The very notion of souping up a Cadillac Escalade seems a little odd in the first place, but that is exactly what New Jersey-based radical tuner SLP has done. The work includes a body kit that brings a composite hood with chrome finishers and a polycarbonate window that allows passersby to admire what lies beneath. It also counts Cadillacs Platinum Edition upper and lower front grilles as well as body-colour side skirts. All this serves to let the world know this is not your grandpas Escalad
But, its what hides beneath the brightwork that really makes the biggest difference.
In this instance, SLP takes the monster SUV and breathes new life into it. Gone is the 6.2-litre engine and its 403 horsepower in favour of a supercharged version of the V8 that earns a Blackwing cold air intake and an axle-back big-bore exhaust system. The combination increases the Escalades output to no less than 525 stallions, which imbues the 2,600-kilogram SUV with a serious dose of attitude.
The interior Cadillac Escalade Hybrid has many standard features, including power front seats with heating, cooling and memory control driver, three-zone automatic temperature, leather seats, Bluetooth , OnStar and a navigation system with traffic updates in real time. There is also a rear entertainment system with video screen down, surround sound Bose audio system with six-disc CD changer, MP3 capability and satellite radio. Platinum trim adds heated and cooled cupholders, two headrest mounted video monitors, a heated steering wheel and second-row seats with power versions. The seats are comfortable inside, with enough head and leg room for all passengers, but the highest. The third row of seats have less legroom. There is enough room for shopping in the trunk, but the third row of seats can be folded (but not flat) for more space. Both the first and second rows of seats can be removed for cargo space is very important.
