Fast-living rappers and bling-dazzled celebrities swooned over the original Escalade, but, in addition to more power and a greater length, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade stresses finesse over flashiness. Refinements are easily noticeable inside and out, and the newest Escalade behaves more admirably on the road than its predecessor. Marketers claim segment-leading horsepower and torque for the "Gen IV" 6.2-liter V8 and, at 60 mph, the engine cruises along at just 1500 rpm.