2007 CADILLAC ESCALADE INTERIOR: SPACIOUS AND REFINED

The 2007 Cadillac Escalade has an all-new interior that is more spacious, refined, quiet and detailed, elevating its already enviable position at the top of the luxury SUV segment.

Escalade’s interior is upscale and harmonious, with a standard two-tone color scheme offered in a variety of rich, warm colors and accented with sumptuous wood trim. The upscale styling is complemented by new, softer and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel and other trim pieces. The color and grain of the materials were carefully selected for a premium, harmonious feel. Upscale details also include continuously lit LED backlighting for the instruments and chrome accents for the instruments, trim plates and vents.

An airy, more sedan-like environment is created by a lower, farther forward-positioned instrument panel – which also improves outward visibility – and the new, two-tone interior trim treatment. There are new comfort features such as best-in-class cabin quietness and new, highly styled and supportive seats. Unique features, such as the innovative power fold-and-tumble second-row seat, ease access to the third-row seat.

Highlights include:

New, streamlined European-styled, Nuance leather-covered seats with tailored appearance designed for increased support and comfort
Premium soft instrument panel and interior trim materials, including Meridian leather covering
White-LED continuously backlit gauges
Enhanced Driver Information Center
Unique steering wheel design with premium wood trim options
Standard heated first- and second-row seats
Available heated steering wheel
Available cooled front seats with perforated leather
Available fold-and-tumble second-row seat
New family of radios, including available navigation radio
Rear-seat entertainment system with DVD
Increased front seat travel
First- and second-row outboard safety belts mounted to door pillars
Second-row seats moved rearward for increased legroom and seatback angle increased for more comfort
Standard tri-zone automatic climate control system
Revised HVAC system with single-button front-seat control for rear passengers
New center console design with segment’s largest storage capacity of more than 20 liters (0.7 cu. ft.)
25-percent larger glove box with spring-damped opening feature
Standard power-adjustable pedals
Larger available sunroof with express open/close feature
The rich look of the interior is complemented by improved quality and an enhanced attention to detail, including reduced gaps and tighter tolerances. Flush-mounted accessories and controls create the look of a single unit, rather than components stacked together. Also, there are almost no exposed metal hardware components or latches, as all models feature enclosing “close-outs” around the seat bottoms and door sill trim plates.

Class-leading comfort

Escalade comes standard with Nuance leather-covered seating for all seating rows. A new, European-style low-profile front-row seat design, with firmer foam cushioning and more aggressive bolsters, enhances comfort. Door pillar-mounted first- and second-row three-point safety belts facilitate the slimmer designs (second-row, center position uses an SUV-typical belt-to-seat design) and ease entry/egress.

Escalade also offers standard heated first- and second-row seats, as well as available cooled front seats that feature perforated leather designed to enhance airflow. The front seats with cooling feature are part of the available Climate Package that also includes a heated steering wheel feature and remote vehicle starting. Escalade comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant steering wheel-mounted audio controls, as well as an auxiliary control for the heated steering wheel (when equipped). The steering wheel has an upscale appearance a features a prominent wreath-and-crest insignia.

The front-row seats have one-inch more fore/aft travel. Second-row seats provide 0.4-inch (10 mm) more leg and knee room. Their seatback angle is adjusted an additional two degrees rearward for extra comfort. A more comfortable driving position is enabled by the standard adjustable pedals. First- and second-row outboard seats offer increased shoulder room – a packaging feat achieved while also accommodating the standard roof-mounted head curtain side air bag system.

The industry-exclusive power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat allows easy access to the third-row seat. With the push of an overhead console button or a rear-door pillar button, the seat unlatches, sending it into its folded and tumbled position. The third-row seats also have more headroom than previous models and offer improved outward visibility.

Ergonomic controls

The standard six-gauge analog cluster provides easy-to-read displays for fuel, temp, oil, volt/battery, odometer and speedometer. A new, dual-row Driver Information Center display has expanded alerts. All controls are ergonomically placed within easy driver reach. Autotrac transfer case, light switch and radio and HVAC controls have a rotary design for a harmonious look and feel. The center stack provides all-new audio and HVAC controls, including one-touch button control of rear-occupant temperature settings.

Eleven steering wheel-mounted controls contribute to hands-on-the-wheel, eyes-on-the-road driving safety. An additional control switch activates the heated steering wheel feature (when equipped). An overhead console conveniently locates switch controls for the optional sunroof, power liftgate, second-row remote seat release feature and the universal garage door opener.

Tri-zone climate control system

Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard. It offers simplified rear A/C settings and provides quieter operation, more effective cooling/air distribution for rear passengers and improved side-window defogging/defrosting. The system allows up to a 30-degree F difference between driver and front passenger settings, along with a separate setting for rear passengers. The HVAC control module controls the electric rear window defogger and Automatic Climate Preconditioning (provided with the new remote vehicle starting system). The automatic system provides six speed settings in manual mode, plus seemingly unlimited automatic mode adjustments.

New family of radios

Escalade introduces a new family of premium radios and sound systems, including premium Bose sound. All radios are compatible with the standard Generation 6 OnStar system and capable of XM Satellite Radio reception. All units provide a standard auxiliary input jack for external devices, such as an iPod or remote cassette player. The input allows for plug-and-play through the sound system.

The standard system is AM/FM radio with six-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3 and DVD capability, along with a Bose premium, 10-speaker Digital Surround Sound system. A navigation radio with touch-screen controls is available. The navigation radio includes a 6.5-inch LCD screen, integral DVD slot for the map disc and a separate CD slot for music – a separate navigation radio is required with the Rear Seat Entertainment option. The navigation system instantly maps routes with two-dimension or three-dimension full-color map views. The system supports an off-road mode for uncharted roads and provides a low fuel pop-up, which automatically begins to map out the nearest gas station(s) when the vehicle’s low-fuel warning indicator comes on. The navigation screen also doubles as the monitor for the available rear camera system.

Rear seat audio is standard and provides new features for more flexible entertainment, including allowing second-row passengers to plug in headphones, adjust audio volume and listen to a variation of the same type of audio source as the front-seat occupant or an entirely separate source. The system interfaces with the available Rear Entertainment System (RSE). The RSE system provides one remote and two infrared headphones.

Enhanced rear-seat entertainment system

The available DVD-based Rear Seat Entertainment system provides a flip-down, color screen for second- and third-row passenger viewing. The system includes an 8.0-inch Wide-Screen LCD with a 16 x 9 aspect ratio/screen format. To provide more parental control and ease of use, DVD discs are loaded into the Dual Play radio located in the instrument panel. This eliminates the need to reach behind the front seat to load or remove a DVD.

The infotainment system supports the DVD system so audio can be heard throughout the entire speaker system, through wireless headphones or through rear speakers only. All RSE controls, except a parental override control, are in the rear to prevent driver distraction. The parental override control can mute speakers or stop all audio/visual activity.

 

New, spacious console and glove box

In the front seat area, the new center console offers the segment’s largest storage bin, at more than 20 liters (0.7 cu. ft.). Escalade features a dual-opening console lid, with a soft, leather-like cover. A wood trim appliqué adds distinction and matches the Northern engraving wood trim found elsewhere in the interior. The wood trim runs through the center of the console, providing a sense of compartmentalization.

The Escalade’s console opens with a chrome, spring-damped release button that fosters the vehicle’s refined nature. Multilevel storage within the console includes a smaller, contained space for delicate items like sunglasses. Releasing the second lid opens up the console’s large storage compartment. Additional premium features include separate front compartments, including one with a 12-volt power source. At the rear of the Escalade’s console are two, chrome-ringed cup holders for second-row passengers.

Also, Escalade’s glove box provides 25 percent more storage capacity than before – 5 liters of volume in total.

Increased cargo capacity

Escalade offers 4.2 cubic feet (118.9 liters) of increased cargo room behind the second-row seats and 2.3 cubic feet (65.1 liters) more behind the third row. This gives the vehicles a cargo capacity of 108.9 cubic feet (3,084 liters), when the second-row seat is folded and tumbled forward and the third-row seat is removed. There also is 60.3 cubic feet (1,707.7 liters) of cargo space with the second-row seat in place and the third-row seats removed. There is 16.9 cubic feet (478.6 liters) of cargo space behind the third-row seats.

The significant increase in cargo capacity is achieved despite vehicle length growing by only about 3 inches (76.2 mm). Engineers created the additional room by streamlining the cargo area with relocated and flush-mounted air conditioning ducts and slimmer liftgate trim.

Power fold-and-tumble second-row seat

An industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat is available and allows for easier third-row entry and egress. The feature remotely unlatches the seat to send it into its forward-folded and tumbled position. This greatly eases access to the third seating row, while also easing the burden of parent holding a child – there is no need to fumble with both hands to release and fold the seat forward.

The power fold-and-tumble feature operates with the press of a button from the first-row overhead console or door pillar. The button activates a release mechanism on the seat latch, allowing the seat to fold forward into the tumbled position. (The seat must be returned to the original seating position by hand.)

Larger sunroof

Escalade offers a new, larger (36.1 inches wide by 24.6 inches long) power sliding sunroof. The new sunroof is wider than previous models. It has new express open/close and auto close features, as well as a hard composite wind deflector that reduces wind noise and interior buffeting.

 

2007 CADILLAC ESCALADE PERFORMANCE: ENHANCED POWER, SUPERIOR REFINEMENT

Under the hood and on the road, the 2007 Cadillac Escalade delivers refinement and outstanding performance from an integrated combination of new powertrain, chassis and suspension systems. The powertrain is more powerful and incorporates new technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, while delivering 403 horsepower (301 kw).*

Escalade’s new chassis is stiffer and more robust than the model it replaces, which contributes to a heightened feel of solidity, smoothness and craftsmanship. Moreover, a new rack-and-pinion steering system and coil-over-shock suspension design enable a lively and responsive driving experience – a combination that contributes to a “drive smaller, live bigger” ethic. The more robust chassis allowed engineers to tune the suspension to deliver a ride that feels as good as the standard 18-inch wheels and available, segment-largest 22-inch chromed wheels look.

All-aluminum 6.2L V-8 engine

The ’07 Escalade is powered by a new, 6.2L all-aluminum small-block V-8 with variable valve timing technology (VVT). VVT optimizes camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The 6.2L engine is rated at 403 horsepower (301 kw)* at 5700 rpm and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm)* at 4400 rpm; it is teamed with a new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (tap up/tap down).

Escalade’s new engine represents the fourth generation of the small-block V-8 design that went into production in 1955, but has its roots in a Cadillac-developed valve-in-head V-8 introduced in 1949 – an engine that, when introduced, was lighter and more powerful than the one it replaced and established the blueprint for modern V-8 and V-6 engines for decades to come. The 2007 Gen IV V-8 engine represents the next step in technology, performance and efficiency. Highlights include:

Aluminum heads
Aluminum block
Variable valve timing (VVT)
Revised cylinder block design
Electronic throttle control
58X ignition system
New, more powerful E38 32-bit controller
Enhanced quietness and smoothness
Returnless fuel system
Gen IV Vortec engines are designed to provide improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, compared to previous-generation small-block V-8s. Compared to truck engines of a decade ago, the Gen IV Vortec engine family is approximately 90 percent cleaner. Cast iron exhaust manifolds matched with dual close-coupled catalytic converters help reduce cold-start emissions, the largest source of vehicle emissions.

Escalade’s 6.2L engine features a new aluminum block and cylinder heads. The use of an aluminum cylinder block offers reduced mass, an attribute that supports improved vehicle weight distribution and slightly improved fuel economy. The block is virtually identical to iron versions of the small-block family, including a deep skirt design that incorporates cross-bolted main bearing caps and a structural oil pan. It also features crankcase “windows” – vents that help improve bay-to-bay breathing – which reduce pumping losses and support the high horsepower output of the high-performance engine.

Variable valve timing (VVT) helps optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique dual-equal cam phaser is the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead valve engine. The unique dual-equal phaser adjusts the camshaft timing at the same rate for both the intake and exhaust valves.

New aluminum cylinder heads also contribute to Escalade’s enhanced power output. The heads are based on the racing-derived cylinder heads of the Corvette Z06’s LS7 7.0L engine, including a unique inlet port shape and offset rocker arm design. Airflow of the heads is supported by large, 55-mm-diameter intake valves and 40.4-mm-diameter exhaust valves.

Escalade’s 6.2L engine is engineered for smoothness and quietness, which contributes to the vehicle’s refinement. Engine quieting features include:

Special friction-reducing coating on piston skirts
Full floating piston pins
Damping patch on the oil pan
Timing chain tensioner
Quieter alternator
Acoustically tuned engine cover
Stronger engine cradles and mounting systems help reduce vibrations transmitted through the chassis that would otherwise be felt by passengers.

New 6L80 six-speed automatic

GM’s new, Hydra-Matic 6L80 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (tap up/tap down) is matched with the Escalade’s 6.2L engine. As one of the industry’s most advanced automatic transmissions, the 6L80’s wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – allows for shorter steps between gears. This enables a steep, 4.02:1 first gear, which provides a very strong launch feel. The two overdrive gears include a 0.85:1 ratio in fifth gear and a 0.67:1 ratio in sixth. With two overdrive gears, engine rpm is reduced by approximately 9 percent at 60 mph, to approximately 1500 rpm. Lower engine rpm can bolster fuel economy because less fuel is used. A lower-rpm cruising speed also enhances smoothness and reduces noise heard in the vehicle’s cabin.

Further technical sophistication is exemplified by clutch-to-clutch operation that reduces complexity and packaging. It also enhances the performance feel of the transmission, as shifts feel more immediate and precise. Clutch-to-clutch operation is achieved with three planetary gears, two stationary clutches and three rotating clutches. It is a simple, less complex design that enables the six-speed transmission to be packaged in a size not much larger than a four-speed automatic. Only the first-to-second upshift is a freewheeling action, where the second gear clutch engages while the first gear one-way clutch spins freely. This allows a greater degree of smoothness at lower vehicle speeds.

A new, 32-bit electro-hydraulic control module optimizes transmission performance according to a variety of vehicle inputs, while also enabling features including tow/haul mode, auto grade braking and tap-shift manual range selection. The controller is located entirely within the transmission, which shields the controller from outside elements.

Tow/haul mode is a driver-selectable feature that provides optimal shift characteristics specific for towing or hauling a heavy load. The feature is complemented by manual range selection, which allows the driver to block out upper gears and select desired gears for unique driving conditions, such as towing on a steep grade. The manual range selection feature increases the feeling of control by holding the gear pre-selected by the driver. Electronic safeguards prevent the transmission from being shifted in a manner that could cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control. Auto grade braking is available when the tow/haul mode is selected and the transmission is not in the range selection mode.

 

Robust chassis system

Escalade’s chassis and suspension systems have been redesigned and serve as the foundation for the vehicle’s refined ride and handling characteristics. It rides on a 116-inch (2946 mm) wheelbase and features a fully boxed perimeter-type frame, which provides an extremely solid foundation that contributes to sedan-like smoothness.

The hydroformed frame has three distinct sections, or “bays,” with specific strength and support characteristics. These bays allowed engineers to maximize each section without compromising other areas. Chassis stiffness is greatly enhanced throughout the frame, as well as providing enhanced performance during a crash. Torsional stiffness (front-to-back) was increased 49 percent and beaming frequency was increased 35 percent compared with the previous model.

The 2007 Escalade also has wider front and rear tracks. The front track is 68.2 inches (1731.8 mm) vs. 65 inches (1651 mm). The rear track is 67 inches (1701.8 mm) vs. 65.98 inches (1675.8 mm). The wider track enhances smoothness and promotes overall vehicle stability, which the driver and passenger can feel through more solid, composed and linear ride and handling characteristics, as well as flatter, more controlled cornering.

New coil-over-shock front suspension

A new coil-over-shock front suspension is used on all models. The coil-over-shock configuration offers smoother, more precise handling characteristics and reduces vibration and harshness, especially with Escalade’s larger wheel-and-tire combinations. An enhanced five-link rear suspension is used on all models. It features a more robust rear axle design that offers increased payload capacity. Both the front and rear suspensions use new, stiffer frame mounts and variable-rate springs.

Escalade’s electronically controlled Road Sensing System suspension is standard. It is a real-time damping system that provides an extremely refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real time to road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors. There are also steering, engine torque, brake and speed sensors. Each corner features independent damping control. The suspension is an air-lift/auto-leveling system that includes air bags located in the shocks. An integrated air pump automatically adds air to raise and level the vehicle’s ride height when carrying passengers or a heavy payload. Conversely, air is bled from the shocks when the payload is removed, returning the vehicle to a level ride height.

New rack-and-pinion steering system

A new hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system provides precise steering response with optimized on-center steering feel. Steering ratios have been optimized for easy maneuverability in tight parking situations. Noise and vibration have been substantially reduced.


Enhanced four-wheel disc brake system

A larger-capacity, four-wheel disc brake system with a new tie rod-type application and new four-channel ABS system are designed to provide Escalade with superior stopping capability and the segment’s best braking feel. ABS is standard on all models, along with an all-speed traction control system.

New and improved elements of the brake system include larger-diameter front and rear disc rotors and new, stiffer brake calipers. The front rotors measure 13 inches in diameter (330.2 mm), an increase of 1 inch (25.4 mm) – approximately 15 percent larger than the previous-generation design. The front rotors are also thicker with large cooling vents, providing enhanced performance and durability. The cast iron, dual-piston front brake calipers are 50 percent stiffer than before, which reduces the tendency for flexing during hard or prolonged braking. The stiffer calipers, along with dual pistons, contribute to a more direct and stronger brake pedal feel.

Rear brakes feature standard vented discs that measure 13.5 inches (342.9 mm), an increase of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) – approximately 7.5 percent – over the previous-generation system. Both the front and rear brakes use new, non-asbestos brake pad linings that can deliver up to 40,000 miles of performance during normal use.

A next-generation Bosch 8.0 ABS system is standard. It has more precise valve control that requires less cycling of fluid from the brake master cylinder, resulting in reduced noise and enhanced braking feel when ABS is activated during a braking event. The new ABS system also is less complex and has reduced mass when compared with the previous system.

Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with new rollover mitigation

GM’s sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard. Partnered with the new brake system and four-channel, four-sensor electronic brake controls, the system provides more precise, controlled ABS stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability. The StabiliTrak system in the ’07 Escalade has added software algorithms for rollover mitigation. The software algorithms use StabiliTrak sensors to proactively predict vehicle “tip up” on a flat road surface, and apply brake force to the outside front and rear wheels in order to reduce lateral force in the vehicle. This brake force intervention can help reduce the likelihood of a rollover in certain circumstances – including “fish hook” maneuvers that involve sudden and rapid back-and-forth steering.

StabiliTrak uses brake control to precisely control the speed of each wheel and manage torque across the front and rear axles. When the vehicle is on a slippery surface, the traction system increases torque to the rear wheel that has the most traction.

The vehicle brake system provides the torque-biasing to enhance traction, and engine management is used, as required, to assist in controlling traction and yaw stability.

Larger wheels and tires

Escalade comes with 18-inch standard wheels and tires; 18-inch chrome wheels and segment-largest 22-inch chromed wheels are available. Some wheel-and-tire combinations are equipped with new P-metric tires that have a nylon cap ply that enhances strength and durability. All wheels have a distinctive, Cadillac-specific seven-spoke design.

 

Variable valve timing???

Wow.

That's a surprise. When does the Vette get it?

 

Or the 6.2 to replace the 6.0?

 

Man, if GM spent as much time actually worrying about perceived quality and attention to detail as they spent talking about it in that document, then the Escalade will be the first ever GM SUV to impress me in terms of interior. From the pics it certainly looks very impressive with the exception of the the center stack area which is better than the Tahoe but still kind of iffy.

That powertrain sounds killer too.

Is the Cadillac chassis going to be identical to the Tahoe and GMC models again? What about the half ton trucks? I remember last time the trucks had like 9 cross members and the SUVs only have 5 or something which I thought was weird to bother making a distinction.

 

I agree, there's a lot of "talking up" in the document, but it's good info nonetheless.

It mentioned "Coil Over" on the front, I'm not sure what the Tahoe's etc... will have?

 

WRONG!!!!

That's what it was gonna be based on, until Ed Cole sh!tcanned that whole program and started from scratch to deliver a fresh, innovative, modern, compact, affordable Chevy V8.

 

I was born in 1980.

 

Of course it does, because both valves are run off of 1 camshaft, LOL. I love the way GM can spin things that should be very simple into sounding like some kind of advantage.

Yuppies at Starbucks will be saying "it even adjusts the timing for the intake and exhaust valves at the same rate!" and other Yuppies will say "Wow, that's high-tech!!"

Gotta love Marketing folks.

 

It's still variable.

I think I must be missing your point.

 

I do too. It's still variable, but because it has one camshaft I'm guessing that it would HAVE to increase both the Intake and Exhaust at the same rate. I'd be interested in how they are doing this.

I don't know of any (probably has been) in my recollection that has done this on a pushrod engine before...?

 

Show me another VVT OHV engine if you don't think this one is advanced.

 

I do also believe in another article someone posted a while back in GM insider.. this 6.2 uses heads off the LS7?!