You didn’t think Lexus was going to lock up the SUV luxury hybrid market without GM hitting back, did you? Cadillac recently announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, powered by a fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system. The company says it will provide more than a 50% improvement in fuel economy in city driving - all while delivering the same style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade the ride of choice for rappers, sports stars and Tony Soprano.

While no one’s pretending the new Escalade is single-handedly going to clean up the skies, clearly the company’s honchos are counting on the big boy to keep their leading edge in the age of environ-mental concerns.

The Escalade Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations and delivers up to 6,000 pounds of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds on 4WD models. All of Escalade’s standard comfort and convenience features are included. This includes an 8-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen.

The Escalade’s 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return above-average fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a luxury SUV. In city driving, the hybrid power system enables the 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.

GM’s 2-Mode Hybrid system uses an electrically variable transmission and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System. These systems work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management and late-intake valve closing technology.

AFM enables the V-8 engine to seam-lessly shut off half of its cylinders when less power is needed. The new hybrid system also allows the gas engine to operate in its more economical four- cylinder mode.

• Will get up to 30 mpg on the highway
• Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations
• Can tow up to 6,000 pounds with rear-wheel drive
• Expected to be priced in the mid-$60,000 range
• 300-volt battery pack located under the second-row seats

Popularity: 1% [?]