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.