2011 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade continues to offer the most complete model lineup in its segment, with three distinct body styles and the Escalade Platinum models. The standard Escalade is complemented by the extended length ESV model and the innovative EXT model that features a reconfigurable cargo bed with a segment-exclusive midgate enabling the rear compartment to flex between passenger and cargo space.

Escalade Platinum is the highest expression of the brand's dramatic design, luxury and technology. With features including segment-first LED headlamps and the world's fastest-acting suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, it's one of the most technically advanced vehicles in the segment.

Also available is the Escalade Hybrid, which delivers up to a 33-percent city fuel economy improvement without sacrificing the luxury features that define all Escalade models.

Escalade features
The Escalade lineup features integrated powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems that deliver some of the most powerful, efficient luxury SÚVs in the segment, led by a 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* The 6.2L engine is also a flexfuel engine and can run on renewable E85 ethanol.

The Escalade and Escalade ESV are available in AWD and RWD configurations. The Escalade EXT sport-utility truck features standard, full-time AWD. A strong frame and chassis support the Escalade's robust powertrain and enable exceptional responsiveness and smoothness.

Four-wheel disc brakes and an ABS system help ensure braking performance. ABS works with the StabiliTrak stability control system's 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.

A roster of advanced features reinforces Escalade's position as technology leader, designed to bolster comfort, convenience and safety. They include:

• Side blind zone alert

• Power retractable assist steps

• Automatic headlamps with IntelliBeam automatic high/low beams

• Últrasonic rear parking assist

• Rear vision camera system

• Bose AudioPilot active noise cancellation technology, which continuously adjusts the music in response to background noise

• Fully functioning LED headlamps (exclusive to Escalade Platinum)

• Heated and cooled cupholders (exclusive to Escalade Platinum)

• Magnetic Ride Control

• Power-titling and heated steering wheel

• Eight-inch navigation radio with new CompactFlash memory and auxiliary jack

• Rear-seat, DVD entertainment system

• Heated and cooled front seats

• Adaptive remote start

• Power liftgate

Also available is an advanced navigation system with real-time traffic, expanded voice prompts and 3D imaging of major landmarks.

Escalade also has a full array of safety features: Front row-dual stage airbags, head curtain side airbags for all passenger rows, front row thorax airbags, and front row seat pretensioners.

Escalade Platinum

Magnetic Ride Control gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system – 'reading' the road in millisecond intervals and changes damping in 5 milliseconds. It replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles. Únder the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

The LED headlamps emulate the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly lasting 10 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs.

Inside the Escalade Platinum is the latest example of Cadillac's 21st century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are leather wrapped. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with unique wood inlays and aluminum trim.

Tehama aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to fully trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, with the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat.

Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats; a heated steering wheel; and heated and cooled cupholders and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front-seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen.

Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices. Escalade Platinum models will include the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen for Navigation, DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite Radio entertainment.

Escalade interior

A unique instrument panel is a defining attribute of the Escalade's interior, and includes gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting. The well-appointed cabin also includes heated and cooled 14-way powered Nuance leather seats; leather door upper trim and center console; fabric-covered interior pillars; olive ash and walnut burl wood inlays; aluminum trim; and an available heated steering wheel.

Escalade delivers convenience with an industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat, and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. A power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button also is standard.

Escalade also includes an eight-inch touch-screen navigation system (standard), as well as an optional DVD system with a large, eight-inch flip-down screen. A segment-first Bose 5.1 digital surround sound system is integrated into a family of radios that play DVD audio/video, CD audio/video, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio.

Escalade ESV


The Cadillac Escalade ESV is the largest member of the Escalade family, offering maximum passenger accommodations and cargo capacity. Combining power, size and strength with trademark Cadillac styling and technology, the full-size Escalade ESV has strongly positioned Cadillac in the large luxury SÚV market.

The vehicle is 21 inches (53.4 cm) longer than Escalade, translating into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability – up to 137.4 cubic feet (3,891 L) behind the first row, with the second folded and third row removed. It features all the same elements and features as the standard Escalade, but adds an additional eight-inch flip-down screen for third-row passengers.

Escalade EXT

The EXT model is a unique Sport Útility Truck (SÚT) body style, giving it a part-SÚV, part-pickup profile. With the industry-exclusive Midgate panel, owners can easily convert the EXT from a five-passenger SÚV into a two-passenger pickup with eight 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 five feet to eight feet, for a total of 101 cubic feet in secured volume. A lockable, standard tonneau cover protects items in the cargo bed, or can be removed entirely for added space.

All 2011 Cadillac Escalade models are now equipped with ninth-generation OnStar technology. The flexible speech recognition system is now smart enough to interpret different sentences/phrases without actually hearing the exact 2-3 word commands from the user. For example, if a subscriber wants to place a call using the Hands Free Calling System, if they simply say, 'I would like to make a phone call' or 'Need to make a phone call,' instead of saying the exact 'dial' or 'call' command, the system will understand that the user wants to place a call and process that command accordingly. The system is capable of recognizing thousands of sentences that users may say.

Additionally, significant improvements have been made to the flexible speech recognition system to allow it to better understand the many regional dialects that subscribers may have. This means that a subscriber in Southern Louisiana will be just as easily understood by the OnStar system as a subscriber in Long Island or Minnesota, no matter how thick his or her accent may be. OnStar engineers in North America and China perform extensive validation testing across four languages (English, French, Spanish and Mandarin), more than thirty different dialects and vehicles models in a wide range of driving and noise conditions.

Source - Cadillac

2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE HYBRID

Cadillac's innovative Escalade Hybrid is the world's first hybrid full-size luxury SÚV. It achieves an EPA-rated 20 miles per gallon in the city, up to a 33-percent city fuel economy improvement over the non-hybrid model. The Escalade Hybrid lineup also includes the premium Escalade Hybrid Platinum model.

Both models are powered by an innovative, fuel-saving two-mode hybrid system and offer the same dramatic design, luxury and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon. Both are available in RWD and 4WD configurations. They deliver up to 5,800 pounds (2,631 kg) of usable towing capacity on RWD models and 5,600 pounds (2,540 kg) on 4WD models.

Escalade Hybrid models include nearly all of Escalade's standard comfort and convenience features, including an eight-inch, touch screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the hybrid system.

Patented two-mode hybrid technology
Escalade Hybrid's patented two-mode hybrid system consists of an advanced, electrically variable transmission and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System. These systems work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management and late-intake valve closing technology.

The key to Escalade's two-mode hybrid system is that the hybrid system itself generates the electric power used to propel the vehicle. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is then used to move the vehicle. This cycle repeats itself continually to increase fuel economy.

Providing power to the hybrid's electrically variable transmission's two electric motors is a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System. This battery pack is under the second-row seat, where it takes up virtually no additional space and does not interfere with second- or third-row ingress/egress.

Additional features of the hybrid powertrain and supporting systems include:

• Fully blended regenerative braking captures energy that would otherwise be lost during vehicle deceleration.

• A 6.0L V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management and late intake valve closing (Atkinson-cycle combustion process) for reduced pumping losses and better overall fuel economy. It is rated at 332 horsepower (248 kW) and 367 lb.-ft. of torque (498 Nm) and runs on regular unleaded fuel. (concept carz)

• Auto Stop mode. Once the vehicle reaches 0 mph, the gasoline engine may automatically shut down, leaving the engine off there by conserving fuel and emitting no tailpipe emissions.

• At low speeds such as during city driving or heavy stop-and-go traffic, the hybrid may use only electric power

• When engine loads permit the hybrid will use both engine and electric power sources to move the vehicle.

• An exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine's Active Fuel Management operation. It ensures comfortable interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation

• An electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. It includes the standard tri-zone climate control system.

• Electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering system reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems.

• The Energy Storage System cooling system's internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds, when occupants could more easily hear it.

The Escalade Hybrid's battery pack durability and reliability are maintained via optimized charge and discharge cycles, as well as a dedicated cooling system that draws air from the passenger compartment. The vehicle's emission control system, hybrid drive line and the energy storage system are warranted for eight years/100,000 miles.

Escalade Hybrid Platinum


• A distinctive front fascia with unique upper and lower grilles

• Únique 22-inch wheels

• Magnetic Ride Control technology

• LED headlamps

• Exclusive interior appointments with full Aniline leather first- and second-row seats

• DVD entertainment system with screens integrated in front-seat headrests.

The Escalade Hybrid Platinum edition includes a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements, including unique 22-inch wheels and exclusive Platinum exterior badges. Segment-first applications of Magnetic Ride Control technology (available on all Escalade models with 22-inch wheels) and full-function light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps highlight the Platinum's technology.

Magnetic Ride Control gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system – 'reading' the road in millisecond intervals and changes damping in just 5 milliseconds. It replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles. Únder the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

The LED headlamps emulate the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly lasting 10 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs.

Inside the Escalade Hybrid Platinum is the latest example of Cadillac's 21st century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are leather wrapped. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with olive ash and walnut burl wood inlays and aluminum trim.

Tehama aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Hybrid Platinum and is used to fully trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, with the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat.

Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats; a heated steering wheel; and heated and cooled cupholders and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front-seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen.

Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices. Escalade Hybrid Platinum models include the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen navigation and control of the DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite Radio entertainment.

All 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid models are now equipped with ninth-generation OnStar technology. The flexible speech recognition system is now smart enough to interpret different sentences/phrases without actually hearing the exact 2-3 word commands from the user. For example, if a subscriber wants to place a call using the Hands Free Calling System, if they simply say, 'I would like to make a phone call' or 'Need to make a phone call,' instead of saying the exact 'dial' or 'call' command, the system will understand that the user wants to place a call and process that command accordingly. The system is capable of recognizing thousands of sentences that users may say.

Additionally, significant improvements have been made to the flexible speech recognition system to allow it to better understand the many regional dialects that subscribers may have. This means that a subscriber in Southern Louisiana will be just as easily understood by the OnStar system as a subscriber in Long Island or Minnesota, no matter how thick his or her accent may be. OnStar engineers in North America and China perform extensive validation testing across four languages (English, French, Spanish and Mandarin), more than thirty different dialects and vehicles models in a wide range of driving and noise conditions.

Source - Cadillac