Cadillac premieres new footballers' rides

Fancy a footballers’ ride? Cadillac has announced the new 6.2-litre V8-powered Cadillac Escalade and its updated Cadillac SRX crossover SUV.

The new 2008 Cadillac Escalade – owned by US rap stars and footballers including David Beckham – comes with a 6.2-litre V8 powerplant which is exclusive to the big American SUV.

This massive powerplant produces an eye-watering 400bhp and 416lb/ft of pulling power, featuring bits taken from the storming race-ready Corvette Z06.

View more pictures of the Cadillac Escalade and the Cadillac SRX

The big Caddy also has nearly enough space for an entire football squad – the Escalade has space for up to eight people inside, and showcases a traction control system (TCS) which reduces the engine’s pulling power and applies the brakes to individual wheels to keep the massive power in check.

The 2008 Cadillac Escalade also features the ‘StabiliTrak’ system – this ‘fully-automatic’ system claims to detect when the car isn’t travelling along the driver’s intended route and applies the brakes to prevent the car spinning out of control.

And Cadillac has also announced the updated 2008 Cadillac SRX, which is a luxury four-wheel-drive crossover, like the new BMW X6 and Land Rover LRX, combining off-road ability and interior comfort.

The Cadillac SRX comes equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and is offered with a 260bhp 3.6-litre V6.

But for petrolheads, Cadillac is also offering up its luxury SRX with the range-topping ‘legendary’ Northstar V8 engine: a 4.6-litre 32-valve V8 monster producing 330bhp and 314lb/ft of pulling power.

Inside the Cadillac SRX is available with the optional Sport Luxury pack, which includes Magnetic Ride Control, large 18-inch alloy wheels, power adjustable lumbar support front seats and rear air-conditioning.

The 2008 UK Cadillac Escalade starts from £47,100 and the Cadillac SRX prices start from £28,100, both in right-hand-drive.

View more pictures of the Cadillac Escalade and the Cadillac SRX