2005 ESCALADE EXT: CADILLAC BOLDNESS REDEFINED
Source: GM Media

When it first debuted, the Escalade EXT represented Cadillac’s vision in a number of ways: a luxury division willing to take risks, explore uncharted territory and break from tradition to launch an entirely unexpected, expressive vehicle.

Indeed, the vision has been achieved. A sport utility truck, with elements of a luxury SUV and pickup truck, the Escalade EXT is Cadillac’s novel, groundbreaking interpretation of the genre, and a bold, brash symbol of Cadillac’s reinvigoration.

The Escalade EXT has exposed Cadillac to new generations and categories of buyers who might not have considered the marquee in the past. Like its older sibling, Escalade, the EXT has appeared in music videos and custom wheel advertisements and is often found in the garages of professional athletes and celebrities.

For 2005, subtle refinements and new standard equipment improve the Escalade EXT. The primary change is a highly detailed, premium instrument panel gauge cluster with bright chromed rings around the gauges and more detailed graphics. In addition, new burled walnut trim replaces traditional Zebrano trim. All models receive a new bright chrome exhaust tip. The navigation system now uses a touch screen rather than a joystick, and the screen size increases to 6.5 inches (165 mm) for easier use. Riptide, a teal blue metallic exterior paint, replaces Arrival Blue.

The Escalade EXT also will receive an all-new cooling system with two electric cooling fans and regulated voltage control system that includes a 160 amp alternator (upgraded from 145 amp). This will improve A/C performance at idle.

OnStar-equipped Escalade EXT models feature new sixth-generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar’s Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

All 2005 Cadillac owners in the U.S. will receive 12 months of complimentary access to Cadillac Virtual Advisor by OnStar. Cadillac Virtual Advisor service begins at activation of OnStar Personal Calling. Cadillac Virtual Advisor provides three-day weather forecasts and traffic reports within pre-selected ranges of 5, 10 or 15 miles of the vehicle’s location in most major markets. Cadillac Virtual Advisor also monitors traffic for up to three personalized routes and reports information on up to 10 selected stocks on the DJI and NASDAQ markets – all at the touch of a single button.

Powertrains
The best-in-class H.O. Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 cranks out 345 horsepower (257 kw) at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) at 4000 rpm. The engine links to the Hydra-Matic 4L65-E heavy-duty electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Electronic throttle control provides precise throttle progression.

Safety features
The Escalade EXT features automatic passenger-sensing air bag suppression with a passenger sensing system (PSS) that automatically deactivates the passenger-side front air bag under certain conditions to help protect smaller occupants.

The Escalade EXT also has dual-stage frontal air bags for supplemental protection for front seat passengers. Dual-stage frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system’s control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment, and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient. The primary stage alone will deploy in most frontal impacts requiring the supplemental protection of an air bag, while a secondary stage is designed to deploy in more severe frontal collisions.

Driver confidence is assured in unpredictable weather conditions with Escalade’s full-time all-wheel-drive system, four-channel StabiliTrak system and Borg-Warner one-speed full-time open-differential transfer case. Any of the four wheels can be independently controlled with the four-channel system, offering more stable, controlled ABS stops, improved fuel economy, reliability and serviceability, and greater yaw-stability control. Benefits include reduced understeer and proper brake pressure for traction and yaw stability control at all times.

Exterior
The Escalade EXT is unmistakably a Cadillac with its sheer, chiseled forms and bold styling. In its standard configuration, EXT offers a roomy, luxurious, comfortable five-passenger cab and a 5-foot, 3-inch (1.6 m) long cargo box. Luxury customers requiring more cargo room can easily convert the reconfigurable Midgate system in a few minutes without any tools, extending the bed to a full 8-foot, 1-inch (2.46 m).

The Midgate folds into the interior of the cab to create a 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2 m by 2.4 m) cargo area to transport large items, from artwork to a large screen TV.

Items are protected from the elements and theft by a standard three-piece cargo cover and lockable tailgate. The cargo bed also offers protection for items secured inside. The sides of the cargo box, along with the Midgate and tailgate, are constructed of Pro-Tec composite material. The rear window is removable to allow for additional cargo space or for added air circulation.

Interior
For audio/visual aficionados, Escalade EXT has an available DVD rear seat entertainment system with a 7-inch (178-mm) flip-down screen. It also includes a DVD navigation system, standard XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) and a premium seven-speaker Bose sound system with an in-dash six-disc changer and digital signal processing for superb imaging, stage and spectral response. The navigation system uses an onboard computer and vehicle sensors to interact with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the DVD map database to provide precise vehicle location and to calculate a driving route to a destination. It can help locate and provide routes to addresses, intersections, and points of interest such as ATMs, restaurants, hospitals and museums – all with visual and voice guided directions.