GM's teamed up with Chrysler and BMW to develop a hybrid system for its large trucks that can save owners some 25 percent on total refuelling costs. The Two-Mode hybrid technology is already on sale in some of the automakers models, and it's being fitted to the high-luxury Cadillac Escalade as well.
Escalade is the first and only luxury SUV to use a fuel-saving hybrid system in its segment. Now, some 10 years after it helped start the luxury SUV scene, hybrid technology has made possible a 32 percent reduction in fuel consumption during city driving.
Jim Taylor, Cadillac's general manager, said "in a changing marketplace emphasizing fuel economy technology, Cadillac is proud to be the only luxury brand offering a hybrid in this segment".
The two-mode hybrid system is fully automatic and requires no driver involvement. All power requirements are met on board, so there's no need to plug in the vehicle, either.
The hybrid system operates in two modes, as per its name. The first is used for light loads or at low speeds- and sees the gas engine shut off completely and the Escalade running solely on battery power. All accessories continue to function as normal when the gas engine is off.
The second mode is used for highway speeds and in other situations where the gas engine needs to be running. Sophisticated features like Active Fuel Management (AFM) can turn off half of the engine's cylinders when the full power of a V8 isn't needed, while cam phasing and Late Intake Valve Closure (LVIC) further the engine's efficient operation.
Escalade Hybrid can run on electric power, engine power, or on a combination of the two.
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| The Escalade 2009 can save owners some 25 percent on total refuelling costs. |
Escalade is the first and only luxury SUV to use a fuel-saving hybrid system in its segment. Now, some 10 years after it helped start the luxury SUV scene, hybrid technology has made possible a 32 percent reduction in fuel consumption during city driving.
Jim Taylor, Cadillac's general manager, said "in a changing marketplace emphasizing fuel economy technology, Cadillac is proud to be the only luxury brand offering a hybrid in this segment".
The two-mode hybrid system is fully automatic and requires no driver involvement. All power requirements are met on board, so there's no need to plug in the vehicle, either.
The hybrid system operates in two modes, as per its name. The first is used for light loads or at low speeds- and sees the gas engine shut off completely and the Escalade running solely on battery power. All accessories continue to function as normal when the gas engine is off.
The second mode is used for highway speeds and in other situations where the gas engine needs to be running. Sophisticated features like Active Fuel Management (AFM) can turn off half of the engine's cylinders when the full power of a V8 isn't needed, while cam phasing and Late Intake Valve Closure (LVIC) further the engine's efficient operation.
Escalade Hybrid can run on electric power, engine power, or on a combination of the two.
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| The two-mode hybrid system is fully automatic and requires no driver involvement. |