Spy Shots: 2008 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid in the wild
Someone with a camera phone recently spotted what appears to be a Cadillac Escalade hybrid taking a break at a state park near the General Motors Proving Ground in Michigan. Apparently Mike hasn't been reading our recent coverage of the Two-Mode hybrid system so he's not aware of some the more recent details. The Two-Mode Escalade should be out about twelve months from now and will have precisely the same power-train as the Yukon/Tahoe twins including the 6.0L displacement on demand V-8. The truck at the in the photos looks like it still has the standard Escalade front clip rather than an aero-optimized version like the Tahoe/Yukon although that will probably change before production. We'll probably see the correct front end at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The photographer did peel back the black duct tape to get a shot of the Two-Mode badge on the back edge of the rear doors.
[Source: Jalopnik]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jonathon Nierengarten 4:04PM (5/29/2008)
Jon,
I live on the west coast and see Hybrid Escapes far more often than any SUV. They even compose 50% of the taxi fleet here in the City. SUVs may be safer, may not be, that's irrelevant. This is a free country, and if people have the desire to purchase something, and the means, then let them. I don't personally like SUV's, but if someone would rather give their money to GM and Detroit than a Saudi prince, so be it. Even if it takes 4 years to break even, it's helping the economy significantly. In addition, on your note about them not selling any; they'll sell out if the economy keeps going. If it flops, they'll be selling Volts and Ford will keep selling Escape Hybrids like they used to sell Mustangs.
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Michael 7:00AM (6/03/2008)
I saw a 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid driving in Birmingham, MI today. I was shocked at the "in-your-face" hybrid badging on the car. It has large green "H" s on the side of the vehicle and the word "HYBRID" stenciled in big letters on the bodysides. I was looking forward to possibly owning this truck next year until I saw the badging. Even my teenage daughter instantly volunteered that she wanted a hybrid, but not one that was trying to brag to everyone, "Hey, everyone look at me..I'm green". Yikes!! Way to ruin a good idea to sell more trucks GM.
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Jonathon Nierengarten 3:10PM (7/01/2008)
I saw a Yukon Denali Hybrid in front of my office a couple of weeks ago with that ugly stencling... and GM wonders why they're not flying off dealer lots. ARE YOU KIDDING??? IS THIS 1987? IS THAT A TRANSAM
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Ron 10:42AM (3/16/2009)
I have to drive with the seat all the way back for leg comfort. BUT the escalade has no telescoping steering wheel. Which means my arms have to be almost fully extended to steer. Not very comfortable on longer trips. It was a deal stopper for us when we went to buy the hybrid.
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Joseph 2:20PM (5/13/2007)
I don't think GM understands the market for hybrid vehicles.
People who buy large SUVs really don't care about fuel economy too much, at least most of the time.
You do save more money and gas if you buy the hybrid version of a huge SUV compared to if you buy the hybrid version of a smaller car that already has decent fuel economy.
However, the "cashed up greenies" or environmentalists don't care to see how much money and gas they save compared to the humongo SUV, they just want to use as little gas as possible.
GM just doesn't seem to be targeting the right market.
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Trisha 12:00PM (5/22/2007)
I disagree with the previous comment - there are many SUV drivers who choose the large SUVs for important reasons - such as a large family to haul around, safer highway ratings (if like me you live where the only way to get around is to use the freeways) etc......BUT many of us also care about trying to conserve gas and emissions. I have to drive a large SUV because a small car is simply inadequate for my needs, but I plan to get a Hybrid SUV because as long as I have to drive one, at least now I can choose one that is better for our environment. I would bet that a large number of other SUV owners will also be happy to see that we now have the Hybrid choices that we didn't have before.
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liam 11:17PM (5/29/2007)
Another good ride by Cadillac Escalade! Not only good performance and stuff but also an environment friendly ride.
http://escadillac.blogspot.com
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Afi K. James 8:47PM (6/02/2007)
This will mean big sales for cadillac once again, this and the volt is gonna bring toyota to it's knees.
The Escalade is proven to be flashy.
and this hybrid is gonna be even flashier.
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kathleen kies 5:33AM (8/31/2007)
I think it is a welcome addition. I have been a GM driver for many years--I totally agree with the comments on safe vehicles -- have been driving carpools, dogs, etc for years. I can't wait to buy it! I currently drive a yukon xl denali and I look foward to the step up and improvements!
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Jon 2:21AM (11/23/2007)
It looks like GM got a hold of a little Greenwash for its '09 line up. Considering I almost never see a Lexus Hybrid, or even an Escape Hybrid, I will be willing to bet that they sell next to none of these, and then cry about poor hybrid sales as they always have, while Toyota and Honda continue to make serious commiements and crush the NA Auto Industry as usual.
So this is nothing but a cheap way of increasing GM's fleet economy while attempting to improve the green image by doing as little as late as possible.
PS - SUV's are NOT SAFER. Increased braking distance. More inertia. Higher rollover rate. Less maneuverability. You chances of being in an accident with an SUV are higher then ever. Do your homework people.
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