2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum: More bling for Caddy's SUV king

Alongside GM's debut of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid at this year's South Florida International Auto Show in Miami was another version of the automaker's luxury SUV -- the Escalade Platinum. With more upscale touches than the standard 'Slade, the 2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum has been designed to elevate the vehicle to a new level of luxury and technology, and to add to a Platinum lineup that already includes Cadillac's XLR, STS, and DTS.One of the biggest features of the Escalade Platinum cannot be seen, but rather, felt. For the first time ever in an SUV, Cadillac is incorporating its Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology. As used on the Cadillac XLR Roadster and Chevrolet Corvette, GM touts MRC as the fastest reacting suspension system in the world, giving the Escalade Platinum better body motion control through continuous and almost instant adjustment to current road conditions.

Also a first for the SUV segment, are the inclusion of LED headlamps. Benefits include a more precise light pattern, better daylight emulation, and even environmental friendliness, as GM claims the headlamps use less power and last more than 20 times longer than conventional halogen units. The headlamps will begin employment on the Escalade Platinum in summer of 2008, shortly after the vehicle's spring 2008 debut.Exterior styling also distinguishes the Escalade Platinum, with a unique front fascia and grille, inspired by the same units on the CTS sport sedan. Also featured are 22-inch wheels distinctive to the Platinum model, as well as Platinum exterior badges.Inside, the instrument panel, center storage console, and door trim are all covered in hand-stitched leather with wood inlays and aluminum trim. Aniline leather covers the first- and second-row seats, while contrasting stitching and Cadillac wreath and crest insignias are found on the seatbacks. Platinum-issue door sills and floor mats distinguish this Escalade as above the standard model, and a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cup holders, and a power liftgate are all included as standard.

Two DVD monitors are added to the Escalade Platium -- one in each front seat headrest -- and each one has individual driver and input controls. A Bose 5.1 Digital Surround audio system and eight-inch DVD navigation touchscreen are also included in the Platinum edition.Powering the Escalade Platinum is GM's 403 horsepower, 417 lb-ft 6.2-liter all-aluminum V-8 engine. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) optimizes camshaft timing to boost both horsepower and torque and the engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission that features two overdrive gears for both performance and economy.The 2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum is an exsPricing has not yet been announced for the C, but we'll be bringing you more information and photos when it makes its next appearance at the L.A. Auto Show next week.