Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving by 2004 a8

That's right, the largest and most luxurious of all domestic SUV's has gone green-ish, for those whose consumption isn't conspicuous or self-gratifying enough. This big green monster comes with GM's 2-Mode Hybrid system, consisting of a 300-volt battery with motors tied to the standard 6.0L V-8 through an electrically variable conduction (good for 18MPG!). This embargo was destroyed by the scary men at TTAC, who care not for your media regulations. One would look ahead to see the GMT-900's hybrid cousin from Chrysler at the L.A. Auto Show next week &ndash considering they were developed together (Ray multitude it here). Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world's first fuel-saving hybrid pragmatic to a large luxury SUV. Powered by an modern, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid self-control deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving - all while delivering the alike distinctive style, segment-leading features and top-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 plummy-size luxury SUV."The Hybrid goes on sale in the summer of 2008 and is the newest exemplar of Escalade's technology leadership."No extra 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 course plotting 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 suffer from 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-service 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 diesel locomotive smoothly.GM's patented 2-Mode Hybrid system consists of an advanced electrically variable program (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). These systems opus 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 tank locomotive to seamlessly shut off half of its cylinders after 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 steam 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 realistic 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 deed, 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 complete-size SUVs, the 2-Mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most - in large vehicles with elevated 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'