Story: Evan “Evo” Yates
Photography: Andrew Link
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Escalades are nothin’ new. They’ve been the rig of choice for rappers, ball players and street hustlers alike since the boxy ’99 model and will arguably always be the go-to hauler for the street. As the Escalade storm has calmed a bit, there are still those who go hard on Escos and ultimately choose a path toward mild or wild as their overall custom direction. Peep how two friendly rivals rock similar components and dimensions yet receive contrasting street perceptions.
2010 Cadillac Escalade (white):
Used and built primarily as a shuttle vehicle to and from the local gentlemen’s club or car show, this exquisite Esco is much more than just an SUV on rims. Upon closer analysis, the intricate additions give proof to the extensive hours spent in the bay and the booth. Completely converting the interior to black, adding a STRUT Grille package and squattin’ the 5,500-pound truck on 28-inch Forgiatos are just some of the refinements that set this Escalade apart in the game. As to the overall theme of his ride, owner Jeff explains, “I don’t like them sitting high or that loud color shit. When I pull up somewhere, I feel like a celebrity, all eyes on me. It’s a great feeling.”
Spec The Technique:
Performance: Stock 6.2-liter V8
Exterior: Factory white diamond; STRUT Grille package; custom-painted headlights
Interior: Black suede and leather; diamond Ferrari-red stitching; suede headliner, floor; piano-black trim
Ice: Three 12-inch Kicker L7 subwoofers; four 8-inch and four 6-inch Beyma speakers, eight tweeters; one 3,500-watt MMATS amplifier; two JL Audio 750-watt amplifiers; all done by Illusion Auto Design
Suspension: Eibach lowering kit
Wheels/Tires: 28-inch Forgiato Otto wheels; Pirelli PZero tires, 295/25/28
2010 Cadillac Escalade (green):
The more brazen of the pair, made blatantly obvious by its Outrageous Daytona hue, this commanding Caddy rocks a Tiarra grille package and 28-inch Asantis. About its exterior direction, owner Darrol explains, “If you’re droppin’ a new ride in Dade, you must be on top of the game, and the Outrageous paint is the latest.” But this Caddy isn’t just a pretty face; a look inside reveals it packs a serious punch in the audio game, with enough electronics to stage its own concert thanks to the crew at Illusion Auto Design. In regards to his competition, Darrol makes it clear: “You can’t compare the rest to the best.”
Spec The Technique:
Performance: Stock 6.2-liter V8; cold-air intake
Exterior: Outrageous Daytona Blue paint; Tiarra grille; custom-painted headlights
Interior: Tan suede and leather
Ice: Six 12-inch Kicker L7 subwoofers; four MMATS amplifiers; eight Optima batteries; all built by Illusion Auto Design
Wheels/Tires: 28-inch Asanti AF161s; Clear tires, 275/25/28
