2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
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Engine |
6 liter V8 hybrid |
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Aspiration |
natural |
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1/4 mile |
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(from General Motors
Press Release) Cadillac announced the world premiere of
the Escalade Hybrid, the worlds first fuel-saving hybrid applied to
a large luxury SUV. Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode
Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent
improvement in fuel economy in city driving all while delivering
the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size
capability that have made the Escalade an icon.
Escalade, already the sales and style leader among large luxury
SUVs, now adds the desirability of a fuel-saving, technically
advanced hybrid system, said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager.
The arrival of Escalade Hybrid means that consumers can now use
less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy the benefits of a
full-size luxury SUV.
The Hybrid goes on sale in the US in the summer of 2008 and is the
newest example of Escalades technology leadership. The potential
for sales of the Hybrid in Europe are currently being evaluated with
a decision expected within six months.
No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight
luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of
cargo comfortably, Taylor said. And no hybrid delivers the
dramatic presence that is synonymous with Escalade.
Escalade Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. It
delivers up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) of usable towing capacity on
2WD models and 5,700 pounds (2,565 kg) on 4WD models. All of
Escalades standard comfort and convenience features are included.
This includes an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that
displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the
screen.
Escalade Hybrid extends Cadillacs leadership in the large luxury
SUV category. Escalade sales have grown in the face of changing
sales trends and increased competition. In fact, Escalade sales
increased 22 percent in September over year-ago sales. Other models
in the Escalade lineup include the extended-length Escalade ESV and
the versatile Escalade EXT luxury-utility truck. The Hybrid model is
available with the standard Escalade body style.
Patented 2-Mode Hybrid technology
The Escalades 2-Mode
Hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy in both
city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury
SUV. In city driving, this advanced hybrid power system enables
Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. As
additional power is demanded, the system blends output from the
battery and gas engine smoothly.
GMs patented 2-Mode Hybrid system consists of an advanced
electrically variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal
hydride Energy Storage System (Ess). These systems work in concert
with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel
Management (AFM) and late-intake valve closing (LIVC) technology.
AFM enables the V-8 engine to seamlessly shut off half of its
cylinders when less power is needed, such as during highway
cruising. This new hybrid system not only enables the Escalade
Hybrid to drive low speeds on electricity alone, it also allows the
6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode
for longer periods.
The key to Escalades 2-Mode hybrid system is that the electric
power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system
itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the
electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is
stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move
the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.
The 2-Mode Hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on
demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less
than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This
technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid
transit buses on the streets today in dozens of major North American
cities. Scaled-down for use in full-size SUVs, the 2-Mode system
delivers fuel savings where it is needed most in large vehicles
with high levels of capability. It is a core part of GMs energy
diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on
petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing
the automobiles impact on the environment.
Cadillacs smooth and quiet power
Acoustic details
specific to the Hybrid model ensure it delivers the superior luxury
that has been an Escalade hallmark since its inception. The details
include:
A new exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC
engines Active Fuel Management operation. It ensures comfortable
interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and
V-8 operation
An electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. It includes the standard tri-zone climate system
An electrically driven,
42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and
provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing
parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
The Energy Storage System cooling systems internal fan is tuned to
be quiet at low vehicle speeds, when the fan could more easily be
heard by the occupants.
Escalade aesthetic
The Escalade Hybrid
retains the qualities that have made it the leading large luxury SUV
and a standard-bearer of Cadillacs overall product renaissance. It
is instantly identifiable as a Cadillac and incorporates styling
cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed
signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome
accents.
The Escalades warm and inviting interior features a premium layout.
It is available in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere. Standard features
include a distinctive instrument panel; gauges with white needles
and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting;
Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center
console; and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes
with the touch of a button.