2009 Escalade Hybrid

For Release: June 9, 2008

2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE HYBRID

Vehicle Highlights

Model Lineup

 

Engine

Transmission

 

6.0L V-8 with Active Fuel Management

two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission

Escalade Hybrid

s

s


Key  

Standard

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2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE HYBRID IS THE FIRST HYBRID IN A LARGE LUXURY SUV

The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV, delivering a 50-percent fuel economy improvement in city driving. It is powered by GM’s innovative, fuel-saving two-mode hybrid system and offers the same dramatic design, luxury and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon.

“No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “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 5,800 pounds (2,631 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,600 pounds (2,540 kg) on 4WD models. Nearly all of Escalade’s standard comfort and convenience features are included as standard equipment on the hybrid model, including an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the two-mode hybrid system on the screen.

Escalade Hybrid extends Cadillac’s leadership in the large luxury SUV category, particularly in the area of technology.

Patented two-mode hybrid technology

The Escalade’s two-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 engine smoothly.

GM’s patented two-mode hybrid system consists of an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). These systems work 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 engine to seamlessly shut off half of its cylinders when 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 engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode for longer periods.

The key to Escalade’s two-mode hybrid system is that the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied 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 two-mode hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, 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 full-size SUVs, the two-mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high 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’s impact on the environment.

Energy Storage System (ESS)

Providing power to the hybrid’s electrically variable transmission’s (EVT) two electric motors is a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). This battery pack is located under the second-row seat, where it takes up virtually no additional space and does not interfere with second- or third-row ingress/egress.

The primary function of the ESS is to provide power (300 volts) to the EVT and to store captured energy produced during regenerative braking. In addition to supplying power to the EVT, the ESS also provides power to the air conditioning compressor and the Accessory Power Module (APM), which converts the high-voltage supply to 42 volts for the electric power steering system, and 12 volts for the vehicle battery and other 12-volt electrical accessories.

Battery pack durability and reliability are maintained via optimized charge and discharge cycles, as well as a dedicated cooling system that draws air from the passenger compartment. As part of the vehicle’s emission control system, the ESS is warranted for eight years/100,000 miles.

Regenerative braking

The Escalade Hybrid features fully blended regenerative braking to capture energy that would otherwise be lost during vehicle deceleration. By using one or both of the EVT’s traction motors as a generator, braking energy is converted to electrical energy and stored in the ESS for future use to propel the vehicle.

The regenerative brakes are used along with the standard hydraulic brakes to slow the vehicle and/or bring it to a stop. Depending on the amount of braking force required, the hydraulic brakes may not even be used, such as during mild deceleration when slowing to allow space for merging traffic near a highway on-ramp.

Regenerative braking has the additional benefit of extending the life of the friction materials used in the hydraulic braking system, as well as improving braking performance in the form of shorter stopping distances.

Cadillac’s smooth and quiet power

Acoustic details specific to the Hybrid model ensure it delivers the superior luxury that has been an Escalade hallmark since its inception. The details include:

6.0L V-8 engine

The Escalade Hybrid’s 6.0L V-8 engine is unique. It features Active Fuel Management and late intake valve closing (Atkinson-cycle combustion process) for reduced pumping losses and better overall fuel economy. It uses flat-top pistons, cylinder heads borrowed from GM’s 5.3L high-output V-8 and a 10.8:1 compression ratio, producing 332 horsepower (248 kW) at 5,100 rpm and 367 lb.-ft. of torque (498 Nm) at 4,100 rpm. It runs on regular unleaded fuel. A unique 3.42 rear axle ratio is used with this powertrain combination to help deliver the outstanding acceleration that is a hallmark of the Escalade’s performance.

A key contributor to the Escalade Hybrid’s fuel economy is the gasoline engine’s Auto Stop mode. Once the vehicle reaches 0 mph, the gasoline engine is automatically shut down. By leaving the engine off and allowing the vehicle to move only under electric power, such as during heavy stop-and-go traffic, fuel consumption and emissions are greatly reduced.

However, when extra power is required, such as for wide-open-throttle acceleration from a standing stop, the Vortec 6.0L V-8 is seamlessly restarted so it can deliver the necessary power and torque. In this case, the engine is restarted effortlessly from the Auto Stop mode using the EVT’s powerful internal electric motors; there is no traditional starter motor.

Escalade aesthetic

The Escalade Hybrid retains the qualities that have made it the leading large luxury SUV and a standard-bearer of Cadillac’s overall product renaissance. It is instantly identifiable as a Cadillac and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.

The Escalade’s warm and inviting interior features a premium layout. It is available in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere. Standard features include a distinctive instrument panel; gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting; Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.

# # #

Contact:
David Caldwell
Cadillac Communications
Phone: 313-665-7252
E-mail: david.caldwell@gm.com

Vince Muniga
Product Development Communications
Phone: 586-575-1928
E-mail: vince.muniga@gm.com

Brian Corbett
GM Hybrid Technology Communications
Phone: 586-857-0323
E-mail: brian.corbett@gm.com

Antonio Sanchez Jimenez
Gerente de Relaciones Públicas y Comunicación
General Motors de Mexico
Office: 011-5255-5901-3042
E-mail: angelantonio.sanchezjimenez@gm.com

SPECIFICATIONS

 Overview

Model:

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Body style / driveline:

full-size, 4-door luxury SUV, front-engine, 2WD & 4WD

Construction:

body-on-frame, all-welded, fully-boxed, ladder-type channel design, with hydroformed front and rear sections

EPA vehicle class:

full-size, 4-door luxury sport utility

Manufacturing location:

Arlington, Texas

Engine

Type:

Vortec 6.0L V-8 (LFA)

Application:

Escalade Hybrid

Displacement (cu in / cc):

364 / 5967

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92

Block material:

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing

Ignition system:

coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

Fuel delivery:

Active Fuel Management™; sequential fuel injection

Compression ratio:

10.8:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

332 / 248 @ 5100*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

367 / 498 @ 4100*

Recommended fuel:

regular unleaded

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6000

Emissions controls:

close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor

EPA estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):

2WD: TBD
4WD: TBD

Transmission

Type:

two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission with four fixed gears

Gear ratios (:1):

 

First:

3.69

Second:

1.70

Third:

1.00

Fourth:

0.73

Reverse:

infinite – 1.70

EVT1:

infinite – 1.70

EVT2:

1.70 – .5

Final drive ratio:

3.08

Vehicle Power System

Power electronics system:

300-volt (transmission, air conditioning; 42-volt (power steering); 12-volt (vehicle accessories)

Batteries:

300-volt (hybrid system); 12-volt (vehicle accessories)

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

independent, coil-over-shock; Road Sensing Suspension, real-time damping

Rear:

five-link with coil springs

Traction assist:

all-speed traction control

Steering type:

42-volt electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:

17.75:1

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

3

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

39.04 / 11.9

Brakes

Type:

power-assisted four-wheel discs with fully blended regenerative braking control, standard stability control, traction control and four-channel ABS; vented front discs, solid rear discs; twin-piston front calipers, single-piston rear calipers

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):

front: 13 x 1.18 / 330.2 x 30
rear: 13.5 x 0.79 / 345 x 20

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

22-inch x 9-inch 7-spoke chromed aluminum

Tires:

P285/45R22 AL3 Bridgestone (performance) blackwall steel-belted radials

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

116 / 2946

Overall length (in / mm):

202.5 / 5143

Overall width (in / mm):

79 / 2007

Overall height (in / mm):

74.3 / 1887

Track (in / mm):

front: 68.2 / 1731.8

 

rear: 67.0 / 1701.8

Minimum ground clearance (in / mm):

9 / 228.8

Ground to top of load floor (in / mm):

31.6 / 802.1

Approach angle (deg):

17

Departure angle (deg):

21.9

Curb weight (lb / kg):

2WD: 5727 / 2598
4WD: 6016 / 2729

Weight distribution (% front / rear):

2WD: 53 / 47
4WD: 54 / 46

Interior

 

First Row

Second Row

Third Row

Seating capacity (up to 8 total):

2

2 / 3

2 / 3

Headroom (in / mm):

40.3 / 1023

38.5 / 978

38.2 / 971

Legroom (in / mm):

41.3 / 1049

39.0 / 991

25.4 / 644

Shoulder room (in / mm):

65.3 / 1658

65.3 / 1657

61.7 / 1566

Hip room (in / mm):

64.4 / 1636

60.6 / 1539

49.1 / 1246

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

 

 

 

Behind 1 st row, 2 nd row folded no third row

108.9 / 3084

 

 

Behind 2 nd row no third row

 

60.3 / 1707

 

Behind 3rd row:

 

 

16.9 / 478

Capacities

EPA interior volume
(cu ft / L):

108.9 / 3084 (from back of front-row seat rearward)

GVWR: (lb / kg):

2WD: 7300 / 3311
4WD: 7500 / 3402

Payload, base (lb / kg):

2WD: 1573 / 713 (with third-row seat)
4WD: 1484 / 673 (with third-row seat)

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):

2WD: 5800 / 2631
4WD: 5600 / 2540

Fuel tank (gal / L):

24.5 / 92.7

Engine oil (qt / L):

6 / 5.7

Cooling system (qt / L):

16.8 / 15.9

* SAE certified
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

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