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Detroit - The all-new 2002 Cadillac Escalade announces it will be priced at $49,990 MSRP at introduction. The 2002 Escalade will be in dealer showrooms the first quarter of 2001.
"We feel this is a very competitive MSRP for the luxury SUV market. With its 345 horsepower engine, StabiliTrak, new standard third-row seating and all-wheel-drive, the 2002 Escalade is an extraordinary vehicle for the price," said Escalade Brand Manager Susan Docherty.
The '02 Escalade is also available with a two-wheel-drive package which includes 2WD, a 285 horsepower engine (replacing AWD and the 345 horsepower engine) and does not include StabiliTrak. With a 2WD package credit, the Escalade with 2WD package is $47,990 MSRP.
Featuring a unique blend of power, performance, style and sophisticated technologies, the all-new 2002 Cadillac Escalade creates a new standard for luxury sport-utilities.
As the first sport-utility vehicle in the Cadillac portfolio, Escalade has successfully attracted younger, more affluent, import buyers, especially "early-adopters"
who tend to acquire and embrace technological innovations.
"The Escalade has been a catalyst in attracting a new and important customer to Cadillac showrooms," said Michael J. O'Malley, Cadillac general manager. "The 2002 Escalade, with its distinct design and innovative technologies, signifies a direction for Cadillac's portfolio that will further broaden Cadillac's appeal."
The 2002 Escalade builds on Cadillac's heritage of design leadership with a bold new shape, while pioneering meaningful technologies that customers want and use. The new-from-the-ground-up, second-generation, full-size Escalade is the first Cadillac to reflect the division's fusion of art and science philosophy by blending forward-thinking technology with an expressive new design.
Leveraging years of award-winning GM truck experience and a new architecture, the 2002 Escalade expands market coverage, now with standard all-wheel-drive and an available two-wheel-drive package, each offering distinct performance differences. It also marks Cadillac's first export SUV for the Middle East, where GM SUVs dominate the market.
The new Escalade is unmistakably a Cadillac. The wxterior joins telltale Cadillac cues with sheer, chiseled forms and sharp lines, setting the tone for future products.
The Escalade's bold design is the first in a series of future Cadillac models with a new form vocabulary that reflects Cadillac's art and science philosophy. Crisp, tailored lines are set off by Escalade's prominent, powerful front end, displaying Cadillac's new wreath and crest.
In 2002, Escalade receives a new engine, delivering strong acceleration, a smooth ride and quiet operation. Escalade now has the most horsepower and more torque per liter than any GM SUV. This high compression engine generates 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine links to a new Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD (heavy-duty) electronically controlled four-speed
automatic transmission with overdrive. 17-inch wheels and tires contribute to Escalade's smooth ride and impressive handling.
The Escalade equipped with 2WD package is powered by the Vortec 5300 V8, which makes 285 horsepower at 4600 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. at 4000 rpm, resulting in 30 more horsepower than the previous Vortec 5700. Plus, the 5300 delivers 90 percent of its peak torque over a wide band from 1600 to 5000 rpm. The engine is coupled with a standard Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
"Escalade's exclusive 345 horsepower engine, coupled with sophisticated chassis control technologies, like StabiliTrak, parallels the acclaimed Northstar system
found in the Cadillac DeVille and Seville," said Susan Docherty, Cadillac Escalade brand manager. The Middle East export version offers the same design and performance features as the Escalade, but its exhaust system has been modified to run on leaded fuel and it does not have OnStar.
AWD capability gives Middle East customers the added traction to handle sandy or loose gravel and accommodates off-roading activities, which are common in that region of the world.
StabiliTrak(tm) is standard equipment on the Escalade (not available with 2WD package). Computer-controlled road sensing suspension on Escalade improves vehicle balance, ride comfort and wheel control.
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, combined with improved lighting and braking, safer seat designs, side impact air bags and premium level OnStar, complete the Escalade safety and security package.
Escalade's interior is more comfortable, luxurious and practical for 2002. The redesigned cabin provides more head, hip and second- and third-row leg room than before, without an increase in overall width and slight decreases in height and length.
Seating has been expanded to eight passengers through the addition of a standard third-row and testing shows the seats offer best-in-class comfort. The addition of the removable, 50/50 split third-row seats gives the Escalade a new level of flexibility and utility, an important factor to customers. The seats are supportive and covered with Soft Nuance leather. The first two rows of seats are heated.
The interior also has best-in-class climate control, a spacious floor console that flows up into the instrument panel, and a state-of-the-art Driver Information Center. A new best-in-class 11-speaker Bose(r) Acoustimass(r) audio system debuts on the Escalade, along with an in-dash, single-load six CD changer. A special acoustic package delivers a quieter ride.
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