2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

MIAMI — Cadillac has announced that it will give its 2008 Escalade the "Platinum" treatment with a special-edition model set to make its debut in the spring.

The 2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum will be equipped with the brand's Magnetic Ride Control, a "real-time damping system" that gives the SUV more precise body-motion control. The Escalade Platinum will also have LED headlamps added shortly after the start of production in summer 2008.

Appearance tweaks include a unique front fascia and grille patterned after the Cadillac CTS, along with 22-inch wheels and Platinum badging. In the cabin, the Escalade Platinum gets aniline leather and contrasting-color stitching. Other features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cupholders, and a power liftgate. The DVD entertainment system bundles screens in the front seat headrests.

The Platinum Escalade is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing has not been announced. The Escalade is the latest in Cadillac's Platinum lineup, which includes the DTS, STS and XLR.

© Source: edmunds
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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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2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review

What's New for 2008
For 2008, two-wheel drive becomes available on the Cadillac Escalade ESV (late availability).

Introduction
For the first half of 2007, overall sales of full-size SUVs were down relative to the previous year's figures, but it was a different story for a subset of this group. Full-size luxury SUVs, a glamorous bunch that includes the Cadillac Escalade ESV, saw a slight sales increase. Apparently, not even high gas prices and changing consumer tastes can slow the demand for rides that are big on flash and prestige.

Power is another of this SUV's strengths. The ESV, like the regular Escalade, comes with a 403-horsepower V8. Of course, with a curb weight approaching 3 tons, the Escalade ESV is most definitely a plus-sized model, and you'll never find yourself bragging about fuel economy. Still, acceleration is vigorous, and there's enough towing capacity to make short work of most hauling tasks.

Given its deluxe price tag, you expect lots of luxury from this Caddy, and for the most part, it delivers. Its interior scores high marks for comfort. Overall materials quality is respectable and ergonomics are spot on, with user-friendly controls -- particularly the large, optional navigation touchscreen. Though the 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV is awash with convenience features (standard amenities include a power liftgate, surround-sound audio and three-zone climate control), it's missing one very useful feature: fold-flat third-row seating.

Powertrains and Performance
The Escalade ESV is available with either two-wheel drive (late availability) or all-wheel drive. All models are powered by a 6.2-liter V8 that boasts 403 hp and 417 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission features both a tow/haul and a manual shift mode. According to revised EPA fuel estimates, the 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV gets 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway -- figures that are right in step with those offered by others in its segment. This Cadillac tows up to 7,800 pounds.

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