The Escalade Hybrid is the perfect vehicle for consumers that want to go green and still get the luxury of a Cadillac SUV. The Hybrid seats eight, it is also the only full size luxury SUV hybrid on the market. The best part about the Escalade Hybrid is that it has better fuel efficiency than any other conventional model, all because of its two mode hybrid powertrain.
The Cadillac Escalade’s two mode hybrid system combines GM’s Vortec 6.0 liter V8 engine with Cadillac’s new Auto Trans. The EVT system has two electric motors and four fixed gears. The V8 has GM’s Active Fuel Management system, which shuts down four cylinders under light load conditions to conserve fuel. At stops and when idling the gas engine shuts off and restarts when needed, at the same time the electric motors propel the engine to work in the 4cylinder mode more often.
With light throttle, the electric motors can propel the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid up to 30 mph, but together the electric motor and gasoline engine produce 332 hp and 367lb/ft of torque. Located under the second row seats lies a 300 Volt battery pack that powers all electric engines, the steering system, and the electrically driven air conditioning compressor. Regenerative braking also charges the batteries. Front and all wheel drive options are available for the Escalade Hybrid. Although it would be awesome to have the hybrid powertrain in all trims of the Escalade, it only comes available in the standard length.
As far as towing capability, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will be rated to tow up to 6000 pounds with rear wheel drive and 5700 pounds with all wheel drive. To inform the driver which mode the SUV is running in, the Escalade has a hybrid drive system inside showcased on an eight inch touch screen. There are also green and red bars on an economy gauge that let drivers know what zones to drive in to receive the improved fuel efficiency. To let the driver know whether their gasoline engine is off or on, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid comes equipped with an Auto Stop reading on the TACH.
Jazel Auto Build awesome car dealer websites.
