2005 Cadillac Escalade

2005 Cadillac Escalade Collector\'s Edition

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 gl

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