By JAMIE LAREAU AND RICHARD TRUETT | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

AutoWeek | Published 02/01/06, 11:19 am et


General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner confirmed that Cadillac will get its first hybrid vehicle in the fall of 2007 with the 2008 Escalade SUV.

Wagoner made the announcement Wednesday at the Baltimore transmission plant during a ceremony to name the plant as the builder of GM’s hybrid transmissions.

The hybrid version of the Escalade will use a new transmission made by GM’s Allison division. The two-mode hybrid system will be similar to what GM will use in the hybrid version of a Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs.

The hybrid Escalade will get a 25 percent gain in fuel economy, meaning the vehicle could get close to 30 mpg on the highway.

The supplier for the nickel-metal batteries to be used in the Escalade will be Panasonic EV, a Japanese company.

GM is spending $118 million to tool up for production of the hybrid transmissions.

Link: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060201/FREE/60201002/1041

This technology is longer overdue in GM's SUVs. I believe that GMs financial situation reflects their tardiness in a consumer driven market.

Okay, I was going to say I could live with the 2007 Escalade, but a freakin HYBRID!! Cadillac is coming close to becoming lame and too conservitive.

Okay, I was going to say I could live with the 2007 Escalade, but a freakin HYBRID!! Cadillac is coming close to becoming lame and too conservitive.

What do you mean by too conservative? Buyers are demanding vehicles with better gas mileage, and GM has failed to satisfy their customers demands up to this point. As I said above, I believe GMs late arrival to integrating the displacement on demand, and/or hybrid technology into their gas-guzzling SUVs [which are probably their best selling vehicles] is one of the reasons their vehicle sales and stock values have plummeted.

IMO continuing to offer the same poor selling product, and using ''employee pricing'' and other sales gimmicks to try to move those vehicles is what makes GM lazy and lame. They'll just be getting into the game with Toyota, Ford, Lexus, & Honda [and others] by offering hybrids. Waiting until 2007 to do so may prove to be too late given their current financial losses.

I definately approve of the 07 Lade design. I believe giving it the same [or more] horse power and offering buyers 20+ mpg would help it appeal to a larger market....other than loyal GM buyers like myself.

I wouldn't drive on a electrical driven motor. I don't care how much gas it saves. I like the feeling of driving down the road on something non-hybrid. Hybrid vehicles are so close to making me laugh. If you can't afford gas, why the hell are you buying an Escalade in the first place? If its to start saving general gas in a non-selfish way, then thats rediculous. Its not like its going to last forever and thats when hybrid vehicles should come into the picture.

Into the game with Toyota, Ford, Lexus & Honda... lol
http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/toyota_prius_recall.jpg

More like Toyota, Ford, Lexus & Honda is trying to get in the game with GM/Cadillac.
http://www.mcfaddenhonda.ca/title/hondatruck.jpg

First time I saw that truck on a commercial, I thought quickly they constructed that design from the EXT.

What is the point of a hybrid escalade? If you want good gas mileage then don't get a damn full size luxury SUV lol. I'd also highly doubt it would have the same power as a regular Escalade, try driving a hyrbid Ford Escape and seeing if it has the same power as the gas V6 version. It's more like it has the same power as the 4 cylinder gas version really. Those batteries add a lot of weight to the car, and you'll probably make up for what you save in gas when it comes time to service them.
Having an Escalade should mean you can afford to live with the consequences, buying a hybrid model is like going to Mc Donald's and ordering a diet coke with your double quarter pounder and large fry....

Everyone has their opinion and I understand your reasoning. I certainly didn't buy my Escalade because I thought it was the most economical vehicle on the roadways. I see no reason GM couldn't incorporate the DOD [displacement on demand] function into their large SUVs. It can be done without sacrificing power and would offer some increase in mileage. It seems to me this sort of thing would be a no-brainer, which is why I occasionally believe the conspiracy theorists ideas about big oil companies being in kahoots with auto manufacturers. :rolleyes:

Chrysler integrated DOD into their V8 300C with no noticeable loss of power. IMO GM has to meet customer demands for better gas mileage. And yes, people want their cake and to be able to eat it. A more efficient, more powerful V8 is possible. If you build it they will come.

DOD is one thing, but I dont want batteries in my Escalade.

What is the point of a hybrid escalade? If you want good gas mileage then don't get a damn full size luxury SUV lol. I'd also highly doubt it would have the same power as a regular Escalade, try driving a hyrbid Ford Escape and seeing if it has the same power as the gas V6 version. It's more like it has the same power as the 4 cylinder gas version really. Those batteries add a lot of weight to the car, and you'll probably make up for what you save in gas when it comes time to service them.
Having an Escalade should mean you can afford to live with the consequences, buying a hybrid model is like going to Mc Donald's and ordering a diet coke with your double quarter pounder and large fry....

Exactly.

Also, I would feel dumb jumping out at the mall and hooking my vehicle up to a charging machine so I couldn't make it back home, 15 miles away!! lol

Exactly.

Also, I would feel dumb jumping out at the mall and hooking my vehicle up to a charging machine so I couldn't make it back home, 15 miles away!! lol

Haha. I wouldn't buy one either. Believe me, everyone here can pay for gas.

Thanks.

Haha. I wouldn't buy one either. Believe me, everyone here can pay for gas.

Thanks.

05 -

I came accross a few license plate covers on ebay in the past few days. Check out this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cadillac-Escalade-Front-License-Plate-Cover_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33640QQitemZ80346 51247QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

There is a few others also on there that are brand new. I thought for $10, that is a steal and helps you solve your lost front license plate cover problem. :D

Exactly.

Also, I would feel dumb jumping out at the mall and hooking my vehicle up to a charging machine so I couldn't make it back home, 15 miles away!! lol

That doesn't happen with hybrids.


Haha. I wouldn't buy one either. Believe me, everyone here can pay for gas.

Thanks.

My point said nothing about being able to afford the fuel costs. Personally the cost of ownership of an Escalade isn't beyond me. So please don't suggest that I have that problem. IMHO consumer demands will drive the market in the direction of DOD and/or hybrid drive on high-end vehicles. Lexus recently released a hybrid SUV but it's far too early to predict how it will sell.

Only my opinion...but I believe making gas guzzling SUVs more economical, without sacrificing power, will help GMs sales a great deal. They can't aford to get much worse. It would do much more if GM was the first to the market with the idea. If that sounds foolish to you, then we can agree to disagree. :D

As I said above, the DOD function seems like an easy answer. It's been done on Corvettes before without sacrificing performance so why not SUVs?

I don't think you can compare gas guzzling with one of GM's other products, the HUMMER H2 which I believe needs to be looked at a lot more closely; and most likely would be more economical than a ESCALADE hybrid. But then again, a HUMMER H2 HYBRID!!? lol

Oh I don't blame GM for catering to the consumers, I blame the consumers for being retarded enough to think that a hybrid full-size SUV makes any kind of sense. If they're that worried about fuel costs/the environment then go buy a goddamn prius and stop dicking around.

Oh I don't blame GM for catering to the consumers, I blame the consumers for being retarded enough to think that a hybrid full-size SUV makes any kind of sense. If they're that worried about fuel costs/the environment then go buy a goddamn prius and stop dicking around.

Yes, if gas may be a problem, then an Escalade or the General Motor product may not be right for you. Plain and simple. I think GM already sacrificed the Escalade image with the new 2007 design, but to produce that design with a hybrid motor is just deteriorating the general image together, not to mention changing the perspective on the classic history of Cadillac.

The current 02-06 is the hottest SUV to ever hit the streets. That was proven when people were adding Escalade front end conversion kits to everything! From trucks to Chevy Tahoes!! Not just because it was a front end from a luxury vehicle but because it had that agressive feel to it.

Agressive and pu$$y (excuse my language - making a point) are two words that will define the HYBRID 2007 Escalade. It may look 'decent' from the outside, but its a suped up Honda underneath the hood, driven off a battery.

Anybody who loves their Escalade and the fact driving each day under a 6.0 liter 345hp (stock) V8 motor, should be able to agree with this. What ever happened to the Escalade being the "World's most powerful full-size SUV!" Sorry, but I have too much pride for my Escalade and would hate to see it be replaced with a freakin hybrid.

What next? A hybrid Ferrari? Can't wait to hear about that! :suspense:



OH... and just for laughs, I did a little photoshop work to get you guys excited about the 2007 Hybrid Escalade. lol...
http://www.synergeticstudios.com/misc/cadillacforums/hybrid_escalade.jpg

Hybrid Escalade :histeric:

The premium they charge on a hybrid is what $5000? Look at how many years it would take to save 5 grand in gas. Plus once that battery takes a dump your looking at $5k-10k just to fix that *IF* anybody knows how to fix those things yet. Honestly though Toyota and Honda have that market cornered and they have GREAT marketing strategy. They have everyone believing that the Japanese make a superior car. Caddy will just lose more money in retooling their plants to produce hybrids. That's like trying to develop a new OS to compete with Windows...it aint going to happen so focus your energy elsewhere.

I have to agree... the hybrid idea is ridiculous. If they wanted to make a more fuel efficient engine, they should have followed Chrysler's lead with the DoD. They need to just buy a bunch of the Hemis from Chrysler and stick them in the Escalade. Those are a better engine with a lot more potential than anything GM has out right now anyway.

Escalade Hybrid is good for people who are tired of high gas prices, because Most of them today are even worse.

highbrids do save fuel but after 3 years you must buy new batteries and then u take it in the shorts to the tune of about 4 or 5 thousand dollars. so you show me the savings ???? its just not there its another screw job. so get in line to take it in the :cookoo: shorts

Yeah the Hybrid cost is another good point. Before my Escalade I had a Ford Escape Limited, I was looking at the Hybrid Escape for the same dumb reasons and the dealer told me that not only were they $5k more than a similarly equipped model, but there were NO discounts or incentives on them and there was even a damn waiting list. He basically told me I'd be better off getting the base model 4 cylinder with a manual transmission, it would get the same gas mileage and cost a helluva lot less. I mean like it was said how much do you think you'll really save in gas versus the increased sticker price and maintenance costs?
They had an interesting article in Playboy a few months back about the whole perception about GM and American cars, how American cars are considered poor in quality next to the Japanese. The truth turned out to be that in the last few years GM has been scoring better than the Japanese makers in customer satisfaction, plant conditions, and automotive awards. But the perception is still there that Japanese autos are always better. They interviewed some lady about how good her Toyota was and she said something like "oh it's great, really reliable. Every time I have a problem they only have to fix it once and it's fixed for good.....". It's like if a GM car breaks down or has a problem well then of course it's because it's American, but if a Toyota breaks down or has a problem then it must be a fluke...

The premium they charge on a hybrid is what $5000? Look at how many years it would take to save 5 grand in gas.

There's the trouble with hybrids. To pay for the premium you'd have to keep the damn thing for several years. I believe the cost is prohibitive in large SUVs, which makes the DOD function much more feasible. I actually agree with the negativity toward the idea. Hybrid SUVs do little more than make the people who own them feel like they're "saving the environment"......which is good until they have to dump those toxic batteries into a land fill.

Maybe...hopefully that is not the direction Cadillac takes the Escalade line. The DOD would be better suited IMO.

Awesome, glad you finally agree Rolex. Now your talking...

Guys. Some of you are missing the point. It's not like "THE" 2007 Escalade is going to be a Hybrid. There's going to be a Hybrid version - that's all - in addition to the regular, gas powered Cadillac Escalade. If you don't want a hybrid, don't buy one. If you don't mind a hybrid, you want an Escalade and you don't mind saving gas, then you buy one. What's the problem?

The foreign companies like Honda and Toyota have these hybrids as an option to their customers. GM should not?

GM should not?

Nope. Personal opinions and reasoning has already been made. :)

Nope. Personal opinions and reasoning has already been made. :)

Haha! The Escalade Crew sticks together.

Thanks.

The foreign companies like Honda and Toyota have these hybrids as an option to their customers. GM should not?

That could be a bigger question than we realize. Would selling a hybrid option actually boost sales? Would those sales be enough to justify the R&D of such a vehicle, or is the whole idea cost prohibitive?

I beileve there's some "cosmic push" or consumer demand that is causing this market shift toward hybrid technology........so like it or not, here it comes. :thepan:

That could be a bigger question than we realize. Would selling a hybrid option actually boost sales? Would those sales be enough to justify the R&D of such a vehicle, or is the whole idea cost prohibitive?

I beileve there's some "cosmic push" or consumer demand that is causing this market shift toward hybrid technology........so like it or not, here it comes. :thepan:

Good point. Maybe they're trying to lower the manufacturing cost for them, which means no worries when they start offering the "Employee Pricing" BS again.

Sounds to me like they're trying to beat the Japanese at their own game, I don't think it will work. I mean I really can't wait to see a hybrid Escalade on the road so I can see who the hell is driving it. I'm betting money it's going to be some soccer mom who thinks she's making the world a better place by driving a 6000lb hybrid lol.

Sounds to me like they're trying to beat the Japanese at their own game, I don't think it will work. I mean I really can't wait to see a hybrid Escalade on the road so I can see who the hell is driving it. I'm betting money it's going to be some soccer mom who thinks she's making the world a better place by driving a 6000lb hybrid lol.

Haha.

Sounds to me like they're trying to beat the Japanese at their own game, I don't think it will work. I mean I really can't wait to see a hybrid Escalade on the road so I can see who the hell is driving it. I'm betting money it's going to be some soccer mom who thinks she's making the world a better place by driving a 6000lb hybrid lol.

haha


also screw hybrids, those things are gonna put my country outta business!!


hahah

Here is something that no one seems to be talking about is the batteries. What if your in an accident? I don't want leakage, volatile gases and fires from them shorting out while being injured, trapped or unconscious. Forget it. Buy a lighter car with a 4 cylinder and be done with it.:stirpot: :stirpot: :stirpot:

Most of the newer hybrids actually have more power because they can use both the electric motor and the fuel one. I am going to buy one but I might actually wait for the hybrid version to see how much more power it has

Most of the newer hybrids actually have more power because they can use both the electric motor and the fuel one. I am going to buy one but I might actually wait for the hybrid version to see how much more power it has


umm they have the same power as gas engines when they use gas, and when they run on battery the power is less. I do not think it ever surpasses the normal gas engine.

umm they have the same power as gas engines when they use gas, and when they run on battery the power is less. I do not think it ever surpasses the normal gas engine.

Actually they do, and some of you need to get a little more "in the know" before commenting.

Hammer down (pedal to the floor), both gas and electric run together and you get max power, more than what the gas engine alone would. Or, it can run on one or the other depending on how fast you're going or how hard you're pushing it. Why do you think a big marketing line of the Lexus RX400 hybrid crossover was that it gave you V8 power with V6 economy? That's why...

The power isn't less, by any means, and isn't meant to be.

http://www.synergeticstudios.com/misc/cadillacforums/hybrid_escalade.jpg[/IMG]


Now that's funny :D

do you really have to plug hybrids in at night and stuff?

do you really have to plug hybrids in at night and stuff?

I sincerely hope you're joking. :bigroll:

nah, someone said "could you imagine having to plug it in at the mall to get home"

I dont know, Ive never wanted a hybrid, so I know zero about them.

nothing like my cromed out, pimped out, thuged out... 07 escalade hybrid... 2mpgs better homie

Hybrid is a waste, they should put it as a option but hybrid dont work on trucks this big, you think 20 batteries in the truck weigh nothing at 50 pounds a batterie, special alternators on the sheels to charge the batterys. More electronics that would add a easy 1000 pounds when its all done. The way of the future is hydrogen. Thats it. If anything they should have a diesel option for the escalade then I can see gas saving.

This was posted in the DTS forum, but sums it up perfectly:

Sort of off topic but the future of the hybrid cars doesn't seem very bright. According to the Detroit News this morning, editorial;

"A hybrid shortcircuit


Gasoline-electric hybrid cars get the fuel economy buzz, but they still don't pay for themselves at the pump. Edmunds.com found that the Ford Escape hybrid would break even over five years with its gasoline counterpart only if gas cost $5.60 a gallon. For a Toyota Prius, the tipping point is $10.10 (compared with a Corolla). That's hardly electrifying."

This hybrid thing is shit! Though I hate 'wasting' money frivilously on shit like inflated gas prices, electrifying the escalade is not something of interest to me. I was curious about whether or not the Escalade would offer an optional engine that would switch to 4cyl when cruising, but engage all 8 under hard driving, but I don't like the electric idea. I'm not too up to date on the new gas saving technology of engines, but doesn't the 300C run on 4cyl and 8cyl without batteries?

NOt to sound like a dumb ass or a tree lover but my mom got a lexus hybrid and i bought her cadi. she got it b/c she likes big cars(although lexus is not) and needed the large room due to my little bro who is 6'2 and plays sports. Trust me she an my dad can afford the gas. Its not the gas though, its the fact that we are using a non-renewable source of energy that is in high demand from Asia and India and with the MIddle east crisis thie is no gurantee gas prices will A. stay low and B. how long the supply will last.
Sure we got enough oil for us but what about other generations??
Also why not have a truck that you can tow in, haul tons of people and cargo in and also get good gas mileage.
We are in the 21st century, we should all start behaving like it. We always enjoy quicker, quieter more efficent computers, phones, etc why not get a mroe efficent Truck??

If GM wants to stay around and not be considered JUNK STATUS they need to be the innovators not the late comers. they were innovators producing a luxo suv and now they need to be innovators in technology. They need to be ahead of the game not behind it.

HOpe i dont affend anyone but to be tough you dont need to drop 10MPG. Hope you dont think im a greenie and a weanie, lol. I love my V8's.

NOt to sound like a dumb ass or a tree lover but my mom got a lexus hybrid and i bought her cadi. she got it b/c she likes big cars(although lexus is not) and needed the large room due to my little bro who is 6'2 and plays sports. Trust me she an my dad can afford the gas. Its not the gas though, its the fact that we are using a non-renewable source of energy that is in high demand from Asia and India and with the MIddle east crisis thie is no gurantee gas prices will A. stay low and B. how long the supply will last.
Sure we got enough oil for us but what about other generations??
Also why not have a truck that you can tow in, haul tons of people and cargo in and also get good gas mileage.
We are in the 21st century, we should all start behaving like it. We always enjoy quicker, quieter more efficent computers, phones, etc why not get a mroe efficent Truck??

If GM wants to stay around and not be considered JUNK STATUS they need to be the innovators not the late comers. they were innovators producing a luxo suv and now they need to be innovators in technology. They need to be ahead of the game not behind it.

HOpe i dont affend anyone but to be tough you dont need to drop 10MPG. Hope you dont think im a greenie and a weanie, lol. I love my V8's.


Naw, I agree...im gonna check it out when it comes out.

hahah 25% gain? meaning right now i get 22.5 mpg? lol yeahhh right! hybriding the escalade will put it right up there with a like standard lexus suv or something lol

Hybrid Escalade might give the toyota Prius a run for the money.

GM has made some weird decisions in the past. Look what they did to the NOVA. Not to mention the name means no go in spanish, it really showed that with its 1980's models. I am going to hope that we get the pipelines open again and get out of these reserve prices. It is a good idea. I hope that it makes my gas powered escalade cheaper to run.

The premium they charge on a hybrid is what $5000? Look at how many years it would take to save 5 grand in gas. Plus once that battery takes a dump your looking at $5k-10k just to fix that *IF* anybody knows how to fix those things yet. Honestly though Toyota and Honda have that market cornered and they have GREAT marketing strategy. They have everyone believing that the Japanese make a superior car. Caddy will just lose more money in retooling their plants to produce hybrids. That's like trying to develop a new OS to compete with Windows...it aint going to happen so focus your energy elsewhere.
My thouhgts exactly.
These vehicles will save gas but it won't save a penny for the consumer.
Can buy a lot of gas for $5k.
Even at $3.00 per gallon, driving only 15 miles per gallon... you can drive 25,000 miles for $5k ..
Will still have to spend that after 3-4 years to get the batteries replaced or fixed.

NOt to sound like a dumb ass or a tree lover but my mom got a lexus hybrid and i bought her cadi. she got it b/c she likes big cars(although lexus is not) and needed the large room due to my little bro who is 6'2 and plays sports. Trust me she an my dad can afford the gas. Its not the gas though, its the fact that we are using a non-renewable source of energy that is in high demand from Asia and India and with the MIddle east crisis thie is no gurantee gas prices will A. stay low and B. how long the supply will last.
Sure we got enough oil for us but what about other generations??
Also why not have a truck that you can tow in, haul tons of people and cargo in and also get good gas mileage.
We are in the 21st century, we should all start behaving like it. We always enjoy quicker, quieter more efficent computers, phones, etc why not get a mroe efficent Truck??

If GM wants to stay around and not be considered JUNK STATUS they need to be the innovators not the late comers. they were innovators producing a luxo suv and now they need to be innovators in technology. They need to be ahead of the game not behind it.

HOpe i dont affend anyone but to be tough you dont need to drop 10MPG. Hope you dont think im a greenie and a weanie, lol. I love my V8's.
Personally I think your points are excellent, EVERY vehicle needs to be more efficient and GM needs to stay in business, they can ill afford to concede any advantage to the competition, either perceived or actual. The hybrid will be an OPTION, an expensive one no doubt. Some people will go for it, some won't, I can't see lambasting them for trying to stay in business, an SUV, LUV or whatever that gets better mileage is something that I am all for.

http://www.synergeticstudios.com/misc/cadillacforums/hybrid_escalade.jpg

Couldn't help it...

This escalade hybrid will reduce gas prices and make our dependence on foreign oil a thing of the past.

i agree with a few of you on the point that hybrids wont last forever. that is correct its only a matter of time before fuel alternatives are given a push. imagine gasoline alternatives that cost 10% of what it costs you now to fill the tank. someone needs to invent these alternatives and start marketing them to these big companies. im pretty sure it is possible in this day and age, if aircraft carriers launch modules run off steam or electric magnetic pulses why cant we make a vehicle that does? its only a matter of time, i just hope it comes into play soon before the gas prices rise to above $5 a gallon and Lee Robert gets another 500 million dollar bonus.

Okay, I was going to say I could live with the 2007 Escalade, but a freakin HYBRID!! Cadillac is coming close to becoming lame and too conservitive.

+1 :thumbsup:

highbrids do save fuel but after 3 years you must buy new batteries and then u take it in the shorts to the tune of about 4 or 5 thousand dollars. so you show me the savings ???? its just not there its another screw job. so get in line to take it in the :cookoo: shorts

and We can reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Ed Begley Jr's gonna love this.

What do you mean by too conservative? Buyers are demanding vehicles with better gas mileage, and GM has failed to satisfy their customers demands up to this point. As I said above, I believe GMs late arrival to integrating the displacement on demand, and/or hybrid technology into their gas-guzzling SUVs [which are probably their best selling vehicles] is one of the reasons their vehicle sales and stock values have plummeted.

IMO continuing to offer the same poor selling product, and using ''employee pricing'' and other sales gimmicks to try to move those vehicles is what makes GM lazy and lame. They'll just be getting into the game with Toyota, Ford, Lexus, & Honda [and others] by offering hybrids. Waiting until 2007 to do so may prove to be too late given their current financial losses.

I definately approve of the 07 Lade design. I believe giving it the same [or more] horse power and offering buyers 20+ mpg would help it appeal to a larger market....other than loyal GM buyers like myself.

Absolutely.

Thankfully, these treehuggers would have trade in their priuses.

i agree with a few of you on the point that hybrids wont last forever. that is correct its only a matter of time before fuel alternatives are given a push. imagine gasoline alternatives that cost 10% of what it costs you now to fill the tank. someone needs to invent these alternatives and start marketing them to these big companies. im pretty sure it is possible in this day and age, if aircraft carriers launch modules run off steam or electric magnetic pulses why cant we make a vehicle that does? its only a matter of time, i just hope it comes into play soon before the gas prices rise to above $5 a gallon and Lee Robert gets another 500 million dollar bonus.

I Believe it is time for bring our addiction to foreign oil, it is making the U.S. Ecomony more worse.

And I Wanna thank cadillac for giving us this escalade hybrid.

Well, to all of you who think of the Hybrid idea as stupid, prissy, weak, etc., etc., it's not like you're going to be forced to buy them--it'll just be A model, and not the ONLY one. So, if anything, it'll just help Cadillac out and expand the model that much further.

That, and remember, it's always going to be a big heavy truck, so it's still going to suck gas healthily...just not as excessively. And, if anything, power will be better, with the availability of both the gas engine and electric motor running at the same time.

But up to this point, I've yet to see much in the way of a discussion anymore about an Escalade Hybrid, so it could still be a while off, if at all. The Tahoe and Yukon models with the system are in testing, yes, but I just haven't heard anything about the Caddy...maybe it won't get a version afterall.

Well, to all of you who think of the Hybrid idea as stupid, prissy, weak, etc., etc., it's not like you're going to be forced to buy them--it'll just be A model, and not the ONLY one. So, if anything, it'll just help Cadillac out and expand the model that much further.

That, and remember, it's always going to be a big heavy truck, so it's still going to suck gas healthily...just not as excessively. And, if anything, power will be better, with the availability of both the gas engine and electric motor running at the same time.

But up to this point, I've yet to see much in the way of a discussion anymore about an Escalade Hybrid, so it could still be a while off, if at all. The Tahoe and Yukon models with the system are in testing, yes, but I just haven't heard anything about the Caddy...maybe it won't get a version afterall.

I agree. I will definitely get one of those hybrid emblems so I can drive in the HOV lane. For those who don't know, Florida state allows hybrid vehicles to drive in the HOV lane with one person in the car. Haha! I will take full advantage of this hybrid Escalade, but I would not buy one myself.

Thanks.

Wow, this one is a real thread that needs the attention of the mythbusters for sure. I see a lot of comments based on a total lack of understanding on how hybrid vehicles work.
Having been trained on the Hybrid Silverado trucks that have been out for a few years already I can tell you a little about how those work and how Cadillack will probably do it.

First of all, it's not a battery run car, but it does have additional batteries. Three of them in fact, mounted under the rear seat and connected in series. They are 14 volts each and total up for a 42 volt system. I think they are expensive but only to the tune of about $300 each and as far as I know there is no scheduled swap out period, you'd replace them as they went bad, but it would probably be a good idea to replace them in sets. There are a few more control modules to do additional work for the hybrid system, no conventional starter or alternator and a special torque converter.
The starter/generator goes between the flywheel and the torque converter and makes the vehicle start and helps it stop with "regenerative braking".
It starts the gas engine and assists it to get going on it's own. Under certain conditions the gas engine shuts off and it uses electric motors to maintain power steering and heat, but if the A/C is on, the engine keeps running. It does this primarly at stops to elminate idle time.
Thinking back I do believe there was some mention of the system operating under certain cruise conditions but it's not designed to "add power" to the vehicle while driving.

Personally I believe hybrids are more hype than help.
It's an interesting idea.
I'd rather see "Active Fuel Management" myself. (GM doesn't call it DoD anymore because the average consumer didn't get it.)

GM has provided what people wanted for years, big powerful vehicles, then the price of gas goes up and people get mad because GM sold them what they wanted. Then GM gives them more fuel efficient vehicles and people bash them for trying to sell underpowered greenie wannabe cars. Seems like consumers are more retarded than manufacturers to me.
I hear a lot of people making decisions based on half truths and speculation and wanting something because they say it works on the news rather than doing real world research and deciding what is best for them.

Just trying to offer an opinion, take it or leave it.

Wow, this one is a real thread that needs the attention of the mythbusters for sure. I see a lot of comments based on a total lack of understanding on how hybrid vehicles work.
Having been trained on the Hybrid Silverado trucks that have been out for a few years already I can tell you a little about how those work and how Cadillack will probably do it.

First of all, it's not a battery run car, but it does have additional batteries. Three of them in fact, mounted under the rear seat and connected in series. They are 14 volts each and total up for a 42 volt system. I think they are expensive but only to the tune of about $300 each and as far as I know there is no scheduled swap out period, you'd replace them as they went bad, but it would probably be a good idea to replace them in sets. There are a few more control modules to do additional work for the hybrid system, no conventional starter or alternator and a special torque converter.
The starter/generator goes between the flywheel and the torque converter and makes the vehicle start and helps it stop with "regenerative braking".
It starts the gas engine and assists it to get going on it's own. Under certain conditions the gas engine shuts off and it uses electric motors to maintain power steering and heat, but if the A/C is on, the engine keeps running. It does this primarly at stops to elminate idle time.
Thinking back I do believe there was some mention of the system operating under certain cruise conditions but it's not designed to "add power" to the vehicle while driving.

Personally I believe hybrids are more hype than help.
It's an interesting idea.
I'd rather see "Active Fuel Management" myself. (GM doesn't call it DoD anymore because the average consumer didn't get it.)

GM has provided what people wanted for years, big powerful vehicles, then the price of gas goes up and people get mad because GM sold them what they wanted. Then GM gives them more fuel efficient vehicles and people bash them for trying to sell underpowered greenie wannabe cars. Seems like consumers are more retarded than manufacturers to me.
I hear a lot of people making decisions based on half truths and speculation and wanting something because they say it works on the news rather than doing real world research and deciding what is best for them.

Just trying to offer an opinion, take it or leave it.

Absolutely...

Wow, this one is a real thread that needs the attention of the mythbusters for sure. I see a lot of comments based on a total lack of understanding on how hybrid vehicles work.
Having been trained on the Hybrid Silverado trucks that have been out for a few years already I can tell you a little about how those work and how Cadillack will probably do it.

First of all, it's not a battery run car, but it does have additional batteries. Three of them in fact, mounted under the rear seat and connected in series. They are 14 volts each and total up for a 42 volt system. I think they are expensive but only to the tune of about $300 each and as far as I know there is no scheduled swap out period, you'd replace them as they went bad, but it would probably be a good idea to replace them in sets. There are a few more control modules to do additional work for the hybrid system, no conventional starter or alternator and a special torque converter.
The starter/generator goes between the flywheel and the torque converter and makes the vehicle start and helps it stop with "regenerative braking".
It starts the gas engine and assists it to get going on it's own. Under certain conditions the gas engine shuts off and it uses electric motors to maintain power steering and heat, but if the A/C is on, the engine keeps running. It does this primarly at stops to elminate idle time.
Thinking back I do believe there was some mention of the system operating under certain cruise conditions but it's not designed to "add power" to the vehicle while driving.

Personally I believe hybrids are more hype than help.
It's an interesting idea.
I'd rather see "Active Fuel Management" myself. (GM doesn't call it DoD anymore because the average consumer didn't get it.)

GM has provided what people wanted for years, big powerful vehicles, then the price of gas goes up and people get mad because GM sold them what they wanted. Then GM gives them more fuel efficient vehicles and people bash them for trying to sell underpowered greenie wannabe cars. Seems like consumers are more retarded than manufacturers to me.
I hear a lot of people making decisions based on half truths and speculation and wanting something because they say it works on the news rather than doing real world research and deciding what is best for them.

Just trying to offer an opinion, take it or leave it.

Yeah, except for one thing--the Silverado/Sierra Hybrid models are BARELY even classifiable as true Hybrids, because pretty much all they can do is shut down the gas engine at a red light and have a conventional electrical outlet in the bed.

They were more of a basic experiment than anything for GM, and the only reason they came out with them was to be the first "Hybrid" truck. But the gas mileage is identical to a regular model, the on/off of the engine can be quite jerky and rough, they've had some issues since intro, and just are not that polished of an experiment.

That said, the current Hybrid Tahoe/Yukon (and possibly Escalade) that are undergoing final development testing are VERY different. These will be two-mode systems, and be able to accelerate FULLY on electric power from a stop (i.e., gas engine off) and then kick the gas engine in as needed, run on a combination of both, or just on the gas engine alone. This is the same way the well-known Toyota system works, and it should make a very noticeable change in fuel economy of these trucks, especially considering the stop and go driving where the gas engine never has to lug around and slurp gas--it can do it on full electric, or just lighten the load with a combination.

This is in addition to paying special attention to improved aerodynamics (deleted roof racks, different front fascia shaping, lower stance, different tires, etc.), to also help economy.

A Tahoe Hybrid is still going to be every bit a Tahoe, it just won't slurp gas as needlessly as one usually does on occasion (stop & go, etc.), but then will also have the same or better power when under the gun, because it can run on BOTH gas and electric. Just because it has a 2 mode powertrain isn't going to make it a sissy vehicle:thumbsup:

So, suffice it to say, there's pretty much no comparison between the current worthless pickup Hybrids, and these big ute versions will be much better executed and be extremely attractive.

Here's a few good articles on them:
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid - 2006 Detroit Auto Show - Automobile Magazine (http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/naias_2006/0602_chevrolet_tahoe_hybrid/)
Detroit Auto Show: GM debuts Chevy Tahoe Hybrid - Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/09/detroit-auto-show-gm-debuts-chevy-tahoe-hybrid/)
GM - GMability Advanced Technology: Chevrolet Tahoe with Two-Mode Full Hybrid Exploits Fuel Savings, SUV Driving Pleasure and Performance (http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/adv_tech/100_news/hybridtahoe_10906.html)
Hybrid Cars - Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (http://www.hybridcars.com/chevrolet-tahoe-hybrid.html)

haha, you people think your balls are going to shrink if you buy a hybrid?

This thread has to be the most comical and ignorant thread in the history of the internet.

haha, you people think your balls are going to shrink if you buy a hybrid?

This thread has to be the most comical and ignorant thread in the history of the internet.

Agreed:thumbsup:

At least one person took the time to post links with actual information instead of just arguing about nothing based on conjecture and rumor.

Looking at some of the sites listed I see they are going to do it differently than the pickups, but it's pretty retarded to argue about something that's not even close to production.