|
Review by Dr. David A. Zatz - ACarPlace.com
New For 2003
- Improved StabiliTrak, upgraded to a 4-channel
system
- Improved braking capability: better feel, quieter
operation
- Power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals
with memory
- New seat safety features, including early compliance
to 2005 federal standards
- Dual-level and passenger-sensing air bags
- High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
- XM Satellite Radio (optional)
- Improved exterior mirrors, turn-signal indicator
added
- Chrome wheels (optional)
- Optional second row bucket seats
- Redesigned instrument panel and cluster and
center floor console
- New driver information center
- New steering wheel with eight-button steering
wheel controls
- Advanced infotainment systems featuring a Panasonic
DVD Entertainment system and improved rear-seat audio controls
- Enhanced Bose audio system
- Redesigned seats
- High airflow, dual-zone electronic climate control
system
- Fully integrated, Class II multiplexed electrical
architecture
- New OnStar/cellular/GPS antenna
- OnStar Directions & Connections
2004 ESCALADE EXT |
New for 2004
- Most powerful full-size SUV in
the world
- XM Satellite Radio (continental
U.S. only), trailering package and tire pressure monitor now
standard
- Sunroof and rear seat entertainment
can now be combined
- Exterior colors: Quicksilver,
Red E
- Sable Black exterior renamed Black
Raven
GM Press Release: June 1, 2003
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 SUV 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 2002 Escalade EXT sold 13,494
vehicles in the U.S., with 44 percent new to GM, exposing the
division to new generations and categories of buyers who might
not have considered a Cadillac in the past. Like its older sibling,
Escalade, the EXT has appeared in music videos and custom wheel
advertisements and is often found in the garages of professional
athletes and celebrities.
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 U.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 standard equipment
In 2004, XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) becomes standard
equipment, along with the trailering package and tire pressure
monitoring system. Buyers can now opt for both the sunroof and
rear seat entertainment. In the past, they had to select one or
the other.
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.
|