ALL-NEW CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT SPORT UTILITY TRUCK DEBUTS SUMMER 2006
Source: GM Media

The all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT brings unmatched versatility to the completely redesigned Escalade family of luxury SUVs. Blending pickup truck-style functionality into a thoroughly luxurious Escalade, the EXT model joins the extended ESV model to create the industry’s largest family of luxury SUVs.

Based on General Motors’ all-new full-size SUV platform, the ’07 Escalade EXT features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque.

The EXT model is a unique Sport Utility Truck (SUT) body style, giving it a part-SUV, part-pickup profile. With the industry-exclusive Midgate panel owners can easily convert the EXT from a five-passenger SUV into a two-passenger pickup with 9 feet of protected and secured storage. The Midgate, located behind the rear seat, can be folded into the cabin, enabling the cargo area to expand from 5 feet to 8 feet, for a total of 101 cu ft. in secured volume. A lockable standard tonneau cover protects items in the cargo bed, or can be removed entirely for added space.

The all-new 2007 model Cadillac Escalade EXT with all-wheel drive will be in dealerships in summer 2006. It also will be sold outside North America , strengthening Cadillac's global portfolio.

Escalade EXT is identical to the standard-length Escalade from the front doors forward, and is as long as the extended-length ESV model. The EXT shares all the comprehensive upgrades of the new Escalade. It has a sleek, clean and athletic form with improved aerodynamics. It is instantly identifiable and incorporates styling cues from Cadillac’s landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a more detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.

Details in elements such as wraparound fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards enhance Escalade EXT’s flowing design and bolster the refined feeling. All major sheetmetal and body components are new and feature crisp, taut lines. The sleek, toned look includes a faster windshield angle of 57 degrees, which flows gracefully into the roofline. This also improves aerodynamic performance, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise.

Escalade’s completely transformed interior carries through on the new Escalade EXT. The warm and inviting interior is complemented with premium materials and a distinct layout. The cabin also is more spacious, with an instrument panel that is lower and moved forward in the vehicle. This interior comes in two colors: Ebony and Cashmere . The vehicle features 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 available heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel.

Escalade EXT also includes an available eight-inch touch-screen navigation system, as well as a DVD system with large eight-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/video, CD audio/video, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio.

A new 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm)* is exclusive to the Escalade family. This all-aluminum engine uses v ariable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing on select GM small-block engines is the industry’s first application of VVT.

A new Hydra-Matic 6L80 RWD six-speed automatic transmission is mated to 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.

A stronger frame and chassis support the more powerful powertrain and enable 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 stiffness, compared to previous models.

Larger, four-wheel disc brakes and an all-new Bosch ABS system help ensure braking performance. ABS works with the 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.

Escalade EXT is designed to be among the industry’s safest and most secure vehicles, with numerous safety systems and crash-avoidance technologies. New occupant protection features include head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and an industry-first 360-degree front safety belt pretensioner activation system.

In keeping with Cadillac’s reputation for advanced technology, for 2007, OnStar-equipped Escalade EXT models will feature Generation 7 technology and a new service called OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle’s stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system’s GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. For more information about OnStar, see the OnStar Overview in the Product Information Guide Corporate Book.