2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

There is one thing that holds a lot of people back from buying a big, bold SUV like the Cadillac Escalade: They don't want to be considered a pariah for hurting the environment. The new 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the third full-size hybrid SUV from GM, following the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, which go on sale later this year.

The Escalade has a bigger engine, though, which is not only assisted by a hybrid powertrain, it also features active fuel management so that when the SUV is cruising at highway speeds, four of the eight cylinders shut off. Along with the regenerative braking system and other fuel-saving technologies, GM says the Escalade Hybrid will manage a mileage improvement of 50% over its gas counterpart. That means the Escalade should get 18 mpg, up from 12, using the new EPA estimates. Highway mileage is likely to stay close to the 18 and 19 mpg estimates for AWD and 2WD models, respectively.

The Escalade will start from a dead stop, and drive at low speeds, entirely on electric power. It will also roll on 22-inch wheels.
source : cars