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2015 Cadillac Escalade gets 8-speed auto, range-topping Platinum Collection trim

The redesigned 2015 Cadillac Escalade is still quite fresh on the market, but the luxury brand has a host of mid-model-year updates for its massive luxury SUV that should make it an even better driver. The range-topping Platinum Collection (pictured above) is also all set to ensconce drivers in leather when it hits the road in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The entire Escalade range now gets an eight-speed automatic to replace the previous six-speed, and four-wheel drive models also get a two-speed transfer case to go along with it. New standard features include a Surround View camera system, 4G LTE connectivity, and the electric tailgate also now closes hands-free, in addition to opening that way.
To make riding in the Escalade an even more luxurious experience, Cadillac is adding a Platinum trim. Exterior changes add even more shine to the behemoth SUV with a grille wearing the redesigned brand crest, additional chrome trim, 22-inch wheels and Platinum badges. However, the interior is where things really get plush. The first and second row of seats are wrapped in Nappa, semi-aniline leather in a choice of either beige or gray. The dashboard, upper door panels and center console also get hand-stitched and wrapped leather, plus a suede microfiber headliner. Both front seats are heated and cooled with 18-way power adjustments, and the driver even gets a massaging function. Rear passengers are hardly left out, either, with 7-inch LCD screens in the headrests and a 9-inch screen in the center.

Cadillac shows 2015 Escalade interior

Following the reveal of the new GMC Yukon, Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, the next in line is Cadillac, which is set to unveil the new Escalade on October 7 in New York. And in the lead-up to the reveal, the company has released this third teaser image, giving us a good glimpse of the 'Slade's interior.
Or part of the interior, we should say, because while the image above clearly shows the new dashboard and center console, as well as parts of the front seats and interior door panels, the Escalade is most certainly not a two-seat coupe. The outgoing Escalade can accommodate up to eight in either standard or ESV form (but not in EXT pickup configuration), and the new model promises to deliver the same, and we're curious to see what Cadillac has in store for the rear passenger compartment.
Compared to its more accessible counterparts, the new Escalade clearly offers a more upscale environment than even the uplevel Yukon Denali, with softer-looking leather, richer wood veneer and a waterfall center infotainment console that's different from the more modular design in the Chevy and GMC. The steering wheel is also unique and the instrument cluster appears to meld more smoothly across the dashboard, but the door mirrors, wide center armrest, column shifter and A-pillar grab handle all look like they were carried over from the Escalade's platform mates.

Is Cadillac working on an ELR-V? [w/video]

Could it be? Could Cadillac be working on an even higher-end version of its ELR plug-in hybrid? Well, General Motors' Executive Vice President Mark Reuss has gone on record as... well, not saying much. The exec was more than a bit coy on video (which you can view below) when asked about the idea of an ELR-V, although he did say that Cadillac was looking at "expanding the tuning envelope" for its plug-in coupe. What that means could be hinted at in these spy photos.
Cadillac is certainly up to something with this little red ELR. As is often the case, it's the car's enhanced brakes that give it away. Bigger binders are a telltale sign of sportier aspirations, and it's safe to say that rule applies with the ELR. The larger rotors and four-piston Brembo calipers are sourced from the Buick Regal GS, which we imagine would be plenty to bring the high-priced hybrid to a halt.
Obscuring those rotors and calipers are larger, double-armed five-spoke wheels. And, according to our spies, hiding behind that camouflage is a new grille. Outside of those two items, though, there's not much aesthetic change.