Magnetic Ride Control is the world's fastest-reacting suspension system and
gives the Escalade Platinum Hybrid more precise body motion control. It is a
real-time damping system that "reads" the road in 1-millisecond intervals. It
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.
The LED headlamps emulate the
characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto
lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, with a usable life more than 20
times longer than traditional halogen bulbs.
Cadillac's 21st-Century
Interior
Inside the Escalade Platinum is the latest example of
Cadillac's 21st-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.
The seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The
leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, and the industry-exclusive
power fold-and-tumble second-row seat eases access to the third-row seat.
Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills
and floor mats; a heated steering wheel; heated and cooled cupholders; 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
make individual entertainment choices. Also included is 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.
GM's Two-Mode Hybrid Technology
GM's patented two-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.
The key
to Escalade's two-mode hybrid system is that the hybrid system itself generates
the electric power used to propel the vehicle. 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.
Providing power to the hybrid's electrically variable transmission's (EVT) two
electric motors is a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS).
This battery pack is under the second-row seat, where it takes up virtually no
additional space and does not interfere with second- or third-row
ingress/egress.
Additional features of the hybrid powertrain and
supporting systems include:
- Fully blended regenerative braking captures energy that would otherwise
be lost during vehicle deceleration.
- A 6.0L V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management and late intake valve
closing (Atkinson-cycle combustion process) for reduced pumping losses and
better overall fuel economy. It is rated at 332 horsepower (248 kW) and 367
lb-ft of torque (498 Nm) and runs on regular unleaded fuel.
- Auto Stop mode. Once the vehicle reaches 0 mph, the gasoline engine
automatically shuts down, leaving the engine off and allowing the vehicle to
move only under electric power, such as during city driving or heavy
stop-and-go traffic.
- An 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 control system.
- Electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering system
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 occupants could more easily hear it.
The Escalade Platinum Hybrid's battery pack durability and reliability are
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 energy storage system is warranted for
eight years/100,000 miles.
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications