Shanghai GM to launch Escalade Hybrid in mid-2009

Shanghai, July 1 (Gasgoo.com) Following its "Drive to Green" strategy to the China market, Shanghai General Motors (GM) plans to launch Cadillac Escalade Hybrid in the middle of 2009, www.cheshi.com reports, citing sources of Cadillac division in Shanghai GM.

The Escalade is a SUV model that operates at times solely or partly on GM's dual-mode hybrid electrical drive system which offers a 50% increase in fuel economy around. The vehicle was basically a working prototype that looks pretty much identical to the standard Escalade except its "hybrid" logo.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is powered by GM's two-mode hybrid system composing of an Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) and a 300-volt battery pack which is located under the second-row seats. The system complies with the standard 6.2L V8 engine. At low speed, the vehicle can run on batteries only, the engine only, or a combination of both.

The Escalade hybrid will be priced at around 1.3 million yuan ($189,504), slightly higher than the gasoline version, an insider disclosed.