2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Preview
Cadillac has introduced the first of GM’s big SUV hybrids, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. The new hybrid comes to the market in the summer of 2008.
The Escalade Hybrid is the first large SUV with gas-electric technology. And it’s not just off-the-shelf hybrid tech here: the Escalade also is the first application (along with the Dodge Durango) of the new two-mode hybrid system engineered jointly with GM, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW. According to GM estimation the new hybrid version of the big SUV will provide 50 percent better fuel economy in city driving.
The Escalade Hybrid is based on the standard-wheelbase Escalade, neither the longer-wheelbase ESV model nor the truck-bedded EXT version. The Hybrid comes in either rear- or four-wheel drive, and can tow up to 6000 pounds. The car is equipped with a touch-screen navigation system which has a display showing information on the hybrid system’s action.
The car system can operate only in battery mode when driving at low speed. But if you need to increase the speed the vehicle’s 6.0-liter V-8 is also called into action. The V-8 has cylinder-deactivation technology. Regenerative braking recharges the 300-volt battery during braking and coasting. Hybrids also get a new exhaust system, electrically driven air conditioning and power steering, and a quieter fan.
[VIA: thecarconnection.com ]
Written by autoguru on November 13th, 2007 with
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