Among the interesting things we learn from these images:

• Both the passenger side and drivers side rear doors have the windows smashed in from the outside as evidenced by the glass all over the seats and floor. Rear windows aren't generally known for imploding upon frontal impact, indicating they were smashed in by somebody
• For some reason Tiger Woods has a book in his back seat titled "Get A Grip On Physics" by John Gribben. Perhaps brushing up on his projectile physics.
• Despite the obviously destructive nature of the crash, none of the vehicles airbags went off, indicating it was somewhat low speed
• Tiger Woods bought DUB rims. We're wondering if he's having money trouble. Come on, not even Giovanna's Tiger? Really?

Photo credit: Florida Highway Patrol/Getty Images

Sources tell TMZ the Florida Highway Patrol's now focusing on obtaining a search warrant — allowing them to seize medical records from the hospital that treated former Buick spokes-golfer Tiger Woods — in an attempt to determine if the wounds Woods sustained are consistent with a car accident or domestic violence.

A whole slew of photos are available over at TMZ. Take a look at all of them there. [via TMZ]

But that's to be expected. U.S. regulations require deployment of airbags in crashes at least equivalent in deceleration to a 23 km/h(14 mph) barrier collision, or similarly, striking a parked car of similar size across the full front of each vehicle at about twice the speed.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, charges are pending.

CNBC's Darren Rovell says he's fine — via his spokesperson, of course.

But this brings up the only question we've got — why he was driving in anger, intoxication or blindness at 2:25 AM right after Thanksgiving dinner? Could The National Enquirer tailing a 34-year-old NYC woman rumored to be having an affair with the 33-year-old former Buick spokes-golfer have something to do with it? Our thought is maybe. [via Deadspin, Florida Sentinel]

We're not quite sure how we missed this one when it was released back in 2008, but we're sure it had something to do with our feeble minds not wanting to comprehend the ghastly over-designed styling and baby blue paint job. After successfully launching multiple internationally acclaimed, over-hyped clothing brands, Christian Audigier had the desire to create his very own custom luxury coach-building firm with the Audigier VIF1 representing his very first foray into custom cars.

While the exterior makes us relapse into memories of a bad Red Lobster experience, the interior is truly where it's at with the kind of luxurious appointments you'd expect to see in a chauffeured cruiser. With plenty of leather, blue-dyed suede and birds eye maple, you might be able to forget the ghastly exterior appointments. If you've got a sick desire for pain or slightly less than horrible vision, check out the gallery above. You've been properly warned.

[via ChristianAudigierMotoring]

It's a dangerous world out there and Texas Armoring Corporation has been working for three decades to provide customers all the luxuries of a modern car with all the protection of a bank vault. Whether you want an up-armored Cadillac Escalade or a Bentley Flying Spur capable of withstanding a land mine blast, they'll customize your vehicle to your standards while maintaining the basic appearance and functions of the car.

The trick to taking a pedestrian vehicle like an E63 AMG Mercedes and turning it into an armored vehicle without sacrificing performance and usability is the use of hi-tech materials. The one we looked at is getting a B4 level of armor, which means it can take all normal handgun fire as well as a shot from a .30 caliber carbine or a 12-gauge shotgun slug.

For the transformation they've completely disassembled the interior, ripped out the carpet and seats, and lined the car with a material called Spectra Shield, which is a laminated composite material ten times stronger than steel but light-weight and easy to shape for spaces like door pillars and roofs where added weight could affect vehicle performance. Ballistic steel and kevlar sheeting also provide protection in certain areas. The windows use a densely layered ballistic glass with a "spall shield" inside that prevents shattering.

How well does it work? As you'll see in the video, the folks at TAC were kind enough to provide an AK-47 to test out the different materials. The ballistic steel takes a round from a few feet away as if it's almost nothing, leaving not much more than a small mark and the piece of steel loaded into the "shooting box." The Spectra Shield reacts in a completely different way, dispersing the energy through the laminated layers, leaving a big indention in the material but allowing no penetration.

The ballistic glass is set against a wall and shot at about 20 feet and, though there's a clear impact on the glass, it doesn't shatter at all. Running a hand along the back of the glass reveals it's still smooth.

The Mercedes is only getting their basic level of armor. We walk over to an Infiniti FX50 getting the B6 level of protection, which is capable of withstanding shots from high-powered rifles (M16, AR10) despite looking like a "typical soccer mom vehicle." In addition to the kevlar, Spectra Shield, and thick glass found on the AMG E63, the FX gets an extra level of protection for the floor in case of an explosion. The door-skin has been cut out and replaced with ballistic steel. Because the hatch on the FX is too light, they built an armored shield beneath the hatch with a ballistic steel door for loading groceries (it's heavy).
At the extreme end is the B7 and the car in the shop getting the B7 treatment is nothing less than a Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed for a head-of-state in need of serious protection from landmines (we'll let you guess where that might be). Each part of the car is taken apart and custom pieces of armor are cut to fit the luxurious auto. When it's done it'll look like any typical Bentley until someone starts shooting at it with a sniper rifle loaded with armored piercing rounds.

Protection is important, but there's no defense like a good offense and these vehicles are equipped with serious offensive tools. On the casual end there's a loud siren, horn, strobe lights and a bullhorn for scaring off shy attackers and bringing attention to what's happening. It may not sound like much, but hanging out near the front of a vehicle with this system when the siren goes off I felt my heart suddenly take an extra beat. It's loud.

If the flashing lights and noise don't scare someone off and they're foolish enough to try and open the door there's a thin wire on the inside of the handle that, when switched on, causes a serious jolt. Even worse, if left on long enough it'll leave a straight burn mark across your hand.

But what if your attackers are tougher and try to pursue you? The first step is to launch the smoke. A chemical mixes with the exhaust and almost instantly spews a thick white layer of fog behind the truck. I tried this on Zerin Dube from Speed:Sport:Life, who was "pursuing" us in an Infiniti G37 sedan. After about 10 seconds of smoke we were already 100 yards away because the smoke was so thick he was convinced he was about to slam into the back of us. If that didn't work the next step was to drop the tacks, consisting of two pointy nails wrapped around each other, which are capable of taking down the tires on most vehicles.

Who is it, exactly, who needs such an insanely safe automobile? The customer list is kept secret for obvious reasons, but cars in the shop ranged from lawyers here in the States to businessmen in Nigeria. Foreign security services are always a big customer and the company even did a vehicle for Saddam Hussein back when he was an ally. They've done vehicles for American businesses in Iraq, including a Suburban that survived two IED explosions and a firefight without anything penetrating the passenger compartment (the best way to assure repeat business is to save people).

Driving around in the armored Toyota Landcruiser the biggest impression the vehicle leaves is how little of an impression it makes. Besides the buttons marked "tacks" and "smoke" and the thick glass, it operates just like a normal Toyota. This goes along with the company's philosophy of building armored vehicles that don't feel like bank trucks (though, they can build you one of those if you like).

If you're a wealthy CEO or a famous political dissident stealth is key and, for the most part, these vehicles are exceptionally stealthy. When we were there someone was having a Mitsubishi Outlander designed to withstand small arms fire because the chances someone driving a Mitsubishi SUV is the rich target you're looking for is fairly small.

After a day of driving, shooting, and exploring the world of hi-tech personal automotive protection there was a sense of relief that this sort of vehicle is something most automotive journalists will never need because running into an AK-47 wielding madman is not an everyday occurrence. Still, it's reassuring to know the technology and craftsmanship exists should a car reviewing job ever opens at the Gaza Strip Times.

Photos: Matt Hardigree, Zerin Dube, Texas Armoring Corporation

This as-yet-unfinished GAZ-51 Custom is close to completion and was built by a company called Grande-Garage in Russia. Little is actually known about the truck other than they took a Cadillac Escalade EXT and stripped it of its bodywork to create this one-off supposedly for a Russian tycoon with too much money on his hands. We love the outcome and can't wait to see the final truck, but until then, check out our galleries below of the killer GAZ-51 Custom build process.

[cardesign via carscoop]

No, not really. But this Ferrari-badged Cadillac Escalade ESV on 57th St. we spotted near the Parker Meridian this weekend proves someone seems to think it'd be a good idea. And we all know GM could use the dues.

A V8 engine is rumored to be required for any possible downsizing to happen, and Lambda is said to be able to accomodate such a mill; whether it will be the corporate 5.3-liter unit or something altogether different remains to be seen. Whither Escalade EXT? Apparently it could go to the Zeta platform or get dropped altogether.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Those old enough to think "Cimmaron" anytime someone mentions a downsized Cadillac probably shouldn't be too concerned: The current Buick Enclave demonstrates that Lambda is well-suited for luxury duty, and GM's efforts at interior and exterior styling differentiation among its various brands show the company is taking each division's uniqueness seriously. With a V8 featuring Active Fuel Management and some readjustment of the 6-speed tranny's shift points, we'll bet a Lambda-based Escalade would see a significant jump in sales over the current truck version. [Automobile; Photo Credit: Premiumposts.com]

My personal favorite car being auctioned is Paulie Walnuts' 2003 Cadillac CTS. Yes, this is the same CTS that he used to do donuts in and destroy Christopher Moltisanti's front yard during season six.

Also in the auction is a 1997 Mercury Villager minivan driven by Tony and Paulie as well as a black Cadillac Deville driven by Vito Spatafore. Also a pair of blue Lincoln Town Cars used by Phil Leotardo and the Lupertazzi family will be sold as a pair.

Oddly enough, all of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. I would think a stripper rehabilitation or maybe a gun buyback program would be better programs for the proceeds. Bada bing!

VEHICLES FROM HBO'S "THE SOPRANOS" TO HIT THE BLOCK AT BARRETT-JACKSON PALM BEACH

Net Proceeds from "The Sopranos" Cars to Benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., February 28, 2008 - Cars and SUVs driven by the famous TV mobsters on "The Sopranos" will be sold at No Reserve during the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on March 26-30, 2008, in West Palm Beach, Fla. A total of eight vehicles from the award winning HBO series will cross the block, led by Tony Soprano's 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, with net proceeds benefiting Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. SPEED will once again bring the action home with 19 hours of TV coverage during the auction as approximately 600 of the finest collector vehicles are sold at No Reserve. For the sixth consecutive year, the event will take place at the spacious Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach.

"From the biggest show on television to the biggest stage in the collector car industry, these movie star vehicles will demand the spotlight in Palm Beach," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "A staple in American pop culture, 'The Sopranos' captured the attention of viewers across the globe, much like Barrett-Jackson events are watched by devoted car enthusiasts worldwide on SPEED. We're thrilled to join forces with HBO for this special project to help raise funds for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles."

The signature piece of "The Sopranos" collection is the white 2003 Cadillac Escalade driven by mob boss Tony Soprano during the final three seasons of the series. Scheduled for sale during SPEED's primetime coverage on Saturday, March 29, the fully loaded Escalade has only 11,000 miles on the odometer and features clear, untinted windshields for exterior camera shots of the show's leading character.

Another high-profile car headed to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach is the champagne 2003 Cadillac CTS utilized by one of Tony's top soldiers, Paulie Walnuts. The CTS is infamous for its demolition of Christopher Moltisanti's new front yard in the "Kennedy and Heidi" episode during Season 6. Two more vehicles that played key roles in Season 6, a red 1997 Mercury Villager minivan driven by Tony and Paulie and a black Cadillac Deville driven by crew member Vito Spatafore, will also be sold.

"When a TV series becomes as popular as 'The Sopranos,' the cars driven by the larger-than-life characters become stars as well," added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "Another factor that adds to the value of these celebrity vehicles is the 'staying power' of the series. Decades from now, 'The Sopranos' will still be appreciated as one of the top series in TV history, making these star cars significant well into the future."

A pair of blue Lincoln Town Cars, utilized by rival gangster Phil Leotardo and the New York-based Lupertazzi crime family, will be sold as a pair in Palm Beach. The two cars were featured in numerous episodes of "The Sopranos," most notably in the climactic Bada Bing shootout scene in "The Blue Comet" episode during Season 6. Additional cars from that high-energy scene that will be auctioned include two 1993 Cadillacs driven by Patsy Parisi, which will be sold together.

With net proceeds benefiting Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, "The Sopranos" vehicles will join a long list of cars in Palm Beach that will be auctioned for charity. On March 26, Barrett-Jackson will host their annual Opening Night Gala to raise money for The Darrell Gwynn Foundation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During the 2007 Palm Beach event, Barrett-Jackson raised over $500,000 for various charities.

On Monday, we got a call from our friend Nick, who - thanks to a Blackberry and a spirit of adventure - is the first U.S. customer to take delivery of his very own Smart. The company even gave him a plaque to commemorate the occasion. It credits him in part with, "Initiating a revolutionary change in the way Americans think about transportation."

We do need to change the way we think about the Smart. It is safe. Mercedes developed the original version with the goal of making it as safe as their E-class. Bookended by crumple zones, a steel roll cage surrounds the occupants. Not only does that cage resist deformation in even the most severe impacts, in a crash it will actually activate the crumple zones on larger cars, using their in-built protection to cushion the Smart's occupants, too. It also comes with the full retinue of airbags.

It feels safe, too. The size defines the driving experience, but not in the way you might expect. Rather than feeling intimidated in traffic, you feel empowered. Gone is the need to take responsibility for an acre of SUV on a crowded road. Present is the freedom to move down that crowded road as you see fit. Congested urban streets and crowded highways stop feeling claustrophobic and start feeling easy. It's quick to turn, yet feels more stable than most vehicles twice its size.

It's not too small inside. I'm 6'2" and I couldn't reach the steering wheel with the driver's seat all the way back. Compare it to the front cabin of big SUVs like, say, GM's Yukon / Escalade / Tahoe and the Smart is positively spacious, thanks to it's airy design and upright seats.

It's not Green. The problem is, the Smart isn't that smart. The 1-liter, 70bhp engine has to work hard, so it only averages about 38mpg. Less if you drive fast. In Detroit, Mercedes showed off something they called the Micro Hybrid. It wasn't a hybrid at all, but switched itself off below 5mph, resulting in urban fuel consumption of 58mpg. The Smart desperately needs that technology, or a least a diesel engine.

It's not gay either. Sure, if you live in a doublewide and think Budweiser is the height of sophistication, then the Smart probably doesn't fit your Trans-Am ideal of what a manly car should be. But neither does it carry the level of campness of say, a Volkswagen Beetle. Rather, in traffic, the Smart's driver looks, well, smart.

So the Smart is a more complete, practical car than most people assume it to be - but that's also its biggest problem. Most people who stop to ask what it is think it's electric or at least a hybrid. It isn't. Neither is it cheap. The Fortwo Passion Cabriolet pictured here costs $18,500. It'll still get caught in traffic jams. Look at the Smart as a practical car that's easier to use in an urban environment than anything else, and you'll be happy. Look at it as fundamentally altering the way Americans think about transportation though, and you'll be disappointed.

ESCALADE PLATINUM OFFERS UNPRECEDENTED LUXURY, STYLE AND EXCLUSIVITY

LOS ANGELES - Cadillac announced the introduction of the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition of the segment-leading large luxury SUV that takes Cadillac's dramatic design, elegance and technology to its fullest expression.

Making its world premiere alongside the upcoming Escalade Hybrid, Cadillac announced the Platinum edition will come to market in the spring of 2008 as the most luxurious model in the Escalade lineup. It rounds out a full series of Cadillac Platinum models, including the XLR Roadster, DTS luxury sedan and STS performance sedan. Each model in the Platinum lineup is characterized by elegant cabins featuring handcrafted leather, advanced technology and unique design details throughout.

"The new Platinum edition elevates and extends Escalade's position as the large SUV of choice among luxury consumers," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The growing Platinum series highlights the handcrafted details and technical sophistication of Cadillac's overall product renaissance."

Advanced technologies

Offered on Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV, the Platinum edition includes a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements. Escalade Platinum will be the world's first SUV to be equipped with Cadillac's advanced Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology.

Magnetic Ride Control, originally developed for performance vehicles such as the STS sedan, XLR Roadster and Chevrolet's legendary Corvette, is the world's fastest reacting suspension system and gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system - "reading" the road in 1-milisecond intervals - that replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a synthetic fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

Segment-first, innovative LED headlamps

Escalade Platinum will be the first SUV - and one of the first vehicles of any kind - to offer Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps. Used previously only on concept vehicles or exotic sports cars, LED headlamps mark another step in Cadillac's application of advanced lighting technology and design.

LED headlamps emit a greatly more precise light pattern, while emulating the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, using much less power and lasting more than 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs. LED headlamps will be an enhancement added to the Escalade Platinum in the summer of 2008, shortly after the start of production of the Platinum model itself in the spring of 2008.

"Escalade is world renown for making a distinctive design statement," Taylor said, "With the introduction of the world's first large luxury SUV hybrid as well as the new Platinum edition, Cadillac Escalade is now bringing some of the world's most sophisticated automotive technologies into the luxury SUV category."

Dramatic exterior, elegant interior

Escalade Platinum also elevates the already-dramatic design of Escalade. The exterior features a unique front fascia and grille patterned after Cadillac's acclaimed and hot-selling CTS sport sedan. The Platinum includes unique 22-inch wheels and wears exclusive Platinum exterior badges.

The cabin is the latest example of Cadillac's 21 st-century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are wrapped and stitched by hand. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with unique wood inlays and aluminum trim.

Aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, with the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat.

Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats, a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled cup holders and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.

Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof mounted screen. Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices, while leaving ultimate control with the driver. Escalade Platinum models will include the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen for DVD-based navigation and control of the DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite radio entertainment.

Plentiful power

Platinum models are powered by the Escalade's exclusive 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* It is an all-aluminum engine that 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.

A 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.

*SAE certified.

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PRESS RELEASE ESCALADE HYBRID: CADILLAC PREMIERES THE FIRST HYBRID IN A LARGE LUXURY SUV

MIAMI - Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world's first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving - all while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon.

"Escalade, already the sales and style leader among large luxury SUVs, now adds the desirability of a fuel-saving, technically advanced hybrid system," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The arrival of Escalade Hybrid means that consumers can now use less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy the benefits of a full-size luxury SUV."

The Hybrid goes on sale in the summer of 2008 and is the newest example of Escalade's technology leadership.

"No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably," Taylor said. "And no hybrid delivers the dramatic presence that is synonymous with Escalade."

Escalade Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. It delivers up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds (2,565 kg) on 4WD models. All of Escalade's standard comfort and convenience features are included. This includes an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen.

Escalade Hybrid extends Cadillac's leadership in the large luxury SUV category. Escalade sales have grown in the face of changing sales trends and increased competition. In fact, Escalade sales increased 22 percent in September over year-ago sales. Other models in the Escalade lineup include the extended-length Escalade ESV and the versatile Escalade EXT luxury-utility truck. The Hybrid model is available with the standard Escalade body style.

Patented 2-Mode Hybrid technology
The Escalade's 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. In city driving, this advanced hybrid power system enables Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. As additional power is demanded, the system blends output from the battery and gas engine smoothly.

GM's patented 2-Mode Hybrid system consists of an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). These systems work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late-intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. AFM enables the V-8 engine to seamlessly shut off half of its cylinders when less power is needed, such as during highway cruising. This new hybrid system not only enables the Escalade Hybrid to drive low speeds on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode for longer periods.

The key to Escalade's 2-Mode hybrid system is that the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.

The 2-Mode Hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses on the streets today in dozens of major North American cities. Scaled-down for use in full-size SUVs, the 2-Mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most - in large vehicles with high levels of capability. It is a core part of GM's energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile's impact on the environment.

Cadillac's smooth and quiet power
Acoustic details specific to the Hybrid model ensure it delivers the superior luxury that has been an Escalade hallmark since its inception. The details include:
• A new exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine's Active Fuel Management operation. It ensures comfortable interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation
• An electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. It includes the standard tri-zone climate system
• An electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
• The Energy Storage System cooling system's internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds, when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants.

Escalade aesthetic
The Escalade Hybrid retains the qualities that have made it the leading large luxury SUV and a standard-bearer of Cadillac's overall product renaissance. It is instantly identifiable as a Cadillac and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.

The Escalade's warm and inviting interior features a premium layout. It is available in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere. Standard features include a distinctive instrument panel; gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting; Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.
[GM via TTAC]

CADILLAC ESCALADE SPORT

The Cadillac Escalade Sport concept showcases even more of the dramatic presence and power that has made Escalade the sales and image leader among large luxury SUVs. The Escalade Sport showcases a small-block V-8 that produces approximately 550 horsepower and is backed by a heavy-duty 6L80 six-speed transmission. Modified front and rear fascias, along with enhancements including 24-inch wheels, a lowered ride height and special aero rockers provide the Escalade Sport with a distinctive look.

Vehicle highlights:

• Escalade Sport concept
• Small-block V-8 with approximately 550 horsepower
• 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission
• Unique air induction and exhaust systems; underhood cover
• Sport-tuned suspension with two-inch-lowered ride height
• High-performance brake package
• Modified front and rear fascia with new upper and lower grilles
• Fog lamp housing
• New roof rack
• New side air extractors with lights
• New hood
• Retractable side steps with aero rockers
• Dual rear exhaust Corsa cat-back exhaust with new tips
• Twenty-four-inch, forged alloy wheels
• "Sport" badging
• Recaro sport bucket seats in first and second rows; third-row seat deleted
• Leather-wrapped upper instrument panel, console and upper door panels
• Specific gauge cluster graphics
• Aluminum cargo floor with runners and tie-downs
• Unique finish on trim plates
• Modified center console with new shifter and shift knob
• Billet aluminum pedals
• European-spec clear taillamps

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