Price Announced For 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Detroit- Cadillac announces pricing for its Escalade EXT will be $49,990 MSRP at introduction. The EXT will be in dealer showrooms by January 2002.
"The EXT is like no other vehicle in its segment - offering luxury amenities of an SUV with the extended capabilities of a premium pickup truck. With a 345 horsepower engine, StabiliTraktm, reconfigurable Midgatetm and all-wheel-drive, the 2002 Escalade EXT is an extraordinary vehicle for the price," said Escalade Brand Manager Susan Docherty. "Everything is standard on the EXT with two available options -- a sunroof at $1,550 and premium paint at $995."
The Escalade EXT enters at the forefront of the SUT segment, a new niche for Cadillac and the automotive industry. Building on the design and technology foundation of the all-new 2002 Escalade, Escalade EXT offers the same distinct design and innovative technologies as its sibling and the reconfigurability capabilities of its cousin, the Chevy Avalanche.
"The reconfigurability of the EXT will be our edge in an increasingly competitive luxury truck market. Together with the new Escalade, we think we have a very strong hand in this market, said Mark LaNeve, Cadillac general manager."
A Bold Statement
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 5'3" (1.6 m) long cargo box. Luxury customers requiring more cargo room can easily convert the reconfigurable Midgatetm in a few minutes without any tools, extending the bed to a full 8'1" (2.5 m). The Midgate(tm) folds into the interior of the cab to create a 4' x 8' (1.2 m x 2.43 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 tonneau cargo cover and lockable tailgate.
The cargo box also offers protection for items secured inside. The sides of the cargo box, along with the Midgatetm and tailgate, are constructed of a PRO-TECtm composite material.
The EXT's 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 Midgatetm.
The Escalade EXT's bold design is representative of Cadillac's vision of art and science and with its sibling the Escalade, are the first production vehicles to articulate the new design vocabulary.
The EXT is engineered to offer a dominant entry into an emerging luxury market with the following features:
- Most powerful SUT with 345 horsepower
- Best handling SUT in the market
- Luxury SUV comforts plus truck performance
- A bold, inspiring, innovative design
- A large, comfortable, safe, secure and versatile cab environment
- Cargo bed can be used as car-like trunk or truck-like bed
- Safe, protected and lighted space from the instrument panel to the tailgate
- Flexible, functional, reconfigurable bed
Understanding the SUT market
An example of how the new "Sport Utility Truck" market is expanding, the EXT meets the needs of customers who use their vehicle for more than just transportation or recreational use.
"Cadillac research showed that there was a real need for the EXT. About 15% percent of Cadillac households own a full-size pickup," said Escalade Brand Manager Susan Docherty. "With most of these pickup owners purchasing the optional up-level trim, there was a clear signal to us that Cadillac needed to tap into this market."
Powerful Engine & Ingenious Technologies The 2002 Escalade EXT will share the same powertrain as the AWD Escalade, Cadillac's exclusive version of the best-in-class high-output LQ9 V8. This high compression engine generates 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm making the EXT the most powerful SUT in the world.
The engine links to a new Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD (heavy-duty) electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Large 17-inch wheels and tires offer a smooth ride and impressive handling.
Active Safety and Security
Also on the Escalade EXT is StabiliTraktm, which is standard equipment on both the AWD Escalade and Escalade EXT. With StabiliTraktm comes the computer-controlled road sensing suspension package, improving stability, ride comfort and wheel control.
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, combined with improved lighting and braking, front side-impact air bags and premium level OnStar, complete the Escalade EXT safety and security package.
