Cadillac Escalade Hybrid and Escalade Platinum Make World Premiere

Two of the biggest trends in the automotive world in recent years have been related to the unique function and fashion of luxury SUVs, and the fuel saving function and fashion of hybrids. These two trends were seemingly in opposition, until now.

Cadillac recently announced the world premiere of two new versions of Escalade – the 2009 Escalade Hybrid, the world's first full-size luxury hybrid SUV and the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition version of Escalade with a new front grille, and two new technologies previously reserved for some of the world's most elite cars - LED headlamps and Magnetic Ride Control.

The Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by a 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid delivers more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all with the same style, features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon.

Escalade Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. It delivers up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds (2,565 kg) on 4WD models. All of Escalade’s standard comfort and convenience features are included. This includes an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen.

The Hybrid goes on sale in the summer of 2008.

For more information read the press release:  Escalade Hybrid: Cadillac Premiers the First Hybrid in a Large Luxury SUV

Making its world premiere alongside the Escalade Hybrid, Cadillac announced the Platinum edition will come to market in the spring of 2008 as the most luxurious model in the Escalade lineup. It rounds out a full series of Cadillac Platinum models, including the XLR Roadster, DTS luxury sedan and STS performance sedan. Each model in the Platinum lineup is characterized by elegant cabins featuring handcrafted leather, advanced technology and unique design details throughout.

Escalade Platinum will be the world’s first SUV to be equipped with Cadillac’s advanced Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology. 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-milisecond 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.

Platinum models are powered by the Escalade’s 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kW) and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm). It is an all-aluminum engine that uses variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser is the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve engine.

A Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine. The 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver a balance of performance and fuel economy.

Other features include LED headlamps, a new grille patterned after Cadillac’s CTS sport sedan, 22-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cup holders, a power liftgate, 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.

For more information read the press release:  Escalade Platinum Offers Luxury, Style and Exclusivity

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