ENOUGH GADGETS TO MAKE A SPY JEALOUS!

Almost anyone who knows me also knows that I like gadgets in an automobile that make driving a lot more fun. They also know that some gadgets while well intentioned do not make a lot of sense to me as a driver or potential buyer. That said I recently found myself in sensory (gadget) overload when driving the 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT.

Here is a quick rundown of some of the technology on the test vehicle; Steering wheel mounted radio controls
Steering wheel mounted voice command control for interfacing with a telephone, Cruise controls also mounted on the steering wheel
Steering wheel heating system
Remote starting system
XM™ Satellite radio
Heated and air conditioned seats
Rear seat audio sound system controls
Rain sensitive windshield wipers
Automatic Headlights
In dash CD changer capable of handling DVD and MP3 Discs
Navigation System
Adjustable pedals
Memory seats
Rear View Camera

Well if you get the idea that Cadillac has taken the all inclusive approach to the Escalade then you are right on point. In short the designers are trying to anticipate every whim of the potential buyer short of things that might be illegal. Most of the items make listening to music, finding your way and just driving a lot more fun than it would be in a bare bones car or truck that is noisy and sometimes painful to operate.

The decision by GM to embrace a DVD based Navigation system makes a lot more sense than for a driver on a long trip. The version in use offers all of the expected points of interest, exit data and can even find a business location based on the telephone number. It is worth noting that OnStar™ which is standard equipment on many GM vehicles now comes with directions and turn-by-turn assistance as an alternative means of navigation.

Now with all of this technology in what is a well appointed version of the Avalanche Truck platform it takes more than a minute to figure out how everything works. Once that 90 minute class courtesy of a CD and very thick owner’s manual is complete, driving makes a lot more sense.

But a feature that makes the most sense on a truck of this size is the park assist program called Intellibeam™ combined with a rear view camera that activates when the transmission is put into reverse. It provides a clearly visible look at what’s behind the bumper and makes a lot of noise when objects get too close.

In the 2007 models GM seems locked into putting a 6.2 V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing under the hood, which yields 403 horsepower. This is a big step up from the 2006 models and delivers a pleasant kick when the time comes to step on the gas. The down side of the big engine is fuel economy, which averages about 12 miles to the gallon. Considering that GM has Active Fuel Management technology available on other platforms you have to wonder why it isn’t part of this engine.

The Escalade comes with a Heavy Duty 6 speed automatic All Wheel Drive transmission that provides the handling a vehicle of this size needs. It is also ready to tow anything from a small bike up to a boat or small house weighing up to 7400 pounds.

It should also be noted that the Escalade has undergone a restyling for 2007 with new High Intensity Discharge headlights and front end treatment. It has a more upscale look than the predecessor with faux air vents on the side.
With the new looks and additional features Escalade has stepped up to reclaim a position as trend setter in the segment. However to maintain that lofty perch GM may want to think of ways to make it more fuel efficient or configure a way it can operate on E85 Flex Fuel.