanwhile, at the 2007 SEMA Show, Cadillac aims to fill the void with the CTS Sport concept.

This one looks like mostly a cosmetic package, with few of the high-performance mods expected on the next CTS-V, which is being unwrapped at the upcoming Detroit show and goes on sale next fall.

The CTS Sport gets a variety of exterior add-ons, including new front and rear fascias with carbon-fiber and wire-mesh inserts, a modified hood with wire-mesh inserts and carbon-fiber front fender extractors and rear deck lid spoiler. You'll also spot the forged and polished 20-inch wheels, the painted calipers and drilled/slotted rotors on the high-performance brakes, and the rectangular exhaust tips with wire-mesh inserts.

Inside, the CTS Sport features Recaro leather sport seats and carbon-fiber trim.

Under the hood is a production-based, direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 — a far cry from the supercharged big-bore V8 that's rumored for the new CTS-V.

What this means to you: Look for the real deal in January at the Detroit show.

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2007 SEMA Show: Jay Leno Shows off Green 600-HP Modified Corvette Z06

LAS VEGAS — If Al Gore were to make an appearance at the 2007 SEMA Show, there's no doubt that he would find an excellent photo op in front of Jay Leno's E85 Z06-inspired C6RS Corvette. The car's 600 horses aren't an issue, since Leno's rocket runs on ethanol.

"The C6RS is the result of an idea we hatched to prove that high-performance cars and alternative fuel technology weren't diametrically opposed concepts," said Leno, who increasingly sounds like the voice of reason when it comes to automotive trends. "I love the idea of having 600 horsepower at my disposal, but using a homegrown alternative to gasoline."

The C6RS Corvette's fuel system and engine control computer were modified to use E85, with the spent gases exiting through a Corsa exhaust system. The custom 8.2-liter all-aluminum small-block V8 is linked to a strengthened T-56 six-speed transmission and a high-performance Centerforce dual-friction clutch.

The comic did not choose green paint for this SEMA offering. Instead, it is clad in C6.R-inspired black paint. Other design cues include wider front and rear fenders and a wider rear fascia with an integrated spoiler on top and a racing-style diffuser at the bottom. The cabin deliberately veers away from a spartan look, with premium features that include a two-tone shift knob and boot, leather-covered console armrest and racing-style pedal covers.

What this means to you: Leno appears to be committed to giving us the best of both worlds.

© Source: edmunds
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