Cadillac blends top 2 Escalades for one really expensive hybrid
Apparently, some people think that $83,000 just isn't enough money to spend on a new Escalade. That's the sticker on the Platinum edition of the big Caddy SUV. The marketing department has decided the truck needed to move closer to 6 figures to be taken seriously. Therefore, General Motors is adding the Escalade Platinum Edition hybrid to its lineup. The Escalade hybrid has been on sale since last fall with the same Two-Mode hybrid system used in the Tahoe and Yukon. Around the same time, the Platinum edition debuted with the 6.2-liter V8 and lots of luxury upgrades. The Platinum gets the same type of grille design used on the CTS and STS, as well as LED headlamps. Inside Aniline leather with French seams and contrasting stitching gives a fancier look. Cadillac hasn't said when the Platinum hybrid will go on sale or what it will cost. The conventional all-wheel-drive Platinum starts at almost $84,000 so adding the two-mode will likely bring the price tag close to $90,000 or more.
[Source: Cadillac]
PRESS RELEASE:
2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid Offers Unprecedented Combination Of Efficiency, Technology And Luxury In A Large SUV
DETROIT – Cadillac has launched the 2009 Escalade Platinum Hybrid, the most technically advanced large luxury SUV yet, blending the exclusive features of the Platinum model with the fuel-saving powertrain of the Escalade Hybrid. It delivers 20 mpg in city driving – a 50-percent city mileage improvement over non-hybrid models.
"This is the ultimate Escalade, combining the luxury features of the Platinum with the world's first hybrid on a large luxury SUV," said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. "Along with the upcoming CTS Sport Wagon and SRX crossover, the Escalade Platinum Hybrid represents an opportunity for the changing priorities of luxury consumers who want dramatic design and technology combined with fuel efficiency and functionality."
The Escalade's two-mode hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy, while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. The limited-edition Escalade Platinum model includes other advanced technologies, such as light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps and Cadillac's advanced Magnetic Ride Control system.
Escalade Platinum 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.
GM's patented two-mode hybrid technology
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.
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.
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.
Additional features of the hybrid powertrain and supporting systems include:
* Fully blended regenerative braking to capture energy that would otherwise be lost during vehicle deceleration
* A 6.0L V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management and late intake valve closing (Atkinson-cycle combustion process) for reduced pumping losses and better overall fuel economy. It is rated at 332 horsepower (248 kW) and 367 lb.-ft. of torque (498 Nm) and runs on regular unleaded fuel
* Auto Stop mode. Once the vehicle reaches 0 mph, the gasoline engine automatically shuts down, leaving the engine off and allowing the vehicle to move only under electric power, such as during city driving or heavy stop-and-go traffic
* An exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine's Active Fuel Management operation. It ensures comfortable interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation
* An electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. It includes the standard tri-zone climate system
* An electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering system reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
* The Energy Storage System cooling system's internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds, when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants
The Escalade Platinum Hybrid's 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 energy storage system is warranted for eight years/100,000 miles.
Exclusive package of luxury, style and technology
In the new Escalade Platinum Hybrid, the hybrid system's efficiency is complemented by an exclusive package of luxury, style and technology, including:
* A distinctive front fascia and grille patterned after Cadillac's acclaimed CTS sport sedan
* Unique 22-inch wheels
* Magnetic Ride Control technology
* LED headlamps
* Exclusive interior appointments with Aniline leather
* DVD entertainment system with screens integrated in front-seat headrests
Magnetic Ride Control is the world's fastest-reacting suspension system and gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system – "reading" the road in 1-millisecond intervals – that replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a synthetic fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.
The LED headlamps emulate the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, with a usable life more than 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs.
Inside the Escalade Platinum is the latest example of Cadillac's 21st-century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are wrapped and stitched by hand. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with unique wood inlays and aluminum trim.
Aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, with the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat.
Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats; a heated steering wheel; and heated and cooled cupholders and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front-seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen.
Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices. Also including is the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen for DVD-based navigation and control of the DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite Radio entertainment.
Evolving Cadillac fleet of luxury, fuel efficiency and functionality
The Escalade Platinum Hybrid joins an evolving fleet of Cadillacs that is focused on fuel efficiency and functionality, combined with dramatic design and advanced technology. Cadillac will launch the all-new SRX crossover this summer, with high levels of functionality and a 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine that delivers more horsepower and a 10-15-percent fuel economy improvement over the 3.6L engine it replaces. The CTS Sport Wagon will also launch this summer, with the same, fuel-efficient engine, as well as greater functionality than has ever been delivered by Cadillac's core nameplate.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Andrey 8:16PM (3/28/2009)
If it is expensive tham it must be good. And if it is really expensive than they must think we are idiots. Lets make an uber luxury "Cavalier" and add another zero to price tag. That should get GM out of the hole.
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ronzo 2:31PM (3/30/2009)
And some people wonder why they were in the hole to begin with. Ideas like this behemoth is exactly why.
Shaun 8:20PM (3/28/2009)
I like the look of the escalade, but 20 MPG is horrible... but hey, there is a market for these things... and if someone is going to buy one anyway... 20 MPG is still better then 12.
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Quantumphysics 9:38PM (3/28/2009)
The Escalade is the most recognizeable luxury SUV on the market to signal to others that you've made it.
My aunt has a loaded V8 SRX and she wants to buy an Escalade soon because she needs more interior space. She's retired and has her pension coming to her till Social Security starts - never has to work again - ever.
People like this don't care if gas is $10 a gallon...they just buy what they want and keep it moving. I think the real problem with luxury SUV's is that people who shouldn't have had them/couldn't afford them were able to get them with the horrible credit allowances years ago and now they can't touch the financing on them and are left out entirely - thus sales have decreased rapidly. consumer reports shows that when gas prices decreased, SUV sales went up.
I love the Escalade but compared to the Navigator, cadillac made stupid choices here.
-solid rear axle
- 3rd row doesn't fold flat
-low roofline makes it smaller inside than an Enclave/Arcadia/Traverse
-fuel economy is horrible and you can't choose regular unleaded.
why not the LS2LS7? 10:15PM (3/28/2009)
The 2009 Escalade is designed for regular gas, premium is not required. It also runs on E85.
Richard 9:29PM (3/28/2009)
It's this kind of piss poor decision making by the GM "smart" people that has put them in the kind of financial trouble that dictates three bailouts. I say, let them die. There will be better and more efficient car companies coming up right behind them to take up the slack.
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Tohe 10:27PM (3/28/2009)
Agreed, it is time to go GM.
jpm100 10:02AM (3/29/2009)
Yeah, 20/21 isn't good enough.
They need to be replaced with a Trunda based SUV that gets 15/19
Yanquetino 9:51PM (3/28/2009)
You've GOT to be kidding me! THIS is how GM spends our tax dollars to "retool" for the future? By continuing to pawn off these behemoths on the public? So much for their supposed "change-of-heart." They'd crush the EV1 all over again if given half the chance. Unconcienable.
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why not the LS2LS7? 10:08PM (3/28/2009)
Makes sense to me. The buyers of the Platinum edition likely are not terribly price sensitive anyway. So why not make a version that costs even more?
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Nick 3:16PM (3/29/2009)
I'd take one of those over a Range Rover any day.......Ranges go for 100k+ so this is a bargain compares to it!
Escalade has better quality, looks just as fancy, and has a high tech hybrid drivetrain.
This makes totally sense, I'd love to own one.
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Noz 5:55AM (3/29/2009)
What a truly stupid vehicle..the ultimate douche-mobile...perhaps with exception of the Hummer.
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mister nomer 1:23PM (3/29/2009)
The last time I checked, the average price of a new car/SUV in the U.S. was about $28K. This SUV costs 3 times that and is not intended to be a mass market vehicle.
Look at it this way:
This SUV is an existing model with some upgrades. It has huge profit margins. This means that this SUV, loathsome though it may be, is subsidizing the Volt and keeping the lights on at GM.
From the post:
"It delivers 20 mpg in city driving – a 50-percent city mileage improvement over non-hybrid models."
Now, I know 20MPG doesn't sound like much. But to put it in proper context, consider:
Mercedes G class: 11 / 15 mpg
Range Rover: 12 / 18 mpg
http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_mercedes_benz_g_class/
http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_land_rover_range_rover/
So, 20MPG city for an $84K SUV is actually world class. C'mon say it with me:
USA! USA! USA! = )
I kid, but seriously, why is it wrong to sell cars to very wealthy people who want big cars like this (and who are going to buy them anyway from Mercedes or Range Rover if you don't build them) and then use that money to subsidize development of really efficient cars for the rest of us?
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GoodCheer 10:24AM (3/30/2009)
I agree.
While you couldn't pay me enough to drive one of those (OK, you probably could, but I'd still feel like an ostentatious ass driving around in it), GM probably makes $25,000 in profit on these things, and I don't begrudge them their efforts to make profit. As some one else said, it's just a matter of charging an idiot tax to save the company. If you want to be that idiot, knock yourself out.
5 watt 2:29PM (3/29/2009)
Can we put our SUV pitchforks down. This American dinosaur is more fuel efficient than an equivalent German v8 super sedan. We need to let the technology work it’s way though the industry, not restrict it.
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LAD 4:11PM (3/29/2009)
Looks like GM is trying to find those "suckers that are born everyday." Why wouldn't you look at the future and realize that electric drive cars with lots better mileage and room for 5 will start to come to market at the end of this year? Tesla just announced their BEV sedan that has the interior room of a station wagon; the performance of a sports car, a 300 mile range, and fast charge batteries. Don't buy stuff like the Escalate and Navigator; all they are are spruced up Suburbans and Expeditions...nothing more! If you want to be a trend setter and care about your status, wait a year and buy a BEV; everyone will want to compliment you on your choice of automobiles instead of laughing at you for becoming "a sucker on a stick!"
A Suburban with a Cadillac sticker is still a Suburban!
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GenWaylaid 2:49AM (3/30/2009)
Who would actually buy this nowadays? I wonder if the license plate "BAILOUT" is already taken.
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summazooma 6:51AM (3/30/2009)
Platinum... It just occurred to me that I was behind a brand new F150 Platinum the other day.
I know trim level designations are usually immune to trademark infringement cases (or ignored by auto industry) but this seems odd, especially since the F-series trim essentially replaced the Lincoln Mark LT and competes against the Escalade "Avalanche".
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damien 7:07AM (3/30/2009)
Oink oink oink!!
We don't want your overpriced ego booster, thank you very much. Now go and make your company profitable again by making what the market desires, not by making what you want and then manufacturing consent.
Good riddance Rick Wagoner!! you corrupt scum bag!! By the way did you enjoy your 14,000,000 plus paychecks every year while your company was losing money?
Don't you wish the ev1 was still around?
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Mark 9:49AM (3/30/2009)
Please please please someone tell me why anyone would need a 6 litre V8? I drive a 1.5 diesel and it serves all my needs perfectly.
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