Jalopnik: ESV

Chicago Auto Show: Army Stryker Engineer Squad Vehicle

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST

Though the International Lonestar may have been the largest reveal of the show, the Army's LAV III Stryker Engineer Squad Vehicle may have been the biggest and meanest thing at the show. One of the engineers gave us a tour of the ESV, which is responsible for mine detection and removal, setting down lane markers and clearing roads. Conveniently, the operators of this LAV can do all of this without having to expose themselves to danger.

The commander can see the driver or gunner's view from a touchscreen in his or her section and therefore safely control the vehicle instead of having to move around or take a dangerous peep out of a hatch. It's perfect for working in those dangerous Baghdad or Detroit neighborhoods. We're sure it won't be long before we see a decommissioned one of these on eight chrome dubs somewhere.

It's Like A Cadillac Escalade ESV, Only Supercharged!

Ray Wert — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:58:00 EDT

We knew it was coming and we're surprised it took this long to happen. The folks at Big 3 Performance have released a supercharger system for the 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV to mark "yet another leap forward in the never ending quest for more power." For serious — that line's pulled directly from the press release. And why shouldn't they be tooting their own horn? For a mere ~~three drachmas~~ $6,895 you can toss them your plain-Jane standard 6.2-liter 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV, and in short order you'll get back an E-XL-V packing a high output supercharger system that adds an extra 147 horses and 122 lb-ft of torque to the not-normally-meek engine, bumping the final numbers up to a scorching 550 HP and 539 lb-ft o' tire-squealing and race-winning torque. No word yet on whether the next "leap forward" involves strapping a jet engine to the back of the 2008 model. Hit the jump for the rest of the details on the purple-people-eating monster getting the first 'charger. Oh, and yes — it's got scissor doors.

Big 3 Performance First to Release 2007 Cadillac Escalade Supercharger Systems
Big 3 Performance releases supercharger systems for the 6.2L 2007 Cadillac SUV's utilizing proven Paxton/Vortech supercharger technology. Big 3 Performance's Cadillac expertise and fabrication skills deliver unparallel performance, drive ability, gas mileage, and OEM quality fit and finish in this new high output supercharger system.

Waukesha, Wisconsin, July 10, 2007 — Big 3 Performance has utilized the supplied technology from supercharger giant Paxton/Vortech to release a highly anticipated supercharger system for the Cadillac SUV enthusiast. While Paxton/Vortech's management knew the 6.2L supercharger system would be in great demand, their product portfolio placed its release far off in the future. This ultimately lead to Big 3 Performance striking a deal approximately eight months ago to fabricate the systems in house and become the first to offer a supercharger system for the 2007+ Cadillac SUV's.

The Big 3 Performance high output supercharger system focuses on maximum durability and low maintenance while providing an additional 147 horsepower and 122 ft/lbs of torque. Big 3's supercharger kit features either the Paxton Novi 1200 or Vortech SQ Series Supercharger. Each kit benefits from their 50-state emission legal status. Complete with all components and instructions necessary to ensure an uncomplicated installation, Big 3's supercharger kit truly provides maximum performance without intruding on the comfort or quality of the Cadillac SUV. Big 3's supercharger systems are fully compatible with the factory engine management system and also provide a fuel management upgrade including high capacity premium injectors, boost-a-pump and NGK-TR6 spark plugs. These kits also include Big 3 Performances exclusive ECM reflash which sets ignition timing and fuel enrichment levels. Each kit provides you with all of the belts and pulleys necessary for a seamless fit with the factory serpentine system. To accompany the integrated air-to-water dual pass charge cooler, Big 3 Performance has gone a step above when providing their exclusive polished air inlet assembly and supplied fresh air system. With a laundry list of features and Big 3's attention to detail, they have truly released what seems to be the definitive supercharger system for the Cadillac SUV's. Suggested Retail Price: $6895.00

About Big 3 Performance
Big 3 Performance has established a reputation for their dedication to perfection that has made them highly respected among their piers. Their special combination of innovative ideas and ambition has placed them at the forefront of performance for today's modern muscle cars. The release of this supercharger system marks yet another leap forward in the never ending quest for more power.

Gorgeous 07 ESV - Gallery [Big 3 Performance]
Gorgeous 07 ESV - Specs [Big 3 Performance]

Bullrun 2007: We're In Vermont, Meow!

Ray Wert — Sat, 12 May 2007 14:22:49 EDT

We've picked up Annabelle in the Escalade — and she's taking the wheel as we head through Vermont to Conway, New Hampshire to meet up with her big (by 20 minutes) brother. We'll have pictures up from earlier at the start of the race shortly. So sit back for a while, meow, and be entertained. – Ray Wert

Related:
All of our Bullrun 2007 coverage [internal]

Bullrun 2007: What Will Wert Drive?

Ray Wert — Sat, 12 May 2007 07:45:38 EDT

Ok, we saw what Nicholas and Annabelle's whip'll be — but that's only two seats. How am I going to provide the full width and breadth of pageantry and lifestyle coverage you're expecting? Well — as I've ~~never~~ always said — if you're gonna ride, you've got to ride in playa' style. Because with this bad boy, I'll be covering the Bullrun from one helluva odd place — last place. But whatevs, I'll do it as ostentatiously as humanely possible, because that's what I'll be rolling in, and be the team driver for — the #70 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Riding shotgun for me will be Nathalie Ramirez of Player magazine — you know, to expand upon the ostentatiousness. – Ray Wert

German TV Network To Get Oscar Winners To Name-Drop In A GeigerCars Escalade

Ray Wert — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 14:25:49 EST

ProSieben, Germany's second-biggest television network, is all about American star-humping. With a motto of "we love to entertain you," the network is largely dependent on US-copyrighted shows and movies. It's a network well-known for running promos and lead-ins for the shows featuring the 'merican stars and cast parroting the network motto like a Matt Lauer recorded reach-around for a local NBC affiliate. These promos are called the "ProSieben Star Force" and to facilitate the network's addiction to the videotaped American star leg-hump, the Deutschland auto-tuning shop of GeigerCars has taken the already blingasmic Cadillac Escalade ESV a step further. For this year's Academy Awards they've gone and created a special ProSieben STAR FORCE VIP shuttle pimped harder than Huggy Bear (in either Antonio Fargas or Snoop Dogg form). The modded Extra-SV gets a set of up-sizzled 24" Pirelli Scorpion tires, a "special ProSieben STAR FORCE color scheme, LED lights and "an even more commanding chrome grille." The car only has one real performance upgrade, a big pipe on the back end, which should garner an extra 20 hp or so from the 403 hp 6.2-liter V8. But the real story's the interior, with red and black leather seats, a rear partition wall, Toshiba LCD projector and a 1,000 watt stereo. Seriously though, words can't do this thing justice, so despite the full press release below the jump, you'll have to see the gallery below to truly understand what these madmen have done. – Ray Wert

GeigerCars.de STAR FORCE Cadillac Escalade The Exclusive ProSieben VIP Shuttle for the Academy Awards Ceremony 2007
A special occasion warrants a special means of transportation: For the Academy Awards Ceremony 2007 GeigerCars.de built the exclusive STAR FORCE VIP shuttle, based on the latest Cadillac Escalade ESV. The STAR FORCE was commissioned by the German TV network ProSieben.

The American SUV was completely reworked by the tuning specialists from GeigerCars.de. The 403-hp / 296-kW 6.2-liter V8 engine gains an additional 20 horsepower with the GeigerCars.de stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system.

On the outside the upgraded Cadillac is an instant eye catcher with its large 10Jx24 chrome wheels and size 305/35 ZR 24 Pirelli Scorpion tires. In addition the ride height was lowered by 100 millimeters and the body was painted in a special ProSieben STAR FORCE color scheme. Bright STAR FORCE LED stars adorn the exclusive VIP shuttle at night. The front received a new and even more commanding chrome grille. But that s not all: ProSieben TV host Annemarie Warnkross served as the model for the imposing gold-plated hood ornament.

The interior also features an especially exclusive design: The red and black leather seats with STAR FORCE logo are custom-made by GeigerCars.de as is the rear partition wall with retractable glass pane. A Toshiba LCD projector can beam the images of either digital TV broadcasts or a DVD onto the glass pane coated with a special holographic projection surface foil. The accompanying sound comes from a Hi-Fi system with more than 1,000 watts of power and loudspeakers and subwoofer custom-calibrated to the Escalade's interior.

To provide the two rear passengers with maximum of legroom the body specialists from GeigerCars.de modified the floorpan of the Cadillac. The seats are upholstered with the finest leather sporting the ProSieben colors red and black, and offer maximum seating comfort. The sideboard mounted behind the partition wall comes with an innovative feature: At the push of a button it glides rearward to present the rear occupants with drinks or appetizers.

The GeigerCars.de designers further equipped the black 4x4 with a gigantic Webasto power folding roof over the rear seats to let the VIP guests enjoy the California sun.

Immediately after completion the GeigerCars.de STAR FORCE VIP shuttle was flown to Los Angeles for the Academy Awards Ceremony on February 25, 2007. There ProSieben will use it for its coverage of the world's most important motion picture award.

[GeigerCars]

Related:
An Oxymoronic SUV: The Hummer GT [internal]