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Since its inception in 2004, Cadillac’s XLR has been a fresh face in the elite club of the world’s finest luxury roadsters. Today Cadillac revealed the new 2009 edition of the XLR Roadster, featuring styling and model enhancements providing more dramatic design and technology.

Only the finest editions of Cadillac’s retractable hardtop roadster will be offered in 2009:
The luxurious XLR Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V. The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine. The XLR-V, part of Cadillac’s V-Series of high-performance models, is powered with a 443-horsepower (330 kW) 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine.

The 2009 XLR includes a new front fascia, new rear fascia and new side fender vents. The revised design is inspired by the award-winning CTS sport sedan, delivering more detail and aggressiveness to Cadillac’s roadster. The front fascia includes new fog lamps and specific upper and lower grilles for the Platinum and V-Series models. Also, both ’09 models feature the distinctive hood with a raised center section that was previously exclusive to the V-Series.

“XLR has been a catalyst for the dramatic design and technology driving Cadillac’s ongoing renaissance,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The enhanced 2009 model exemplifies the continued development of Cadillac’s approach to design, performance and craftsmanship.”

The ultra-luxury XLR Platinum model receives additional exterior identifiers, including a revised rear fascia with more pronounced new exhaust tips and a new 18-inch wheel design (painted wheel finish is standard; chrome is optional).

Inside, the ’09 XLR lineup delivers more luxury and technology. Alcantara™ – a suede-like microfiber material – is used for the headliner material, in either Ebony or Cashmere color. Also new is hand-cut and sewn leather used on the upper instrument panel. This hand-stitched and wrapped leather lends tailored elegance to the cabin, representing Cadillac’s new approach to modern and elegant interior craftsmanship.

The updated cabin includes new instrument cluster trim rings and graphics, new wood grain trims (Natural Olive Ash Burl for XLR Platinum and Black Olive Ash Burl for XLR-V) and new metal trims (Quartz for XLR Platinum and Bermuda for XLR-V.)

Advanced technology has always been a trademark of XLR, and that legacy continues in 2009. This includes Cadillac’s acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control system and amenities such as Keyless Access with push-button start, DVD navigation and entertainment, heated and cooled seats, head-up display and heated steering wheel. XLR’s advanced technologies also include Adaptive Forward Lighting that enables the headlamps to swivel in concert with vehicle steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

XLR is factory-equipped with OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth capability. The next-generation OnStar 8.0 system (OnStar subscription is not required for Bluetooth) features enhanced hands-free voice commands, Turn by Turn navigation and Emap powered by MapQuest. This includes the industry-first Destination Download feature, in which directions can be downloaded from OnStar directly to the car’s navigation system – eliminating the need to stop the car to manually enter a destination.

Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition Is Revealed

D3 Cadillac, the leader in Cadillac tuning, introduces the new 2008 Cadillac CTS Performance Exterior Package. The exterior enhancements are not only exquisitely designed styling cues integrated seamlessly, they are functional as well. The front grill has a unique jewel like cut on the stainless steel wire mesh that signifies performance & class. The additional openings in the front allow for a larger surface area to induce adequate cooling for the engine compartment. This is important when you start squeezing more performance out of this engine, as heat is a byproduct of making more power. Not only were the factory brake ducts maintained, but the front fascia also introduces double the cooling by adding an additional brake duct pick ups on each side. Notice the angled lip towards the lower edge of the front fascia. This angled edge has been designed and measured for just the right amount of down force without creating too much drag. The side skirts offer a much more complete look and help transfer the styling from the front of the vehicle to the rear without loosing the theme of the design. The rear deck lid spoiler and rear roof spoiler help introduce down force at high speed while keeping the air stable coming off the backside of the vehicle. The rear lower diffuser helps keep the air uniform while passing the underside of the vehicle. While at speed the air is kept moving uniform rather than curling up behind the vehicle, often promoting rear end lift at high speeds.

The Cadillac STS saloon is the flagship of the Cadillac UK range. Following the introduction of the 2008 STS, all Cadillac saloons are now right hand drive. With its Cadillac-signature styling and choice of powerful V6 or V8 engines, the STS is the product of unwavering attention to detail, resulting in refined performance, sophisticated luxury and purposeful innovation.

The exterior of STS declares that it is every inch a contemporary Cadillac. Design cues include vertically stacked headlamps and light-emitting diode (LED) tail lamps, LED high-mounted centre brake light, horizontal ‘spline lines’ and the dihedral-shaped bonnet. With an overall length of almost five metres and a wheelbase of almost three metres, the STS has an imposing road-presence and a premium appointed interior that can accommodate five adults in luxurious comfort.

The Cadillac STS is the largest saloon built on GM’s Sigma platform which also forms the foundation of the Cadillac CTS luxury sports saloon, CTS V-Series high-performance saloon and SRX luxury performance crossover.

For 2008, Cadillac STS prices start at £33,995 (on-the-road) and there is a single equipment/trim level called ‘Sport Luxury’. Premium quality materials, fixtures and fittings are used throughout. African Sapele Pommele wood accents are featured on the steering wheel, gear selector, centre console, instrument panel and door trims. Dual-firmness foam, leather covered seats are specially tanned for a softer feel. Natural grained surfaces on the doors and instrument panel ensure an inviting, tactile feel, as do the headliner and interior pillar trims, which are soft backed and covered with Monaco woven fabric.

Legendary Cadillac power and performance

In the UK, the Cadillac STS is available with a choice of powerful quad-cam V6 or V8 petrol engines incorporating variable valve timing (VVT), which brings increased efficiency, with benefits in fuel economy, reduced emissions and engine flexibility. These powerunits are mated to Cadillac’s widely acclaimed Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Thanks to its compact design and excellent power-to-weight ratio, Cadillac’s Northstar all-aluminium engine family has acquired legendary status. The 4.6-litre capacity, 90-degree V8 unit fitted under the bonnet of the £39,995 STS punches out 330 ps at 6400 rpm and 427 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. This abundance of power and torque translates into an exhilarating driving experience, with the charge to 60 mph completed in just 6.2 seconds. The STS’s top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The £33,995 STS comes with one of the world’s most advanced V6 engines. In its latest form, this 3.6-litre SIDI direct injection unit generates more power and delivers more performance while also achieving greater fuel economy with reduced CO2 emissions.

Maximum power is now up to 315 ps at 6500 rpm with 374 Nm of torque at 5200 rpm to deliver a powerful, typically Cadillac performance. A driver-friendly 90% of the peak torque is available across a broad operating range from 1600 rpm to 5800 rpm. In addition, an electronic throttle control (ETC) effectively ensures a crisp response to driver inputs. With the V6 engine, STS reaches 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and can attain a top speed of 149 mph.

Cadillac’s Hydra-Matic electronically controlled automatic transmission incorporates Driver Shift Control (DSC). This system gives drivers a choice of fully automatic operation or in DSC mode, sequential manual selection of gears by a quick tap on the selector lever.

For maximum traction, every Cadillac STS is equipped with an electronic traction control system (TCS) – which uses the ABS system to apply the brake on a spinning rear wheel – and a limited-slip differential in the rear axle, which operates automatically, full-time, and limits wheel spin.

‘Real time’ damping for optimum ride and handling

The STS rides on a fully independent suspension system which features aluminium double-wishbones at the front (to reduce unsprung weight) and sub frame-mounted multi links (some in aluminium) at the rear. These integrated chassis technologies are optimised to combine high dynamic performance and a comfortable ride without sacrificing a rewarding driving experience.

While the front shock absorbers are high-performance dampers from German specialist Sachs, at the rear all STS models are fitted with Nivomat self-levelling dampers. These units automatically adapt to different loads and road conditions to maintain a constant ride height, ensuring consistent handling characteristics – regardless of load.

The V8-powered STS model also features the award-winning Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) system. The STS driver can select ‘Performance’ or ‘Touring’ mode for electronic control of the world’s fastest-reacting real-time ‘active’ suspension system. A set of sensors continuously monitors and adjusts the stiffness of the dampers (up to 1000 times per second) to reduce roll when cornering and squatting during braking, while also providing exceptionally responsive handling and the smoothest of rides.

Precise steering, immensely capable brakes and ESP

Both STS models are fitted with ZF Servotronic 2 variable power assistance. This speed-sensitive system reduces the level of assistance as vehicle speed increases, for easy low-effort parking without loss of steering feel or precision at high speed.

To meet the demands of a luxury high-performance saloon, the STS is equipped with immensely capable Brembo ventilated disc brakes, 355 mm at the front and 365 mm at the rear. As well as ABS, the braking system incorporates dynamic rear brake proportioning (which takes account of how lightly or heavily laden the car is to regulate pressure to the rear brakes), and emergency brake assist (EBA) which reduces stopping distances by boosting braking power when it detects an emergency.

Both STS models are fitted with Cadillac’s StabiliTrak electronic stability system. In critical driving situations this full-time, automatic ESP-type system assists the driver by correcting understeer and oversteer, through precise application of the brake on individual wheels, to ensure that the vehicle follows the intended course.

Luxuriously specified as standard

As befits a prestige Cadillac saloon, both the STS models are highly specified as standard and come with a single equipment/trim level – Sport Luxury.

Standard equipment includes: full leather upholstery in a choice of three colours, eight-way power seat adjustments for the driver and front passenger (including a memory package which provides presets for two drivers and automatically adjusts the outside rear-view mirrors, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel position). The heated and ventilated driver and front passenger seats also feature four-way power lumbar adjustment. The outer seating positions of the rear seats also have heated cushions and there are folding centre armrests, front and rear.

The heated steering wheel has rake and reach power adjustment, plus ‘easy exit’ which raises the wheel to facilitate exit and entry to the car. All four electric windows have express up/down, the climate control air-conditioning has dual front zones and there is a remote power release for the boot.

Both STS models come with an ‘EasyKey’ keyless entry system, a push button engine start and a Thatcham Category 1 security system.

The 2008 STS models are equipped with a top-of-the-range infotainment system, with a 15-speaker Bose® 5.1 Surround Sound system and an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer, a 203 mm (eight inch) VGA quality touch screen, Bluetooth capability, advanced voice recognition and an advanced DVD navigation system.

Optimised for maximum ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety

In addition to providing the highest level of ‘active’ safety through its precise steering, agile handling and powerful braking, the STS is packed with comprehensive ‘passive’ safety technology.

The bodyshell, which employs ultra-high strength and dual-phase steel, is extremely robust and features octagonal section engine chassis rails at the front and a special two-piece magnesium under-floor cross member, to maximise frontal and side impact crash performance.

Three-point seat belts and head restraints are provided for all five occupants, with pre-tensioners on the outer front and rear belts. The rear seat is fitted with anchorage points for two child safety seats.

The cabin is fitted with a total of six airbags, including twin dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and roof rail-mounted full length curtain airbags offering head protection to both front and rear seat occupants.

The STS also has a tyre pressure monitoring system and rear parking assist, which includes a rear-view LED display and audible warning, and heated windscreen washer nozzles. With the same focus on safety and functionality, an advanced microphone can be used to give voice commands to the DVD-based navigation and entertainment system.

Broad choice of exterior and interior colours

In the UK, the right-hand drive Cadillac STS is available in a choice of 10 exterior colours, with full leather upholstery in Light Gray, Ebony or Cashmere. The generosity of the standard specification ensures that the options list for STS is remarkably short – just metallic paint for £650 and a powered glass sunroof at £1,050.

The Cadillac STS is built alongside its CTS, CTS-V and SRX stablemates at GM’s state-of-the-art Lansing Grand River assembly centre in Michigan, USA. This facility, which is one of the most advanced assembly plants in the world, has won numerous awards for consistent high quality and high productivity since it opened in 2001.

Cadillac extends its ongoing design and technology momentum with tomorrow’s debut of the Cadillac Provoq Concept, a vision for a petroleum-free future of luxury transportation. GM CEO Rick Wagoner will present the Cadillac Provoq Conceptvehicle January 8 at the influential Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, beginning a showcase of Cadillac’s future performance technology and design that will continue at next week’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The Cadillac Provoq Concept continues Cadillac’s remarkable heritage of landmark concept vehicles, this time in a vehicle free from petroleum fuel and emissions, the ultimate luxury.
Provoq will make its world premiere at one of the world’s leading technology showcases at CES, appearing again at one of the foremost automotive stages in Detroit on Jan. 14.

Cadillac accelerates into Detroit with another dramatic demonstration of its design and performance technology, the world premiere of the 2009 CTS-V. Cadillac’s high performance V-Series represents the ultimate expression of the brand’s performance and luxury, and the much-anticipated new CTS-V will include many significant technical and design enhancements aimed at placing it within the elite group of the world’s most capable cars.

The 2009 CTS-V extends the momentum created by Cadillac’s 2008 CTS Sport Sedan, which is earning wide acclaim from critics and consumers alike. Since September, CTS sales are up 59.5% in the U.S. CTS was recently named 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year, headlining a long list of accolades that also includes positions on Car and Driver magazine’s 10Best list and as a finalist for 2008 North American Car of the Year.

Also appearing in Detroit next week will be the Escalade Hybrid, featuring a fuel-saving. Two Mode Hybrid system combining a gas engine with electric battery power. The Escalade Hybrid, beginning production in mid-2008, extends the desirability of the leading large luxury SUV.

Cadillac announced the introduction of the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition of the segment-leading large luxury SUV that takes Cadillac’s dramatic design, elegance and technology to its fullest expression.

Making its world premiere alongside the upcoming 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.

“The new Platinum edition elevates and extends Escalade’s position as the large SUV of choice among luxury consumers,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The growing Platinum series highlights the handcrafted details and technical sophistication of Cadillac’s overall product renaissance.”

Advanced technologies
Offered on Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV, the Platinum edition includes a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements. Escalade Platinum will be the world’s first SUV to be equipped with Cadillac’s advanced Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology.

Magnetic Ride Control, originally developed for performance vehicles such as the STS sedan, XLR Roadster and Chevrolet’s legendary Corvette, 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.

Segment-first, innovative LED headlamps
Escalade Platinum will be the first SUV – and one of the first vehicles of any kind – to offer Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps. Used previously only on concept vehicles or exotic sports cars, LED headlamps mark another step in Cadillac’s application of advanced lighting technology and design.

LED headlamps emit a greatly more precise light pattern, while emulating the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, using much less power and lasting more than 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs. LED headlamps will be an enhancement added to the Escalade Platinum in the summer of 2008, shortly after the start of production of the Platinum model itself in the spring of 2008.

“Escalade is world renown for making a distinctive design statement,” Taylor said, “With the introduction of the world’s first large luxury SUV hybrid as well as the new Platinum edition, Cadillac Escalade is now bringing some of the world’s most sophisticated automotive technologies into the luxury SUV category.”

Dramatic exterior, elegant interior
Escalade Platinum also elevates the already-dramatic design of Escalade. The exterior features a unique front fascia and grille patterned after Cadillac’s acclaimed and hot-selling CTS sport sedan. The Platinum includes unique 22-inch wheels and wears exclusive Platinum exterior badges.

The cabin is the latest example of Cadillac’s 21 st-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 cup holders 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, while leaving ultimate control with the driver. Escalade Platinum models will include 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.

Plentiful power
Platinum models are powered by the Escalade’s exclusive 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. One of the industry’s most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy.

Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon.

“ Escalade, already the sales and style leader among large luxury SUVs, now adds the desirability of a fuel-saving, technically advanced hybrid system,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The arrival of Escalade Hybrid means that consumers can now use less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy the benefits of a full-size luxury SUV.”

The Hybrid goes on sale in the summer of 2008 and is the newest example of Escalade’s technology leadership.

“No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably,” Taylor said. “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 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds (2,585 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.

Escalade Hybrid extends Cadillac’s leadership in the large luxury SUV category. Escalade sales have grown in the face of changing sales trends and increased competition. In fact, Escalade sales increased 22 percent in September over year-ago sales. Other models in the Escalade lineup include the extended-length Escalade ESV and the versatile Escalade EXT luxury-utility truck. The Hybrid model is available with the standard Escalade body style.

Patented 2-Mode Hybrid technology

The Escalade’s 2-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 2-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 2-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 2-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 2-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.

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:

- A new 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 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.

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.

ESCALADE HYBRID’S 2-MODE SYSTEM ENABLES EXCELLENT FUEL ECONOMY WITH FULL-SIZE CAPABILITY

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid delivers greatly improved fuel economy while maintaining the capabilities and amenities expected of a full-size, V-8-powered SUV. This seemingly incompatible duality is enabled by GM’s patented 2-Mode Hybrid system.

The 2-Mode Hybrid system uses a new, electrically variable transmission (EVT) that offers the best of both worlds: fuel economy and real SUV capability. The two modes consist of a continuously variable operation, for low-load driving situations and a fixed-gear operation, for high-load conditions such as towing or highway driving.

“GM’s breakthrough 2-Mode technology is a perfect fit for luxury consumers” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “This is fuel-saving innovation, delivered with the capability, desirability and presence that Escalade uniquely possesses.”

Drawing on experience gleaned in the development of hybrid bus propulsion systems, GM designed the two-mode EVT to provide the best combination of city and highway fuel economy; it is used in concert with the 6.0L Gen IV V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management. Furthermore, the EVT is designed to bolt directly to the standard four-wheel-drive transfer case found on the gasoline-only models for true four-wheel-drive capability.

The Escalade Hybrid’s drivetrain is made up of the following major components, each of which works together to provide seamless, economical and comfortable operation that goes virtually unnoticed by the driver and passengers:

- Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT)
- Energy Storage System (ESS)
- Vortec 6.0L Gen IV V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late-intake valve closing (LIVC)

Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT)

The key to the all-new EVT is its unique assemblage of two 60-kW electric motors, three planetary gear sets and four traditional hydraulic wet clutches. This arrangement allows continuously variable operation, as well as providing four fixed gear ratios (with operation comparable to that of a standard electronically controlled automatic transmission).

The design was selected because of the operational characteristics of electric motors, which are very efficient at low speeds, but much less efficient as motor rpm increases. GM’s EVT can activate any of its four hydraulic clutches to allow power transfer via the fixed-gear ratios whenever higher load conditions occur. Current hybrid passenger vehicles run their electric motors almost continuously throughout the entire drive cycle, which can be very inefficient under high loads and at highway speeds.

A sophisticated Hybrid Optimizing System (HOS) constantly receives torque-based data from the powertrain and other vehicle systems, and then determines the most efficient means of propelling the vehicle – either via electric power, gasoline engine power or a combination of the two. The EVT is like having two transmissions in one – continuously variable drive for light-load conditions and fixed-ratio drive for high-load situations.

All functions of the EVT are controlled by the HOS, which constantly searches for the optimal transmission operation (using either variable or fixed ratios) to meet current operating conditions. The HOS also bases its decisions on allowing the Vortec 6.0L V-8 to take full advantage of its Active Fuel Management system and, because of an equivalent 30-horsepower (22 kW) boost of electric power, remain in V-4 mode as long as possible for maximum fuel economy. This is the key to Escalade Hybrid’s 25- to 30-percent improvement in combined city/highway fuel economy.

Unlike less-advanced hybrid systems, this new GM system occasionally shuts down the electric motors, allowing the EVT to function as a conventional automatic transmission. Typically, this fixed-ratio operation occurs at highway speeds or when hauling heavy loads, and can actually be more efficient than operating in electric-gasoline hybrid mode under the same conditions. This is because under high-load situations, when the fixed gears are in use, the electric motors can be used to generate electricity — or, if needed, they can be called on to supply additional torque for improved performance.

Energy Storage System (ESS)

Providing power to the EVT’s 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 via the Traction Power Inverter Module (TPIM) and to store captured energy produced during regenerative braking. The ESS can also be charged, when necessary, by the gasoline engine via one of the two electric motors when operated in generator mode.

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 is 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.

The ESS also has numerous safety features that prevent over-charging, over-heating, unintended access to high-voltage components and infiltration from liquid spills.

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.

When additional braking is called for, based on a change in the position of and/or the force applied to the brake pedal emulator, the hydraulic braking system will be called on to assist the generator(s) in slowing or stopping the vehicle. The anti-lock braking system (ABS)/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) modulator used on the Escalade Hybrid has been adapted to allow this interaction between the hydraulic brakes and the regenerative braking system.

The use of cooperative control between the regenerative braking system and the hydraulic brakes results in excellent braking control and maximum energy recovery. The system also provides feedback in the form of brake pedal resistance, which gives the driver the same feel as would be experienced with a normal hydraulic braking system.

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.

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 (modified Atkinson-cycle combustion process) for reduced pumping losses and better overall fuel economy.

The engine 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 (497 Nm) at 4,100 rpm. It runs on regular unleaded fuel.

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 is 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.