Cadillac Revamps The Concept Of SUV Hybrids

Cadillac releases the 2009 Escalade Hybrid offering drivers both luxury and performance, without the sacrifice of fuel efficiency. Many hybrid SUVs are built with a slightly smaller body than the regular models, but the Escalade Hybrid maintains its full size without compromising its performance. The new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will keep all the power of the regular Escalade, built with a 332 hp V8 engine, which has enough power to tow 5800 pounds in rear wheel drive; or 5600 pounds in four wheel drive.

This powerful beast has the estimated city driver getting around 20 miles per gallon, in which Cadillac boasts is more than comparable with the mileage on other smaller model vehicles, such as the 2008 BMW X3 or the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The hybrid features will include auto stop, electric power, and regenerative braking. Auto stop shuts off engine power while stopped, or when in traffic, in which helps reduce fuel emissions. Electric power kicks in during lower speeds, and it powers the vehicle through the combination of a 300v battery pack that is built in electric motors. Finally, with the new regenerative braking, it will restore some of the energy that is normally lost through braking in traffic, and it will be redirected to charge the electric battery.

For the performance aspect of an SUV hybrid, it is highly recommendable, but you cannot forget the luxury that is commonly offered with Cadillac. In addition to the added gas emission benefits and the maintenance of power, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is packed with luxurious features, such as the Navigation Radio interface, which provides a method of monitoring the hybrid system, as well as sound, radio and navigation. Other features include the rear view camera, Bluetooth for interfacing phones, and DVD entertainment systems in the rear seats. Not to mention the five star safety rating and remote start. Getting a hybrid is no longer a means sacrificing luxury, as Cadillac has now put a new face on the fuel economy.

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