2002-
Escalade EXT
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New P265/70R17 premium Goodyear all-season touring tires have been specially
tuned for maximum ride comfort. Their increased rolling diameter provides a
smoother, quieter ride as well as better handling to take full advantage of the
AWD system. Cadillac's signature seven-spoke design graces Escalade EXT's 17x
7.5" cast aluminum wheels. The wheels have a machined wheel face finish,
and a brushed finish on the aluminum overlay in the center cap matches the
wheel.
Escalade EXT is available in three exterior colors: Pewter, Sable Black and
White Diamond, a pearlescent, tri-coat premium finish.
Escalade EXT's powertrain delivers strong acceleration, relaxed cruising and
quiet, durable operation due to the EXT's high performance, high-output LQ9-V8,
delivering best-in-class power and performance. The engine provides impressive
low-end torque and exceptionally strong, high, flat torque curves that deliver
excellent pulling power throughout their torque range. This unique version of
the Vortec 6000 produces 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque
at 5200 rpm. The engine has special high-flow, cast-aluminum cylinder heads
that produce a higher 10:1 compression ratio. In addition to increasing power
and reducing weight, the new heads improve durability and performance by
dissipating heat more quickly, and allowing increased spark advance. The intake
and exhaust ports offer better airflow in and out of the combustion chamber for
more power. A large 75mm-throttle-body bore further maximizes air intake. A
revised camshaft profile, with more lift, duration and overlap, allows the
engine to take full advantage of the increased airflow.
The state-of-the-art system uses a viscous coupling transfer case to
continuously adjust the torque to the wheels smoothly and imperceptibly, so the
driver never feels wheel slip, as traction is being maintained. The transfer
case's viscous coupling is a torque-biasing device that comes into play when
the vehicle senses wheel slip. The system then automatically transfers torque
from the wheels that are slipping to the wheels with the firmer grip, and
restores the 38% / 62% ratio when full traction is regained. The transfer is
immediate and automatic. The system continually transmits torque to maintain
continuous and smooth operation, to the point where torque transfer is
transparent to the driver and he/she does not feel or notice the torque
transfer taking place. By sharing the torque between the front and rear axles,
the overall system reliability and durability has also been improved.
EXT offers the safety and control benefits of Cadillac's sophisticated
StabiliTrak System, which improves stability on all road surfaces at all
speeds. Its precise, all-weather control is particularly beneficial when
driving on slick road surfaces or during emergency maneuvers, such as when a
driver swerves to avoid an object on the road.
StabiliTrak maximizes handling and braking dynamics by using a combination of
systems, including Stability Enhancement, ABS and Traction Control. It has a
sophisticated array of sensors that continually monitor the driver's intended
vehicle path. The sensors measure steering angle, wheel speed, brake pressure,
lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration and yaw rate. They feed this
information to an electronic control module system that continually monitors
the driver's intended vehicle path and compares it to the vehicle's actual path.
The system intervenes when it senses one or more of the wheels slipping. It
detects slippage during braking or acceleration and automatically adjusts brake
pressure or engine torque, as required, to achieve optimal control. In adverse
conditions, if the driver is understeering or oversteering, StabiliTrak will
quickly, precisely adjust brake pressure at individual wheels and help the
driver steer in the desired direction. It can also adjust engine power with
electronic throttle control, as required, to help maintain stability.
The system also includes side slip-rate control. If an EXT loses lateral
traction at both front and rear axles and experiences significant side slip,
the system momentarily applies both front brakes to regain stability and
lateral traction. Side slip is calculated by analyzing data from the lateral
acceleration sensor.
Cadillac will continue to make OnStar standard equipment on all models, and OnStar will offer two additional services: Personal Calling, which allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated personal calls from their vehicles without an additional cellular contract; and OnStar Virtual Advisor, which will deliver to the vehicle personalized Internet-based information such as news headlines, sports scores, stock quotes, and weather conditions. Users will also be able to check their e-mail through the system. Both services will be available through OnStar's unique three-button system, offering completely hands-free operation. |
The AWD Escalade EXT is surefooted in all weather conditions, thanks to the
full-time, all-wheel-drive system and traction control. The package provides
superior handling and traction under all surface conditions - whether on dry,
slippery or poorly maintained roads - by driving all four wheels, all the time
and maintaining an optimum 38 percent/62 percent front-to-rear torque split.
This offers the best balance of handling characteristics under all operating
conditions. An AWD EXT can climb steep grades or hills more easily because the
vehicle's differential transfers more torque to the rear wheels to compensate
for the extra weight being transferred to them. The AWD is always "on" and
fully operational.
The specially tuned premium smooth ride suspension provides excellent handling
and a firm touring ride. It includes special tires designed for the Escalade
EXT. The rear suspension is hydraulically operated and self-leveling, returning
the vehicle to normal ride heights when it is carrying heavy loads.
