ˆ Cadillac says Escalade hybrid stickers easily removed by dealers

tags : cadillac escalade hybrid , cadillacescaladehybrid , hybrid stickers , hybridstickers

Cadillac recently provided some Detroit-area media an opportunity to drive the new Cadillac Escalade hybrid. From a driving perspective the Escalade is indistinguishable from the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids, which should come as no surprise since it is mechanically identical. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as these big SUVs are the most fuel-efficient of their type. One area where we had hoped to see a difference, however, was in the hybrid signage. When the Tahoe and Yukon launched, their flanks were emblazoned with huge hybrid stickers. They've apparently done little to stimulate sales. Unfortunately, the Escalades on hand for the drive were similarly marked, though the lettering was a bit more subdued. Nonetheless, we asked Cadillac officials, "Will it be possible for customers to order a hybrid without the rocker panel and window graphics?" The response was that all hybrids would be shipped from the factory with the decals. However, at customer request, the dealers can easily remove the lettering with a heat gun. We also learned that some states actually prohibit any stickers on the glass, so vehicles shipped to those states will go without the windshield and tailgate decals from the factory. Even without the sticker package, the Escalade still has prominent hybrid badges on the fender vents, the C-pillar and tailgate, so no one is likely to miss what it is.

posted : 8/11/2008 @7:26:14 PM

ˆ Cadillac prices Escalade Hybrid from $71,685

tags : active fuel management , activefuelmanagement , cadillac escalade , cadillac escalade hybrid , cadillacescalade , cadillacescaladehybrid , two-mode

If you are in the market for American excess and feeling a bit green at the same time, Cadillac has your next vehicle. It's the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, and it goes on sale this month with an MSRP of $71,685 (a mere $3,600 premium over a comparably-equipped Escalade, GM boasts). The "first-ever hybrid on a large luxury SUV" features GM's advanced Two-Mode Hybrid technology allowing it to run on just battery power during idling (do electric cars idle?) or low-speed driving conditions. Like the gas-only model, the Hybrid also incorporates Active Fuel Management meaning it can run on as few as four cylinders to save fuel. The 2009 Cadillac Escape Hybrid earns EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 city/21 highway (the non-hybrid Escalade is rated 12/19), so there is some gas to be saved here.

posted : 8/9/2008 @5:26:34 PM

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