2004 Cadillac Escalade

2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE EMBODIES BOLD, BREAKTHROUGH STRATEGY

In a few short years, Escalade has taken its place as a leader in the luxury SÚV market, and as the starting point for Cadillac's product renaissance.
An instant hit with professional athletes, musicians, movie stars and automotive enthusiasts, Escalade's self-assured stance and strong lines have attracted younger, affluent buyers to Cadillac, inspired song lyrics and created quite a following. The average Escalade buyer is 50 years old, about 12 years younger than the average Cadillac buyer.




'The Escalade is a prime example of Cadillac's commitment to bold, breakthrough products,' said Susan Docherty, Escalade marketing director. 'But perhaps more importantly, it has served as a beacon for new buyers into the division and a symbol of the re-emergence of Cadillac into the marketplace.'

The 2003 model year was one of marked change for the award-winning Escalade. A refreshed interior and upscale technologies such as the DVD rear seat entertainment and DVD navigation system made their debut. For 2004, subtle refinements and new standard equipment improve the marque.



New colors
New exterior colors include Blue Chip, Quicksilver and Red E, replacing Silver Sand, Green Envy and InfraRed. Sable Black has been renamed Black Raven for 2004.

Powertrains
The best-in-class High Output Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 makes the all-wheel drive Escalade the world's most powerful full size SÚV with 345 horsepower (257 kw) at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (516 Nm) at 4000 rpm. The engine links to the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E heavy-duty electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The rear-wheel-drive model uses the 295-hp (220 kw) Vortec 5300 V-8, coupled to a standard Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Both engines feature electronic throttle control.

Safety features
The Escalade features an automatic passenger-sensing air bag system that automatically deactivates the passenger-side front air bag under certain conditions to help protect smaller occupants. The system assesses the size of the occupant in the seat, based on the measured weight in the seat cushion and tension in the belt system, if any. If these measurements are typical for a small occupant or a child in a booster seat, for example, the air bag is disabled. If they are typical for a larger occupant, the air bag is enabled. As no system is perfect, there is a tell-tale in the rearview mirror that lets the occupant know if the system is ON or OFF. Also, children are always safer in the back seat. Side impact air bags are also standard for both the driver and front passenger. In addition, side-impact door beams and energy-absorbing foam blocks on the interior help protect occupants against head injuries.

The Escalade also has dual-level frontal air bags for both driver and passenger. The system is designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The dual-level air-bag system senses the severity of a crash and determines whether to deploy the air bag with primary or 'lower' amount of inflation or with primary and secondary 'higher' amount of inflation.

Escalade also has a second-row center-seat shoulder belt and a child restraint anchor system to make installing child seats easier.

Driver confidence is assured in unpredictable weather conditions with Escalade's full-time all-wheel drive system, four-channel StabiliTrak system and a 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.

A new tire pressure monitoring system measures tire inflation pressures in the four tires and flashes a graphic on the instrument cluster should air pressure drop below a specified level.

Interior
The Escalade's comfortable seats feature a simple, clean, European-style appearance. Standard second-row bucket seats can be folded to create a flat load floor for extra versatility and flexibility. Front-row buckets have 10-way power adjustment, power side bolsters and power lumbar support. Heated seating, with separate cushion and seatback settings, can be found in all bucket seats and in the outer positions on the optional second row bench seat.

The instrument panel and cluster, which was redesigned for the 2003 model year, places more crucial operating data in front of the driver. An ebony background offsets the white facing of the graphics and control knobs for a harmonious, integrated look. Minimalistic cluster gauges have brushed painted halos highlighting the tachometer and speedometer. Italian jewelry designer Bvlgari designed the analog clock displayed in the console. A new, jeweled wreath and crest horn-pad emblem is found on all Escalades.

For audio/visual aficionados, Escalade has an available DVD rear seat entertainment system with a 7-inch flip-down screen and DVD navigation system, standard XM Satellite Radio and a premium nine-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 route to addresses, intersections, and points of interest such as ATMs, restaurants, hospitals and museums - all with visual and voice-guided directions.

Smart electrical systems
An advanced multiplexed electrical architecture greatly reduces the number of wires, splices and connectors, minimizes weight, and improves packaging efficiency, reliability and durability. The architecture enables the driver information center, infotainment, automatic climate control and passenger-sensing air bag system.

Source - Cadillac

2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE | New for 2004

• Most powerful full size SÚV in the world

• XM Satellite Radio (continental Ú.S. only), trailering package, second-row bucket seats, and tire pressure monitor now standard

• Second-row bench seat becomes a no-charge option

• Sunroof and rear seat entertainment can now be combined

• Exterior colors: Blue Chip, Quicksilver, Red

• Sable Black exterior renamed Black Raven

Source - Cadillac

ESCALADE EXT BRINGS NEW BUYERS TO CADILLAC

When it first debuted, the Escalade EXT represented Cadillac's vision in a number of ways: a luxury division willing to take risks and explore uncharted territory, willing to break from tradition and launch an entirely unexpected, expressive vehicle.
Indeed, the vision has been achieved. A sport utility truck, with elements of a luxury SÚV and pickup truck, the Escalade EXT is Cadillac's novel, groundbreaking interpretation of the genre, and a bold, brash symbol of Cadillac's reinvigoration.




In addition, the Escalade EXT made its Hollywood debut in May 2003 in 'The Matrix Reloaded.' In what has been billed as one of the most stunning car chases of all time, the vehicle, along with the Cadillac CTS, zipped its way through a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop on an old Ú.S. naval base in California, built especially for the sequel.

The 2003 model year brought many changes to the award-winning Escalade EXT. For 2004, subtle refinements and new standard equipment improve the marque.



New colors
New exterior colors include Quicksilver and Red E, replacing Silver Sand and Green Envy. Sable Black has been renamed Black Raven for 2004.

Powertrains
The best-in-class High Output Vortec 6000 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 4L60-E heavy-duty electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Electronic throttle control provides precise throttle progression.

Safety features
The Escalade EXT features an automatic passenger-sensing air bag system that automatically deactivates the passenger-side front air bag under certain conditions to help protect smaller occupants. The system assesses the size of the occupant in the seat, based on the measured weight in the seat cushion and tension in the belt system, if any. If these measurements are typical for a small occupant or a child in a booster seat, for example, the air bag is disabled. If they are typical for a larger occupant, the air bag is enabled. As no system is perfect, there is a tell-tale in the rearview mirror that lets the occupant know if the system is ON or OFF. Also, children are always safer in the back seat. Side impact air bags are also standard for both the driver and front passenger. In addition, side-impact door beams and energy-absorbing foam blocks on the interior help protect occupants against head injuries.

The Escalade EXT also has dual-stage frontal air bags for both driver and passenger. The system is designed to detect vehicle deceleration and provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The system senses crash severity and deploys the air bag with the primary or 'lower' amount of inflation or with primary and secondary 'higher' amount of inflation. Side impact air bags are also standard for both the driver and front passenger. In addition, side-impact door beams and energy-absorbing foam blocks on the interior help protect occupants against head injuries. Escalade EXT has a center seat shoulder belt in the second row and a child restraint anchor system to make installing child seats easier and safer.

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 (1.5 m, 7.6 cm) 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 (2.4 m, 2.5 cm). The Midgate folds into the interior of the cab to create a 4 foot x 8 foot (1.2 m x 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 box 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. The window is easily stowed on board and works in conjunction with the Midgate.

Interior
The instrument panel and cluster place more crucial operating data in front of the driver. Italian luxury brand Bvlgari designed the face of the analog clock, located in the console. An ebony background offsets the white facing of the graphics and control knobs for a harmonious, integrated look. Minimalistic cluster gauges have brushed painted halos highlighting the tachometer and speedometer. A new, jeweled wreath and crest horn pad emblem completes the interior.

For audio/visual aficionados, Escalade EXT has an available DVD rear seat entertainment system with a 7-inch flip-down screen and DVD navigation system, standard XM Satellite Radio 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.

Smart electrical systems
An advanced multiplexed electrical architecture greatly reduces the number of wires, splices and connectors, minimizes weight and improves packaging efficiency, reliability and durability. The architecture enables the driver information center, infotainment, automatic climate control and the passenger-sensing system.

Source - Cadillac

2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV SETS NEW STANDARD FOR SIZE, POWER, TECHNOLOGY AND FUNCTIONALITY

In recent months, the Escalade and Escalade EXT have infused new life into Cadillac, attracting younger, more affluent and more diverse customers to the division. Now, Cadillac introduces a new member to the family - the full-size Escalade ESV and its luxurious offspring, the Escalade ESV Platinum Edition. Combining power, size and strength with trademark Cadillac styling and technology, the Escalade ESV complements Cadillac's luxury utility lineup.
The vehicle is the roomiest, most powerful full-size luxury SÚV available. It's 22 inches (55.9 cm) longer than Escalade, with more than 20 extra inches (50.8 cm) of interior length, translating into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability.

Its Vortec H.O. 6000 V-8 engine cranks out 345 hp (257 kw) at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) at 4000 rpm. That's more than enough power to handle steep grades or a heavily weighted two-horse trailer. The vehicle shares the same bold exterior design and commanding road presence as Escalade and Escalade EXT, along with the advanced-technology premium features that have made Escalade the leader - and an icon - in the full-size luxury utility segment.

In addition to AWD and StabiliTrak with Road Sensing Suspension (RSS), the vehicle offers Últrasonic Rear Parking Assist, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio (continental Ú.S. only), a premium Bose sound system and a Bvlgari-designed analog clock, as well as a number of other standard luxury amenities. Plus, it has an available rear seat DVD system and a DVD-based navigation system that provides turn-by-turn directions to thousands of points of interest.



2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition
Cadillac has created the ultimate full-size luxury SÚV with the Escalade ESV Platinum Edition, featuring the most lavishly appointed interior available in an Escalade, along with power, technology and a new level of sophistication.

The ESV Platinum Edition offers all of the amenities of the Escalade ESV, but adds numerous premium interior features and materials. 'The exclusive Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition offers buyers unparalleled interior luxury,' said McGill. 'The vehicle caters to the customer who is seeking the highest level of premium content in a SÚV.'

The interior features an ebony and shale dash, as well as shale leather seating surfaces and pleated door panel bolsters. Walnut burl wood accents appear on the steering wheel, console, door pulls, window switch bezels and dashboard trim. Chrome trim highlights the steering wheel, speaker covers and gauge cluster, which features new, highly detailed graphics. New HVAC outlets have rubber thumbwheels and chrome-accented controls. A new, jeweled wreath and crest horn-pad emblem is found on all Escalades. A premium headliner with cloth-wrapped pillars creates a recording studio-like atmosphere for the driver and passengers.

The Platinum Edition is the first SÚV to have heated and cooled first- and second-row bucket seats, and a center console with heated and cooled cupholders (with exclusive metallic mugs). Aluminum sill plates display the Cadillac script in the first and second row, and embroidered floor mats serve as finishing touches to the most luxurious Escalade interior yet.

The Escalade ESV Platinum Edition offers multiple forms of in-vehicle entertainment, including a Bose premium music system with a six-CD changer and nine speakers, XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based navigation system. The navigation system has turn-by-turn directions and points of interest, such as banks, ATMs and gas stations, when needed. An industry exclusive, factory-installed rear-seat entertainment system with dual 7-inch screens and two sets of wireless headphones gives second and third row passengers a close, clear view of DVD movies or video games.

The boldly styled exterior receives tasteful enhancements, including factory-installed 20-inch chrome wheels with P275/55R20 tires, a slightly lowered stance (20 mm front/23 mm rear), a chrome grille and tasteful Platinum lettering on the liftgate.

The Platinum model comes in four exterior colors: White Diamond, Black Raven, Quicksilver and Red E.

Production begins in the fourth quarter of 2003, with a limited run of 5,000 vehicles per year.

Escalade ESV exterior style
Like all Escalades, the ESV's 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.

Harmonious, integrated interior
Inside, the instrument panel and cluster place more crucial operating data in front of the driver. Italian luxury brand Bvlgari 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 brushed painted halos highlighting only the tachometer and speedometer.

Exceptional seating comfort
The tailored seats are exceptionally soft and supportive with Nuance leather seating surfaces on the first and second row and leather appointed surfaces on the third row. Standard front bucket seats have 10-way power cushion adjusters for the driver and passenger, power adjustable side bolsters and power lumbar, power seatback recliners and independent heated seatbacks and cushions (three settings).

The second row also offers standard reclining bucket seats with heated cushions, and a second-row bench seat with heated outboard cushions is optional. The second-row seats can be flipped and folded for stowing cargo. The third-row bench seat can be flipped, 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 create a flat load surface.

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.

Safety features
The Escalade ESV has dual-stage frontal air bags for both driver and passenger. The system is designed to detect vehicle deceleration and provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The system senses crash severity and deploys the air bag with the primary or 'lower' amount of inflation or with primary and secondary 'higher' amount of inflation.

The Escalade ESV features an automatic passenger-sensing air bag system that automatically deactivates the passenger-side front air bag under certain conditions to help protect smaller occupants. The system assesses the size of the occupant in the seat, based on the measured weight in the seat cushion and tension in the belt system, if any. If these measurements are typical for a small occupant or a child in a booster seat, for example, the air bag is disabled. If they are typical for a larger occupant, the air bag is enabled. As no system is perfect, there is a tell-tale in the rearview mirror that lets the occupant know if the system is ON or OFF. Also, children are always safer in the back seat. Side impact air bags are also standard for both the driver and front passenger. In addition, side-impact door beams and energy-absorbing foam blocks on the interior help protect occupants against head injuries.

Powertrain
The best-in-class Vortec H.O. 6000 6.0L V-8 makes the Escalade ESV the most powerful full-size SÚV in the world with 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm (257 kw) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) at 4000 rpm. The high-output engine links to the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

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. The key to the 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, 75-mm 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 increases performance, 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.

Hydra-Matic transmission
To handle the power of the Escalade's V-8, the ESV employs a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This smooth-shifting workhorse features a variety of internal enhancements to improve both torque capacity and durability. The Escalade ESV features a standard Trailer Towing Package, and has a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg) - the equivalent to a fully loaded two-horse trailer.

Full-time all-wheel drive
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.

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, and is standard on Escalade ESV. With StabiliTrak also comes GM's computer-controlled Road-Sensing Suspension, a fully automatic system that improves body stability, ride comfort, trailering performance, wheel control and overall handling under all load conditions.

Smarter electrical systems
An advanced multiplexed electrical architecture makes running all of Escalade ESV's features and functions simple and effective. The architecture greatly reduces the number of wires, splices and connectors, minimizes weight, improves packaging efficiency, reliability, and durability and enables features such as the driver information center, infotainment and passenger-sensing system.

Source - Cadillac