XS-500 Cadillac Escalade

Propelled by the combined power of MTV and a 345-horse V-8, the sharped-edged Cadillac Escalade has become the full-size vehicle of choice for professional athletes, rappers, and other well-heeled sport/ute buyers. Carving a formidable niche as a premium coach, with all the electronic and leather trimmings, the Escalade's popularity has created the demand for an even more elite vehicle. Enter Dyno-Proven Products, Inc. (DPPI).

Realizing that the Escalade's balance of power and luxury could be easily upset, DPPI developed two performance packages engineered to minimize the real-world compromises often associated with aftermarket enhancements.

Available for Escalade and Escalade EXT, the Powrpak kits ease breathing with a high-flow air intake and stainless-steel exhaust. The effectiveness of these conventional upgrades is maximized through a reprogrammed Power Control Module (PCM) that optimizes air/fuel ratio, ignition advance, and transmission shift points. DPPI dyno numbers show that 5.3-liter/285-horsepower V-8 (2WD) gains 42 horses at the rear wheels, with the 6.0-liter/345-horsepower V-8 (AWD) increasing 74 horsepower. Beyond the power bump, the PowrPak promises a 10-15 percent fuel efficiency improvement.

For the big numbers, DPPI offers a CoolCharger package featuring an oil-free centrifugal supercharger running a 6.5-pound boost, large fuel injectors, the PowrPak intake and exhaust, and a specific PCM. Dyno testing has shown the 345-hp V-8 engine's output jump to 522-hp at the flywheel with the full CoolCharger kit.

These independent powertrain packages are available in full vehicle conversions performed at authorized Cadillac dealerships, complemented by a brake, suspension, and custom wheel/tire package. To evaluate a full conversion, we sampled a $94,000 XS-500 from Dimmitt Cadillac in Clearwater, Florida, showcasing the complete performance upgrades, and numerous other enhancements such as massive 22-inch wheels, custom grille, and wood-dressed interior.