Cadillac unveils new generation Escalade at Middle East International Motor Show: An icon is reborn

The all-new Escalade, which is one of the main stars at this year's Show, establishes a new level of refinement and style, delivered with an instantly recognizable form that introduces the next step in Cadillac's ongoing renaissance.

"It was the previous-generation Escalade that launched the renaissance of the Cadillac brand and what has followed is one of the most remarkable success stories in GM history," commented Terry Johnsson, Managing Director, General Motors Middle East when he revealed the new Escalade to the press at the Dubai World Trade Centre. "The Escalade family is one of the most aspirational nameplates in the industry so it is fitting that the new generation Escalade should herald a new phase in Cadillac's international growth."

While it is always a challenge to improve on a great vehicle, the all-new Cadillac Escalade features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful and most efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2 litre all-aluminium V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque.

Distinctive design,
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade has a sleeker, cleaner and more athletic form with improved aerodynamics while appearing smaller in stature. "The new Escalade introduces the future of Cadillac design," commented Fadi Ghosn, Director Premium Brands, General Motors Middle East. "It is instantly identifiable and incorporates styling cues from the 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's flowing design and bolster the feeling of refinement. 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 helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise.

The bold Escalade front-end grille is flanked by tri-element headlamps that use High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting technology, with available IntelliBeam automatic headlamp beam control. Rear-end styling also is distinct and is highlighted by LED tail lamps, LED-lit centre high-mount stop light, chrome accents and an integrated trailer hitch cover.

Larger standard and available wheels, including standard 18-inch wheels and available chrome 22-inch wheels, are tailored to fit the wheel openings. This precise wheel-to-body relationship, enabled by a wider track, gives Escalade a more athletic presence and lowered stance.

Refined, spacious interior
All-new interior styling is a cornerstone of the new Escalade. The flowing, luxurious interior is complemented with premium materials and a distinct layout. The cabin is more spacious, with an instrument panel that is lower and moved forward in the vehicle.

A two-tone interior appearance gives Escalade the aura of a roomy luxury sedan. The upscale styling is complemented by new, softer and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel and other trim pieces. The harmonious colour and grain of the materials were carefully selected to provide a premium feel as well as durability. Flush-mounted controls and radios, with almost imperceptible gaps, convey precision and integration.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the vehicle. There is no visible hardware to greet occupants when the doors are opened and there are no exposed fasteners or hardware on the pillars, seats or seat tracks. The seats have "close-outs" that surround the seat bottoms and seat tracks, creating a more finished appearance. Fasteners and hardware are also covered when the seats are folded.

When it comes to convenience and capability, Escalade delivers with a new industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat, as well as a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. The remote starting feature is standard and is integrated with the tri-zone automatic climate control system, allowing the interior to be cooled when the vehicle is remotely started.

An enhanced array of audio, infotainment and safety options also includes an available 8-inch touch-screen navigation system, as well as a DVD system with large 8-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, DVD video, CD audio, CD videos and MP3s.

Driving experience
With a reputation as one of the segment's top performers, the '07 Escalade builds on its heritage with a combination of performance, responsiveness and comfort that channels the vehicle-wide refinements into an effortless driving experience.

A new 6.2 litre V-8 rated at 403 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque is exclusive to Escalade. This all-aluminium engine uses variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. One of the industry's most advanced six-speed automatic transmissions delivers an excellent balance of smoothness, performance and fuel economy. It has Driver Shift Control (tap up/tap down) capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts with a button on the column shifter.

Larger, four-wheel disc brakes and an all-new ABS system help ensure braking performance. The ABS system works with the standard StabiliTrak stability control system's new rollover mitigation technology. Enhanced driving control and ride smoothness are offered with the standard Road Sensing System, which uses electronically controlled shock absorbers to make nearly instantaneous damping adjustments. The system "reads" the road and anticipates the best damping rates.

Safety and security
The '07 Escalade models are designed to be among the industry's safest and most secure vehicles, with a 360-degree perimeter safety system of occupant protection and crash avoidance technologies. New features include roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and front-seat safety belt pretensioners that are linked to the vehicle's sensing system to provide segment-exclusive deployment in rear-end crashes.

The roof-mounted head curtain side air bag system incorporates one of the segment's first rollover indication sensors, which is located on the vehicle's centre tunnel in the occupant compartment. The sensor monitors the vehicle's accelerations and roll rate. If these signals indicate an impending rollover, the roof-mounted head curtain side air bags deploy to provide an extra measure of occupant protection and containment.

Additional safety and security features include a standard tire pressure monitoring system; an available rain-sensing wiper system; an available Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that can detect certain stationary objects in the rearward path of the vehicle and send an audible warning sound: and an available rearview camera system designed to provide the driver with a view of people or objects in the rearward path of the vehicle.

"Sales of the new Escalade are planned to start in the Middle East in the second half of 2006," added Ghosn. "Since the existing Escalade was launched, it has been a vehicle that discerning Middle East customers have aspired to own and this is set to continue with the new generation."