Cadillac has launched its first ever hybrid model in the form of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, which has been revealed ahead of its world debut at this month’s L.A. Auto Show. The combination of a 6.0L Gen IV V8 and a host of fuel saving technologies is claimed to improve fuel economy over the standard V8 model by up to 50%, increasing the urban cycle mileage figure from 12 to 18mpg.

Some of the new technologies include Active Fuel Management (AFM) and a new variable valve lift feature called Late-Intake Valve Closing (LIVC). There’s also a nickel-metal hydride battery array and a new electronic transmission with engine stop-start technology.

The hybrid model is sure to stand out since it’s available in only two colors, Ebony and Cashmere, and comes with unique alloys.

The interior gets a new instrument panel with blue backlights and white LED highlights. Nuance leather is used for the seats and door inserts, and up back is a power-assisted rear tailgate.

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Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Announced for LA Auto Show
First hybrid luxury SUV
Press Release

Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world’s 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 Escalade’s 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 Escalade’s 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 Cadillac’s 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 Escalade’s 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.

GM’s 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 Escalade’s 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 GM’s energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile’s impact on the environment.

Cadillac’s 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 engine’s 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 system’s 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 Cadillac’s 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 Escalade’s 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.

[Source: GM Corp via WCF]

I like the new Cadillac Escalade, I'm not into Hybrids due to how much it costs to maintane them. But none the less GM's attempt to accomodate green friendly consumers should prove to be a wise decision on their behalf. Go GM

Is there anyone else here who sees something ridiculously ironic about the whole concept of a Hybrid Escalade?

Stupid considering it gets 20 mpg tops LOL. Did I read somewhere that BMW's new V8 4.4 tt was getting 22 mpgIf so this is an embarasment for this car, if a turbo V8 can get better than a hybrid then there is something very wrong

I have been condemning hybrids the latest months, even the Cayenne hybrid. Since when did buying a car with a weaker engine or simply a smaller car become ignored alternatives for conserving the planet?

Having lived in California I can picture Escalade Hybrid owners lining up at the Mc Donald's drive-in 09:00 AM to grab a beefy breakfast in the form of a Big-N-Tasty meal with a Sprite light. But deep down inside they want to buy two doube-double + Mountain Dew at In-N-Out across the street but can't be bothered because In-N-Out doesn't have a drive-in.

Yeh, the weight, and its a 6.2L... Escalade is huge in comparison....

Nontheless, even 20mpg sucks regardless.... I've had Escalades and have got 18mpg highway anyway.... should be much better consumption.

Ya escalades are huge and overweight.
I think that GM should stop making Hybrid SUV's like this, while they do get 2 mpg better or something whats the point. If people really cared about saving the environment or anything they would buy a prius or even a similarly priced car which would probably get much better fuel economy.

Uh... it gets 20mpg CITY... not highway, if I read right. So don't say that it's only a 2mpg increase, because you're comparing apples to oranges if you do.

I agree. But as humans, we do things to offset others and make ourselves feel better about it. Example, you want to lose weight. So you eat a fat free light ice cream sundae. It's light and fat free, right? It's still ice cream. Cars are the same. I want a Hummer or Escalade, so I'll get a light/hybrid one. You don't feel so bad then. You feel like you are doing your part in the tiniest form. You can still intimidate and mull down others while looking responsible.