2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV SETS NEW STANDARD FOR SIZE, POWER, TECHNOLOGY - AND FUNCTIONALITY

Over the last several years, Cadillac has literally reinvented itself. Once primarily a maker of large luxury sedans, Cadillac has broadened its vision and its lineup, recently debuting the midsize CTS sedan, the Escalade and the Escalade EXT.
Now, Cadillac again extends the franchise as it introduces the new, full-size Escalade ESV.




'The Escalade ESV moves Cadillac into an all-new area of the luxury SÚV market,' said Susan Docherty, Escalade marketing director. 'Its unique blend of size, performance, comfort and sophistication set a high standard for this market.'

Sophisticated style and safety rooted in breakthrough design



Like all Escalades, the aggressive front-end is the vehicle's most distinctive exterior feature, distinguished by a large Cadillac wreath and crest and Cadillac's signature egg-crate grille. High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with chrome bezels deliver a jewel-like appearance, and are integrated with rectangular parking lamps and turn signals. The vehicle's front fascia incorporates recessed tow hooks and rectangular fog lamps. Visibility is assured day and night, thanks to HID headlamps, Daytime Running Lamps and an automatic Twilight Sentinel system. At the rear, the functional step bumper neatly shrouds a standard Class VII trailer hitch.

harmonious, integrated interior
Inside, a newly designed instrument panel and cluster place more crucial operating data in front of the driver and use new graphics to highlight Cadillac's luxury character, using Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. Bvlgari also designed the face of the analog clock, located in the console extension. An ebony background offsets the white facing of the graphics, as well as all control knobs, for a harmonious, integrated look. The cluster gauges feature a simpler design, with chrome halos now highlighting only the tachometer and speedometer.

driver information center monitors 34 functions
A new Driver Information Center monitors and reports on up to 34 system functions - more than any vehicle in its class. The vehicle's instrument panel and cluster - designed to accommodate these new features - provides more crucial operating data than any competitor. An available nine-button steering wheel control allows owners to personalize several functions and safely access new infotainment systems.

A new leather-wrapped, wood-accented steering wheel features redundant nine control buttons, including four for duplicate audio controls, two for trip and fuel calculation, two for programming vehicle functions and one to initiate Voice Recognition for the standard OnStar system.

seamlessly integrated, useful center console
A new center console flows up into the IP and has a new seamlessly integrated, single-piece design for improved fit and finish. A new covered storage compartment with a 'push-push' lid has been added to the left of the clock. The rear of the console has a new LCD temperature display and larger control head for the independent, rear-seat ACC control.

The main console has two large cupholders, two auxiliary power points and an ashtray, all neatly hidden below damped, spring-loaded lids, as well as separate, covered storage for maps, credit cards or a cell phone. The rear of the console facing the second-row seats has a auxiliary power point, rear-seat audio controls, separate right- and left-side controls for second-row heated seat cushions, another set of cupholders and courtesy lights for rear passengers. An overhead mini console provides reading lamps and controls for the rear air conditioning and Homelink, which allows vehicle owners to program up to three different signals for items such as a garage door opener, house lights or an electric gate. It also houses controls for the sunroof. Nearly every convenience feature imaginable - from larger, heated, memory, fold-away rearview mirrors with signal indicators to 'Puddle Lamps' that illuminate the area around the vehicle when the door is opened, keyless entry is used, or when an interior light is activated - is included on the Escalade ESV.

redesigned Bose premium audio system
Escalade ESV features a redesigned and reconfigured Bose audio system with nine speakers for superb imaging, stage and spectral response. GM and Bose engineers worked closely to optimize speaker locations and tune speakers to realistically and accurately reproduce audio and sound throughout the vehicles. The system generates 250 watts RMS of power, and features an in-dash, single-point loading six-disc CD changer. For superb-quality radio reception, a new Diversity Antenna System is employed. It uses an FM antenna located on the driver's rear-quarter window and an AM/FM antenna on the passenger's-side rear-quarter glass feeding a diversity module located in the rear quarter panel, which then feeds the radio with an optimized signal.

exceptional seating comfort
With its class-leading size, the Escalade ESV excels in seating comfort and cargo-carrying capability with room for eight. Its new, more tailored-looking seats are exceptionally soft and supportive, and feature soft, aromatic Nuance leather seating surfaces. The standard front bucket seats are equipped with 10-way power cushion adjusters for the driver and passenger. They also include power adjustable side bolsters and power lumbar, power seatback recliners, independent heated seatbacks and cushions (three settings), a seatback storage pocket, fold-down inboard armrests, manual articulating four-position head restraints, two-position driver's seat memory, and a programmable exit feature. The second-row also offers standard reclining bucket seats, which feature heated cushions. A second row bench seat with heated cushions is optional. To make room for cargo, the second row bucket seats can be flipped and folded. The third row bench seat can be folded or removed for maximum cargo flexibility, yet still offers spacious seating even for adults. In addition, the second and third row seatbacks can be folded to provide a flat load surface. In this configuration the Escalade ESV actually has enough load floor space to carry 4x8 sheets of building materials with the rear liftgate fully closed and secure.

outstanding climate control
A new dual-zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, available with both manual and automatic climate control (ACC), provide outstanding comfort. Dual-zone controls allow the driver and front passenger to adjust the temperature to their own comfort levels - up to a 30-degree Fahrenheit difference between the two front zones. The optional dual-zone ACC automatically controls air delivery, fan speed, temperature and recirculating/outside air to provide faster warmups and cooldowns.

Focus on safety

strong, stiff body
Engineers built a high level of safety and security into Escalade ESV, beginning with an exceptionally strong and stiff body structure, thanks to a three-piece modular, full-length boxed frame featuring hydroformed rails and a stamped steel midsection.

Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle features safety devices such as GM's Passenger Sensing System (PSS). This intelligent system detects if there's a small adult or baby seat in the front passenger seat and will automatically turn the front passenger side air bag off. In addition, the Escalade ESV has dual stage air bags, which control the rate of air bag deployment based on the seat location relative to the instrument panel. All Escalades include front air bags for both driver and passenger, along with driver and front-passenger side-impact air bags. In addition, side-impact door beams and energy-absorbing foam blocks on the interior help protect occupants against head injuries.

Other safety features include large windshields for maximum visibility, big 50-square-inch electrically controlled and heated outside rearview mirrors, automatic programmable door locks, and the PASS Lock II theft-deterrent system.

The confidence of class-leading power and all-wheel-drive

more horsepower, more torque than any SÚV
The best-in-class Vortec 6000 gives the AWD Escalade more horsepower and torque per liter than any SÚV, at 345 hp at 5200 rpm and 380 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The high-compression engine delivers strong acceleration with impressive low-end power and a strong, flat torque curve for excellent pull throughout the rev range. It links to the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD (heavy-duty) electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

The key to the 6.0L's increased output is a set of special cast-aluminum cylinder heads that reduce weight, aid in engine cooling, produce a 10:1 compression ratio and provide better airflow in and out of the combustion chambers via bigger intake and exhaust ports. A larger, 75mm throttle-body and a revised camshaft profile allow the engine to take full advantage of the increased airflow. The Vortec 6000 also incorporates an advanced Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system, which precisely tailors throttle progression to improve driveability, fuel economy and emissions. A specially tuned, less-restrictive exhaust with a redesigned catalytic converter system not only increases performance, but also eliminates the need for an Air Injection Reaction system and helps Escalade ESV meet ultra low emissions vehicle (ÚLEV) certification requirements in California and other states with similar laws.

heavy-duty Hydra-Matic transmission
To handle the additional power of the Escalade's V8, the ESV employs a new Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This heavy-duty version of GM's smooth-shifting workhorse features a wide variety of internal enhancements to improve both torque capacity and durability. Other innovations include Passive Shift Stabilization, which detects overly frequent transmission shifts and delays the upshifts to a higher rpm range while helping to reduce transmission wear, as well as GM's exclusive Tow/Haul mode, which delays upshifts for more effective hauling and towing. The Escalade ESV features a standard Trailer Towing Package, and has a towing capacity of 7400 lbs. - the equivalent to a fully loaded two-horse trailer.

full-time all-wheel-drive system
High-performance engineers maintain the only amount of useful power is what can be delivered to the pavement. That's why the Escalade ESV features a standard full-time, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. It automatically and continuously transfers power to the wheels in a smooth, imperceptible manner to maintain an optimum front-to-rear torque split and the best balance of handling characteristics under all operating conditions. Working seamlessly in conjunction with GM's advanced traction and stability control systems, the Escalade ESV uses the latest technology to optimize control and ride characteristics under any road or load conditions.

finely balanced wheels and tires
The new Borg-Warner 1-speed open differential transfer case permits greater and more flexible front-rear torque transfer than the previous viscous-coupled transfer case. Its increased front torque bias (40 percent front/60 percent rear bias ratio) also improves yaw stability by reducing the potential for understeer. Larger 17 x 7.5-inch standard chrome wheels and P265/70R-17 Goodyear Touring tires have been specially chosen to provide a good balance for ride, handling and traction needs, all while taking full advantage of the AWD system.

The vision of driving with advanced technologies

world-class technology, highly equipped
True to Cadillac's breakthrough engineering heritage, Escalade ESV combines some of the world's leading automotive technologies. Perhaps the most notable is GM's StabiliTrak System, which improves stability and traction on all road surfaces at all speeds. GM's next-generation StabiliTrak stability enhancement system - previously only available on luxury vehicles and sports cars - is standard on Escalade ESV. StabiliTrak's sophisticated sensors tap into the suspension, steering, antilock braking and traction control systems, constantly measuring steering angle, wheel speeds, brake pressure, lateral and longitudinal acceleration and yaw rate (the vehicle rotation rate, such as when cornering).

responds to driver's intent
StabiliTrak helps move the vehicle where the driver points it, responding to understeer or oversteer in mere tenths of a second. It compares the driver's intended path with the vehicle's actual path, and selectively adjusts engine torque and any of the four brakes to help bring the vehicle back under control.

Road-Sensing Suspension
With StabiliTrak also comes GM's computer-controlled Road-Sensing Suspension (RSS), a fully automatic system that improves body stability, ride comfort, trailering performance, wheel control and overall handling under all load conditions. RSS uses electrically controlled shock absorbers, four electronic wheel-position sensors, a steering-angle sensor, brake signals and a computer control module. The shocks are large-bore 46mm monotube dampers, with an integral two-state electric solenoid valve. Úsing sensor and vehicle inputs, the module adjusts the damping function on all four shock absorbers independently in real time, monitoring each input 1,000 times per second. Through a complex software algorithm, it computes the individual shock demand for each wheel to optimize vehicle handling and ride performance at that instant in time. Steering, braking and acceleration inputs, which can help anticipate impending roll, lift and dive, further enhance the system. When driving on surfaces that generate frequent wheel inputs, such as washboard roads, the system selects the best damping to keep wheel-to-road contact.

Últrasonic Rear Parking Assist
For added safety, the Escalade ESV also features Cadillac's Últrasonic Rear Parking Assist (ÚRPA), which uses audio and visual cues to convey information on the distance of objects behind the vehicle, assisting the driver in rear parking maneuvers. The system uses four sensors on the rear fascia, which sequentially send out ultrasonic waves when the vehicle is driven in reverse. The sensors pick up the echo of a signal when it bounces off an object, then activates a visual display located in the right-side rear-quarter D-pillar that is also visible through the driver's inside rearview mirror and works in concert with an audio chime system to alert the driver to any potential hazards. As the vehicle and object move closer together, the system adjusts the visual and audio cues to indicate the closer proximity. The system not only incorporates a snow/ice/mud algorithm in its software, which alerts the driver to clean the rear sensors when required for proper functioning, but also can be disabled when towing a trailer, thus preventing it from beeping unnecessarily.

OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

telematics/infotainment technologies
Escalade ESV drivers can also enjoy the benefits of two cutting-edge telematics technologies - OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. OnStar's Directions and Connections service is standard for one year and includes automatic emergency assistance when airbags deploy, plus remote unlocking and diagnostics services. XM Satellite Radio is also standard on the Escalade ESV. XM radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including 71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial-free) from hip-hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues and 29 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment programming. XM also brings to the car, for the first time on radio, a diverse selection of 24-hour news sources previously available only in the home. And XM's next-generation sound quality technology provides superior sound remarkably close to compact disc.

smarter electrical systems
An advanced new multiplexed electrical architecture makes running all of Escalade ESV's features and functions simple and effective. The new architecture greatly reduces the number of wires, splices and connectors, minimizes weight, improves packaging efficiency, reliability, durability and enables features such as the Driver Information Center, Infotainment, Automatic Climate Control and Passenger Sensing System.

Escalade ESV: setting a new standard
The high level of luxury and advanced features in the new Escalade ESV are things you'd expect only from Cadillac - and its size, power and functionality are things no other manufacturer offers. Together with the Escalade and Escalade EXT, the Escalade ESV helps Cadillac set a new standard for the luxury SÚV market, where a unique combination of standout styling and ingenious technology - puts all Escalades in a class all their own. And with unsurpassed cargo and passenger capacity, the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the one luxury SÚV that can do just about anything.

Source - Cadillac

The Escalade ESV Executive Edition concept offers 'stealth' transportation for the high profile executive – ultra-luxury accommodations in an understated package. The Escalade ESV Executive Edition also is the world's only limousine equipped with Quadrasteer, an all-wheel steering system for exceptional maneuverability.
'This is a vehicle for that executive or celebrity who desires the same VIP options found in traditional chauffeured transportation, but without the attention they would normally receive in a traditional limousine,' said Kim McGill, Escalade marketing director.




In distinctive limousine style, a power-operated partition separates the first and second rows of seating for passenger seclusion from the cockpit. Second row foldable rear-facing seats give this limousine an intimate office-meeting environment

The third row seating consists of forward facing 14-way power bucket seats with integrated footrests, armrests, and heated and cooled cupholders. From this commanding position, the occupants can easily access the Escalade ESV Executive Edition's premium DVD infotainment system, which includes a Bose 13-speaker surround sound system designed exclusively for the vehicle.



The infotainment system includes a DVD player, laptop computer, printer/scanner, and wireless keyboard and mouse, all of which are mounted in the interior trim or stowed neatly in the integrated second row console. For the executive who uses this vehicle as an office on wheels, the laptop computer can display files and presentations on the 22-inch plasma screen, the two C-pillar mounted LCD screens, or just the laptop screen. Or, if it is time to relax, a DVD movie can be played while being enveloped in Bose Surround Sound. To complete this experience a beverage of choice can be heated or cooled in the integrated cupholders or stored in the refrigerator compartment in the C-pillar.

Outside, the Escalade ESV Executive Edition has several differences from the regular production ESV, starting with a new grille inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept. It is outfitted with Algonquin auto-extending running boards that power retract for full concealment under the rocker panels. The windows and raised moon roof are bronze tinted and the raised moon roof has LCD active tint control from the BRG Group for increased occupant privacy, as needed.

The Escalade ESV Executive Edition is built on 2500 Series ¾-ton chassis with Quadrasteer, and rides on 22-inch GFG Cannes wheels with 305/40VR22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. An 8.1-liter V-8 engine that generates 320 horsepower and 445 lb.-ft. of torque powers the Escalade ESV Executive Edition.

ESCALADE ESV EXECÚTIVE EDITION VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

2500 Series ¾-ton chassis with Quadrasteer
8.1L V-8 (320 horsepower, 445 lb.-ft. of torque)
New grille inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept car
22-inch GFG Cannes wheels with 305/40VR22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero Tires
Algonquin auto-extending running boards
Raised moon roof with LCD active tint control by BRG Group
Deep tint bronze side glass and moon roof
Luxurious, well appointed interior
First- and second-row divider screen with power up/down
Second-row foldable rear-facing seats
Third-row power bucket seats with integrated footrests
Wood trim with inlays
Nuance leather with Alcantera ultra suede and luxurious carpeting
Premium DVD infotainment system
22-inch plasma screen HD monitor (mounted on divider screen)
Bose 13-speaker surround sound
Second-row LCD screens
Laptop, printer/scanner and wireless keyboard/mouse
DVD player
Integrated second-row console (for computer storage)
Refrigeration compartment

Source - GM