With a reputation as one of the segment's top performers, the '07 Escalade builds on its heritage with a combination of performance, responsiveness and comfort that channels the vehicle-wide refinements into an effortless driving experience.

A new 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kw)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm)* is exclusive to Escalade. This all-aluminum engine uses v ariable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser is the industry's first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve engine. The unique dual-equal phaser adjusts the camshaft timing at the same rate for both the intake and exhaust valves. Aluminum cylinder heads and an aluminum engine block offer reduced mass, an attribute that supports improved vehicle weight distribution and improved fuel economy.

A new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine. One of the industry's most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio - including two overdrive gears - that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. The 6L80's six forward gears have smaller "steps" between them, compared to a conventional four-speed automatic, which bolsters both performance and the feeling of smoothness. Shorter steps between the gears help the transmission quickly find the best gear for the vehicle speed and road conditions, with less back-and-forth hunting on grades - a trait that is particularly helpful when towing. Also, the 6L80 has Driver Shift Control (tap up/tap down) capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts with a button on the column shifter.

A stronger frame and chassis supports the more powerful powertrain and enables the Escalade's exceptional responsiveness and ride and handling smoothness. A new, fully boxed frame offers 49 percent increased torsional stiffness and a 35-percent improvement in beaming frequency, compared to previous models. In addition, all front and rear suspension attachment points are stiffened for improved suspension performance and reduced road input into the vehicle. The frame supports wider front and rear tracks - approximately 3 inches (76.2 mm) wider in front and 1 inch (25.4 mm) wider in the rear - that enhance stability and driving confidence through a more secure road feel and a lower center of gravity.

The front suspension consists of an all-new coil-over-shock design that delivers linear, solid and unwavering ride and handling characteristics on all road surfaces. Also new is a rack-and-pinion steering system that provides precise and responsive control and superior on-center feel. A highly refined five-link rear suspension complements the front suspension for great road isolation and vehicle handling.

Larger, four-wheel disc brakes and an all-new ABS system from Bosch help ensure braking performance. Larger vented front and rear brake rotors, 50-percent stiffer dual-piston calipers, longer-life brake pads and the new system's design result in enhanced pedal feel, reduced brake noise, predictable, linear brake response and shorter braking distances. A new Bosch 8.0 next-generation four-channel ABS system is also standard. The ABS system works with the standard StabiliTrak stability control system's new rollover mitigation technology. This software algorithm technology uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle "tip-up" and apply appropriate brake force to help prevent such events.

Enhanced driving control and ride smoothness are offered with the standard Road Sensing System, which uses electronically controlled shock absorbers to make nearly instantaneous damping adjustments. The system "reads" the road and anticipates the best damping rates.