Vehicle Description
2005 Cadillac Escalade Collector's Edition
When the Escalade was introduced in 1999 to compete directly with
the luxury Lincoln Navigator, they were an overnight status symbol
despite the features it shared with the Yukon. Cadillac was
invigorated by the model which was loaded with standard features
and an MSRP price of only $3,000 more than the Yukon. By the second
generation in 2002, Cadillac was already making big changes that
disjoined it from the Yukon and created an air exclusivity, on
average selling just 35,000 units per year in the U.S. for 2005,
2006, and 2007.
For consignment, a 2005 Escalade that's been family owned for the
past fourteen years and has the optioned Collector's Edition and
Select Edition packages which added different wheels, navigation
and a number of other features we'll touch on. For the full list,
see the original window sticker in the photo section. But this
Caddy also benefits from some performance modifications that
include a supercharger, some internal components and Wilwood brakes
to bring all that power to a stop. Ever wish GM would have built a
3-row Typhoon? Well, this might be as close as you get.
Exterior
The big SUV is decked out in Raven Black and a blacked out mesh
grille is a nice addition for a stylized front end. The massive
flush HID low beam headlight assemblies give the Escalade its
individuality and the lighting is enhanced by four LED
fog/auxiliary lights mounted in the opening of the chin spoiler.
Chrome door handles and the Escalade badge are the only things not
black on the side of the vehicle and the spokes of the 20-inch
Black Rhino wheels allow viewing of the red Wilwood brake calipers.
Aftermarket clear-lens LED tail lights replace the standard red
ones and provide some modern flair. The paint, including on the
roof, is in great shape with the exception of some scuffs,
scratches and a sideswipe below the midline of the truck and on the
bumpers themselves.
Interior
Beautifully appointed in Shale leather, it's immediately apparent
that this is no Yukon. Everything is stepped up just a bit
beginning with door panels where perforated leather mixes with faux
wood, plastic, and tan carpet creating a warm welcome point.
Inside, the front bucket seats, also in Shale leather, are extra
stuffed, inviting and tall. The driver's side shows a bit of wear
but not unexpected for a vehicle with 100,006 miles. The second row
consists of bucket seats flanking the extended custom console and
houses the amp. Pumping out the tunes for all 3 rows is a Sony head
unit that has a back-up camera, DVD screens, Bluetooth capability
and navigation. The factory speakers have been replaced as well and
a 4 channel amp feeds to the factory sub behind the rear seat. The
removable third row is a split bench with seating for three but
probably spent more time folded down as indentations from seat belt
buckles are evident. The four spoke steering wheel is capped with
plastic woodgrain and wrapped in black leather. The gauge cluster
is large and vibrant, and the odometer and info readout is
displayed in familiar GM digital blue. Faux wood applique augments
the dash and spills down to cover the center console where we find
a clock, cupholders, a lighter and some storage. The leather
armrest doubles as a bin lid. Second row passengers get heated
seats, A/C controls, a fold down screen, and audio controls with
headset input. The tan carpet covering the floor is in good
condition and as is the headliner which also is where you find an
overhead console with lights and A/C controls. Whew! That's a lot
of stuff, but it's a big vehicle with many features!
Drivetrain
And speaking of features, how about the 6.0 liter LS V8, a
legendary engine in its own right but massaged here with a Comp
Cams camshaft with .522i/.529e lift, 114 degree lobe separation and
a 112 centerline. Bolted on top is a Magnuson TVS 1900 Radix
Supercharger with a liquid to air intercooler bumping the
horsepower to an estimated and astounding 460 horsepower. In this
class of vehicle, unless you're sitting in a Callaway tuned Tahoe
at the red light next to this beast, don't even try it. The
transmission is a 4L65E 4-speed automatic that transfers power to
all four wheels and 3.73 gears at both ends. The power disc brakes
have been upgraded to Wildwood 6-piston calipers with 2-piece
16-inch rotors up front and 4-piston calipers with 14-inch rotors
in back.
Undercarriage
We found the lost city and it's under this truck! There's a lot of
real estate under here so let's talk about what we see. Standard
driver quality under here, meaning there's typical surface rust on
uncoated metal surfaces. A big gas tank on the port side holds 26
gallons. The exhaust pipes meet at a single Magnaflow muffler then
pair off down the length of the truck and exit via two chrome tips.
A transfer case turns two driveshafts and sits between two cross
braces. The oil and tranny pans are dry but we notice some
unidentified dampness towards the front. Torsion bar suspension
occupies the front while a four link with coil springs handles the
ride in the back.
Drive-Ability
Borat said it best when he exclaimed "I have a chair, I have a
chair, King of the castle, King of the castle!", and indeed sitting
on these lofty leather buckets has a regal vibe. We should mention
that utilizing the running boards to get up to royal heights is a
necessity. Once here, we gleefully started the black beast up and
headed on our way. The ride is softened by the big wheels and
275/55R20's and hastened by the whistling supercharger. Good
acceleration for 5000+ pound truck with all the comforts of home. A
quick loop and back to the garage, satisfied that this is a good
runner with working brakes.
A logbook with copious notes and the original window sticker
accompany this truck which is fun and versatile and has a presence
like few other SUVs. If you're in the market for a big, powerful,
family SUV with a third row, consider this modified Escalade.
1GYEK63N95R274871
1-USA
G-General Motors
Y-Cadillac
E-6001 To 7000 GVWR
K6-Escalade
3-4 Door Cab & Utility
N-6.0L V8 LQ9 345hp
9-Check Digit
5-2005
R-Arlington, TX Assy Plant
274871-Sequential Unit Number
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