Zap Zebra Approved for UK Roads

Free passes for London

While ZAP is in Californian courts battling Daimler and smart, they are also expanding their markets. After opening a Chinese factory, now the 40 mph (64 km/h) ZAP Zebra 'city car' has been approved for UK roads.

But besides just being street-legal, the ZAP Zebra will also be one of the first (if not the first) car to be eligible for 'free passes' from London daily congestion tolls and parking. ZAP CEO Steve Schneider: "Here is a unique electric vehicle that will help drivers save significantly on fuel costs as well as free passes for the daily congestion tolls and parking.”

A very noble attempt, and most definitely a step in the right direction in regards to saving the planet but we'd still not want to be caught in a Zebra, let alone the pick-up truck version.

Dodge Zeo Hybrid Concept to Star at Detroit

Dodge are to debut a sport wagon hybrid concept dubbed the 'Zeo' as part of Chrysler's 'clean-running' and 'excitingly-styled' concept vehicle trio set for Detroit in January. Starring alongside equally-green Chrysler and Jeep concept cars, the Zeo is a four-door four-seater 'wagon' - but in two-plus-two coupe guise.

Familiarity extends only to the Dodge grille and flared arches, with its albeit sport-designated 'wagon' label only adding to confusion. Described as a four-passenger four-door with a 2+2 arrangement, suicide rear doors perhaps similar to the gullwing doors of automotive past are a likely feature judging by these official sketches.

Advanced technology is used for ecological effect. A range of 250 miles is provided by the car's presumably plug-in lithium-ion battery pack, which powers the 250 kW electric motor. Acceleration is estimated to allow a 0-60 mph time of less than six seconds.

More information will follow prior to the concept car's Detroit Show debut in January so stay tuned. In the meantime, keep up to date with all things eco-friendly in our green category.

Related entries:

Chrysler ecoVoyager Hybrid Concept to Debut at Detroit Show
Jeep to Storm Detroit with Renegade Hybrid Concept

Jeep to Storm Detroit with Renegade Hybrid Concept

Starring alongside what become the rather more conservative Chrysler and Dodge concept vehicles next to Jeep's Renegade Hybrid Vehicle at January's Detroit Auto Show is a concept car designed from the outset to turn around heads as much as global warming. This is a compact, sports concept employing weight-saving strategies and an array of drivetrain technologies to produce an eco-Jeep worthy of its nameplate.

Packing the combination of a lithium-ion battery pack, electric motors and a Bluetec diesel engine, the Jeep Renegade is a concept whose strength lies in numbers: namely the 110 mpg fuel consumption figure that Chrysler expects it to return. Four-wheel-drive capability is assisted through dual electric motors with an 85 kW total output which are each dedicated to an axle.

To aid achieving such impressive fuel economy, an aluminium frame reduces weight, while stylish but lightweight features such as a cut-down windshield, roll bar, openings in the door panels and a hose-out interior too aid both function and form.

Stay tuned for more information to follow shortly ahead of the concept's debut at Detroit early next year. Until then, stay in the know for all things eco-friendly on our green category page.

Related entries:

Chrysler ecoVoyager Hybrid Concept to Debut at Detroit Show
Dodge Zeo Hybrid Concept to Star at Detroit

Chrysler ecoVoyager Hybrid Concept

As part of Chrysler's three-strong concept car offensive at the Detroit Auto Show next year will be this new ecoVoyager hybrid vehicle, touted much like its Jeep and Dodge show stand companions to fuse the economical and ecological advantages of an advanced 'clean-running drivetrain' and the appeal of a vehicle styled to excite.

Seating four in comfort, the ecoVoyager is powered by a new technology which has the environment at its heart. A hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity for the battery pack and 200 kW electric motor, which according to Chrysler will exclusively drive the vehicle for in excess of 300 miles. Powertrain components are stored underfloor. However, performance will not be sluggish, a 0-60 mph time of less than 8 seconds being expected.

Although longer than the present Voyager by some two inches, the single-box designed concept vehicle is both narrower and lower in height, which transfers to more swept and sporty styling cues. Among them is the return of Chrysler's central spine, a crease which spans from the rather subdued front to the dynamic rear end, where it effectively dictates the hatch and light cluster arrangement.

Related entries:

Jeep to Storm Detroit with Renegade Hybrid Concept
Dodge Zeo Hybrid Concept to Star at Detroit
Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Debut at Detroit

Volkswagen Tiguan HyMotion

Volkswagen looks forward to the future

Volkswagen is driving its advanced research and development of environmentally-friendly drive technologies with full force. Europe’s most successful automotive producer is applying the entire array of technologies of our time. In the framework of the 2007 Bibendum Challenge, Volkswagen is now showing six highlights from this array of technologies in Shanghai as well as innovative and environmentally friendly production and research vehicles. Two of the prototypes are world premieres: the zero emissions version of the Passat Lingyu and the Tiguan HyMotion – in both cases the energy for their electric motors is generated by a hydrogen fuel cell.

Tiguan – Present and future are both on board the new SUV

The Tiguan HyMotion demonstrates by example just how quickly Volkswagen Research goes to task. Hardly any time had passed since the production launch of the Tiguan version with conventional engines when the first research vehicle with a fuel cell was ready. Incidentally, the gasoline (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines of the Tiguan are not conventional in the classic sense either. Take the example of the diesels: They already fulfill – and this is unique in the SUV field – the European EU 5 emissions standard, which does not go into effect until the end of 2009. And the TSI gasoline direct injection engines, every one of which is charged, are prime examples of efficiency and dynamics. The Tiguan HyMotion meanwhile is looking even further into the future. It chauffeurs its passengers to their destinations at speeds of up to 150 km/h without any type of emissions.

Passat Lingyu – its fuel cell was developed by Chinese researchers

Also ahead of its time is the zero emissions version of the Passat Lingyu. The prototype jointly developed in China by Volkswagen and Tongji University is an example of Volkswagen’s long-term collaborative work with the world’s most creative thinkers on all of the world’s continents in developing new solutions for a clean future. Tongji University, which by the way was founded by Germans as a “medical school” in 1907, is one of the most respected universities in Asia today.

Jetta BlueTDI – it will help to save fuel in the USA. A lot of fuel

Also participating in the 2007 Bibendum Challenge are innovative cars like the new Jetta BlueTDI – the most advanced diesels in the world work under its hood. It will debut in the USA in 2008, where it will contribute to fuel savings in a big way – up to 35 percent savings compared to the gasoline engines used in America. That will help the environment. Immediately.

Passat BlueMotion – it is already reducing CO2 emissions enormously in Europe

Also bringing immediate relief when it comes to CO2 reduction is the Passat BlueMotion. It is already on the market in Europe. This Volkswagen has turned the world of high-end mid-size sedans and station wagons on its head within an extremely short time. That is because no other competitor can match its fuel consumption of just 5.1 liters diesel per 100 kilometers.

Passat TSI EcoFuel – possibly the sportiest natural gas drive in the world

The engine of another Passat at the Bibendum Challenge is another prototype: the TSI EcoFuel that is charged with supercharger and turbocharger. It runs on natural gas. This engine is writing history as the first natural gas driven engine. Not only is it clean and economical, but thanks to its impressive performance and hefty torque it is also a lot of fun in any of life’s driving situations.

Touran CCS – the best properties of gasoline and diesel engines merge together here

Meanwhile, the Touran CCS (Combined Combustion System) shows just how the best of the world’s gasoline and diesel engines can merge into a new type of engine. When its tank is filled with synthetic fuel, such as SunFuel (made from biomass), this engine operates practically CO2-neutral. A milestone. SunFuel will advance to become one of the energy sources of the future. Energy for a future that is fun. CCS engines, fuel cells, BlueTDI, TSI EcoFuel – all of these are drive systems that make one look forward to the future. And they are solutions that in the future will make people look forward to a Volkswagen.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Displayed

After showing off the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid prototype to journalists earlier this year, the German automaker has brought a production version of the SUV out for the public. Expected for delivery by the end of the decade, the new Cayenne Hybrid should see a 30% increase in fuel efficiency.

That means that Porsche, often accused by environmentalists for not wanting to make fuel consumption improvements to their vehicles, will put an SUV on the market getting roughly 26 miles per gallon.

But it was not just environmental concerns that led Porsche to create this vehicle. They claim that their full-hybrid design is more fuel efficient, and provides the driver with better acceleration than the current Cayenne.

"As both efficiency and perormance can be improved on the Cayenne with this system, it is the best fit for Porsche," a release from the company said.

Porsche positioned the electric motor directly between the combustion engine and the transmission, allowing the electric drivetrain to be more compatible with the Cayenne platform. A new onboard computer, dubbed "Hybrid Manager", constantly analyzes 20,000 different pieces of information to give the Cayenne Hybrid the best posssible performance.

Several different features in the car have been tweaked to help decrease fuel consumption. Air conditioning will now run on electric power, and a vacuum pump will be used in the braking system. Electro-hydraulic steering not only helps reduce use of fuel, but it also provides solid handling, according to the company.

Porsche also plans to make their hybrid technology available on the Panamera four-door Gran Turismo. The Panamera will be released in 2009, and the hybrid version should come out about a year later.

Mercedes-Benz S400 BLUETEC HYBRID Concept

Mercedes-Benz is holding the North American debut of a bold new powertrain at the Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public November 16-23, 2007 at the L.A. Convention Center. The new S400 BLUETEC HYBRID combines both clean diesel and hybrid technologies by using the latest BLUETEC diesel instead of the gasoline engine that usually helps power a hybrid.

Since hybrids use a conventional engine in concert with an electric motor, it’s not surprising that a state-of-the-art hybrid is making use of the world’s most fuel-efficient piston engine – the diesel. In its latest form, the exhaust emissions from the Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC diesel are as clean as a modern gasoline engine.

A Hybrid Concept With 40 Miles per Gallon AND V8-Like Power

Arriving after 2010, the S400 BLUETEC HYBRID with be available with a high-torque electric motor that works together with a V6 BLUETEC diesel engine to provide the performance of a V8 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. A total 265 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque is on hand – more pulling power than many conventional V8 engines – for zero to 60 mph acceleration of about 7.2 seconds, while the car is still capable of 40.5 miles per gallon (based on a European driving cycle) in highway driving. These figures are even more impressive when considering that the S-Class is a large luxury sedan.

The E320 BLUETEC is Here Now

Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled a version of its E320 BLUETEC, a diesel sedan that is available to California customers on a special two-year/24,000-mile lease through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. The E320 BLUETEC is lease-priced on par with its gasoline-powered sibling, the E350.

The special lease program is the first step in the company’s plans to offer consumers diesel alternatives in all 50 states. Late next year, the Mercedes-Benz M-, R, and GL-Class will be among the very few SUVs that can be sold in all 50 states. These vehicles will utilize AdBlue injection, a process that adds precisely measured quantities of urea into the exhaust stream that enhances long-term emissions performance sufficient to meet stringent BIN5 (50-state) standards.

California’s stringent emissions requirements have kept new diesel automobiles models off the California market for the better part of a decade. The new E320 BLUETEC changes all that.

Distinguished as “2007 World Green Car” by an international panel of journalists earlier this year, BLUETEC denotes state-of-the-art engine and exhaust technology which produces the cleanest diesels available on the market today. Utilizing this technology, the V6-powered E320 BLUETEC diesel is able to provide the low fuel consumption of a four-cylinder compact with the torque of a V8.

Diesels – An Ideal Solution

Mercedes-Benz USA, which has sold diesels here in the United States for 40 years, believes diesels are an ideal solution for today’s luxury car buyers because they yield a significant increase in fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or interior room. The E320 BLUETEC can go nearly 700 highway miles on a single tank of fuel.

“We’re breaking new ground here as we pave the way for the return of the diesel to California,” said Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of MBUSA. “BLUETEC is the most promising technology for customers who want to get up to 20-40 percent higher fuel efficiency without sacrificing the performance and the driving characteristics they’re used to.” According to Lieb, the California market plays a critical role in the comeback of the diesel: “In addition to being one of the top automotive markets in the world, California has tremendous influence. We know we have quite a few loyal diesel buyers there who have been waiting for the opportunity to get back into a diesel, but we also want to tap into a new group of buyers who are interested in making their dollar go farther without compromising performance or their personal style.”

Beyond their fuel efficiency, from an environmental standpoint, BLUETEC vehicles are the cleanest diesels available in the world today. Since diesels inherently burn less fuel than gasoline vehicles, they also produce significantly lower emissions of carbon dioxide (C02). Also, in BLUETEC vehicles particulate levels are reduced to levels comparable – or better than – that of gasoline-powered vehicles. Similarly, NOX emissions are reduced to meet the most stringent exhaust limits in the world.

The California lease program will function as a bridge as MBUSA prepares to begin phasing in 50-state BLUETEC vehicles nationwide starting in 2008. The first step will be the extension of the special lease program to other states which do not currently allow sales of new diesel automobiles in January 2008. Later in 2008, Mercedes will introduce another BLUETEC system on its M-, R- and GL-Class vehicles.

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

With today's introduction of the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Chrysler has finally made their first foray into the world of hybrid cars over 10 years since the first production hybrids hit the world stage. The Chrysler Aspen Hybrid is either indicative of the slow thinking old guard which used to run things in Detroit, or the progressive thinking of the private equity firm which bought the brand earlier this year.

Oil prices are approaching $100 per barrel, so Chrysler opted to put the hybrid technology in a full size SUV clearly thinking that the American public's taste for the behemoth SUV will only weaken because of gas cost and not a public desire to own small cars.

Enter the Aspen Hybrid. Practically a carbon copy of the Dodge Durango Hybrid, Chrysler Executive Vice President Frank Klegon said, "The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles will offer our customers the sought-after blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy -- all in one package."

Predictably, Chrysler has not directly released many specifics about the Aspen Hybrid's fuel economy, but the SUV should get about 21 miles-per-gallon, with the biggest improvement coming from city driving. Its 5.7 liter HEMI V8 produces 385 horsepower mated to an electrically variable transmission. Aspen will be able to tow up to 6,000 pounds. Chrysler is also touting their Multi-displacement System, which automatically switches off four of the engine's eight cylinders when less power is needed.

Pricing is not yet available on the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid. The SUV will be available at dealerships beginning in mind-2008.

Dodge Unleashes Durango HEMI Hybrid

Dodge Durango offers style, comfort, convenience and superior versatility in a real SUV, with three rows of seating and room for eight.

The Dodge Durango's styling is enhanced with a high beltline emphasizing its bold appearance, while short front and rear overhangs contribute to the vehicle's expression of concentrated power. Crisp angles and chiseled surfaces highlight a strong and confident front-end design. The Durango's signature crosshair grille stands out prominently, flanked by rectangular headlamps with dual-halogen bulbs wrapped around the corners of the fenders. The rear design of the Dodge Durango is marked by "afterburner" taillamps, and a chrome appliqué accentuating the rear liftgate.

Standard interior appointments include wood-accented door panels and instrument-panel center stack, air conditioning, overhead console with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and Electronic Vehicle Information Center, front and rear LED lamps that can be individually aimed, MyGIG Entertainment System with navigation, floor console with rear power accessory outlet, and 60/40 third-row bench seat.

Standard equipment also includes leather-trimmed bucket seats, eight-way power driver's seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat, heated front-row seats, and a second-row bench seat, providing seating for eight.

Dodge Durango rides on a torsionally stiff, fully hydroformed frame with independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, providing a turning radius of 37.5 ft. -- shorter than a Honda Pilot. Suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver superior ride and precise steering. Dodge Durango's rear suspension features coil springs and a solid rear axle secured with a Watt's linkage system, resulting in refined ride and handling characteristics.

Advanced safety and security features include standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program with Electronic Roll Mitigation and Trailer Sway Control, side-curtain air bags for all three rows, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System, Tire Pressure Monitoring system, Sentry Key® engine immobilizer, and ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera System.


New 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI® Hybrid and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid

Chrysler LLC's First Production Hybrid Vehicles

• Hybrid fuel efficiency combined with full-size SUV performance, capability and utility

• HEMI® Hybrid delivers more than 25-percent overall fuel economy improvement

• Full-size SUVs boast nearly 40-percent fuel economy improvement in city

• HEMI Hybrid features Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS)

Chrysler and Dodge are bursting onto the hybrid scene in a big way.

With the introduction of the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI® Hybrid and 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid, Chrysler LLC delivers two hybrid-electric vehicles that combine fuel-efficient advanced-hybrid technology with full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) performance and capability.

"The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles will offer our customers the sought-after blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy -- all in one package," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "Combined with Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS), our advanced, two-mode hybrid technology immediately delivers a more than 25-percent fuel economy improvement to our full-size SUVs -- and up to a 40-percent improvement in the city."

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles are Chrysler's first entries in the hybrid market.

Capable of towing 6,000 lbs., the 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles deliver 385 horsepower -- seamless, dependable power and performance on demand, in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission (featuring the best characteristics of an automatic transmission and hybrid drive) and two different hybrid modes of operation, the drive system dramatically improves fuel economy around town and at highway speeds.

The new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid is expected to deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, including an improvement of nearly 40 percent in the city. For customers who desire the performance and capability of a large SUV, the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles will reduce fuel consumption by several hundreds of gallons of gas per year.

The renowned HEMI powerplant, in hybrid form, will continue to feature Chrysler's MDS, which allows the engine to seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. The two-mode hybrid system provides assistance from electric motors allowing the HEMI V-8 to remain in four-cylinder mode more often than without a hybrid powertrain, improving overall fuel economy.

Built at the Newark Assembly Plant in Delaware, the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles arrive in showrooms in mid-2008.

Frankfurt launch for ultra-low CO2 Fords

Ford are launching a new range of low-emissions vehicles at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Branded 'Ford ECOnetic', a name combining environmental concerns with Ford's 'kinetic' philosophy, the new range will offer customers from late this year an extended choice of ultra-low CO2 vehicles to complement the existing Ford Flexifuel range. Green's very much in this season.

Using a combination of the latest common-rail diesel engines coupled with features engineered to reduce emissions to the 'absolute minimum', Ford promise to bring an increased range of affordable products featuring low CO2.

"Although all of our current European models are already highly competitive in terms of CO2, we do know that more and more car buyers seek the lowest possible emissions as a key 'why-buy?', and that they have an increasing range of such vehicles to choose from in the market," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO.

The first car to tempt consumers to Ford's new low-CO2 range will be the Focus. Emitting only 115g/km of CO2 and offering a 12g/km advantage over the regular 1.6 TDCi model, the Ford Focus ECOnetic, powered by a 106 PS, re-engineered version of the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, enters dealerships late 2007 or early next year. Fuel consumption is up by 10% over the standard 1.6 TDCi at an impressive 4.3l/km (65 mpg).

The new range will join the expanding Flexifuel product range, which combine conventional fuel with bio-ethanol E85 (a blend of 85% bio-ethanol and 15% petrol). The new ECOnetic models will join the existing Focus and C-MAX Flexifuel products as well as Flexifuel versions of the new Mondeo, Galaxy and S-MAX, on sale from early 2008.

Expect Ford to extend the new ECOnetic range to the Mondeo, C-MAX and S-MAX following roll-out of the Focus late 2007 or early 2008. Further details will be released nearer to the range's Frankfurt unveiling.

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Announced for LA Auto Show

Press Release

Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon.

“Escalade, already the sales and style leader among large luxury SUVs, now adds the desirability of a fuel-saving, technically advanced hybrid system,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The arrival of Escalade Hybrid means that consumers can now use less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy the benefits of a full-size luxury SUV.”

The Hybrid goes on sale in the US in the summer of 2008 and is the newest example of Escalade’s technology leadership. The potential for sales of the Hybrid in Europe are currently being evaluated with a decision expected within six months.

“No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably,” Taylor said. “And no hybrid delivers the dramatic presence that is synonymous with Escalade.”

Escalade Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. It delivers up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds (2,565 kg) on 4WD models. All of Escalade’s standard comfort and convenience features are included. This includes an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen.

Escalade Hybrid extends Cadillac’s leadership in the large luxury SUV category. Escalade sales have grown in the face of changing sales trends and increased competition. In fact, Escalade sales increased 22 percent in September over year-ago sales. Other models in the Escalade lineup include the extended-length Escalade ESV and the versatile Escalade EXT luxury-utility truck. The Hybrid model is available with the standard Escalade body style.

Patented 2-Mode Hybrid technology

The Escalade’s 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. In city driving, this advanced hybrid power system enables Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. As additional power is demanded, the system blends output from the battery and gas engine smoothly.

GM’s patented 2-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. AFM enables the V-8 engine to seamlessly shut off half of its cylinders when less power is needed, such as during highway cruising. This new hybrid system not only enables the Escalade Hybrid to drive low speeds on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode for longer periods.

The key to Escalade’s 2-Mode hybrid system is that the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. 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.

The 2-Mode Hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses on the streets today in dozens of major North American cities. Scaled-down for use in full-size SUVs, the 2-Mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high levels of capability. It is a core part of GM’s energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile’s impact on the environment.

Cadillac’s smooth and quiet power

Acoustic details specific to the Hybrid model ensure it delivers the superior luxury that has been an Escalade hallmark since its inception. The details include:

• A new 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 system
• An electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering 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 the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants.

Escalade aesthetic

The Escalade Hybrid retains the qualities that have made it the leading large luxury SUV and a standard-bearer of Cadillac’s overall product renaissance. It is instantly identifiable as a Cadillac and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.

The Escalade’s warm and inviting interior features a premium layout. It is available in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere. Standard features include a distinctive instrument panel; gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting; Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.

Mercedes E 350 Gets CGI & E 300 BLUETEC Now for Europe

Press Release

Advanced Power: two new E-Class models with pioneering drive systems

Mercedes-Benz is wasting no time in implementing the Road to the Future which it presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and is now offering two new E-Class models to pave the way for a new generation of particularly economical and environmentally friendly diesel and petrol vehicles. Trailblazing BLUETEC technology makes the new E 300 BLUETEC the world's cleanest diesel in its class, while retaining legendary attributes of the CDI engine such as high torque, economy and operating range. At the same time Mercedes-Benz is extending its range of models with the new E 350 CGI, which features second-generation direct petrol injection. This model likewise excels with a favourable fuel consumption and a high performance. Compared to the E 350, the fuel consumption of the innovative V6 engine of the E 350 CGI is lower by around ten percent per hundred kilometres. And with 215 kW/292 hp this unit also makes 20 hp more output available. With these new E-Class models, Mercedes-Benz is once again underlining its aim to offer customers superior, luxurious and safe automobiles with the highest level of environmental compatibility, both now and in the future.

At the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz presented 19 innovative models as part of its "Road to the Future" agenda - a unique and varied range of new, particularly economical and clean models with intelligent drive technologies. In this long-term development strategy for the future, Mercedes-Benz has the declared aim of offering economical and environmentally friendly vehicles without compromising on safety, comfort or driving enjoyment. The focus of this development process is primarily on optimised internal combustion engines.

Just a few weeks after this announcement, Mercedes-Benz is now offering the first new E-Class models to make this ambitious goal a practical reality, while providing an impressive day-to-day experience for all.

E 300 BLUETEC - the cleanest and most economical executive-class diesel

Pole position on the Mercedes-Benz Roadto the Future is taken by the new E 300 BLUETEC. Following the successful launch of the world’s first BLUETEC passenger car in the USA - the E 320 BLUETEC, which is selling very briskly and has been voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007" - Mercedes-Benz is now also offering BLUETEC technology for the world’s cleanest diesel in Europe as well. With immediate effect, the new E 300 BLUETEC is available here as the cleanest and most economical diesel in the executive class.

BLUETEC is a concept based on a number of coordinated technical measures. First of all, in-engine measures minimise the untreated emissions. An oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter then ensure effective exhaust gas aftertreatment. The nitrogen oxides are subsequently reduced by BLUETEC technology using a particularly durable NOx storage-type catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter. The package as a whole results in exemplary levels for all exhaust gas constituents. BLUETEC technology significantly undercuts the Nox limits of the EU5 standard, and even has the potential to meet the future EU6 standard.

In Europe Mercedes-Benz is offering the new E 300 BLUETEC in parallel with the E 320 CDI, which continues in the range. The slightly lower peak output of the new BLUETEC model - 155 kW/211 hp rather than 165 kW/ 224 hp - results from the measures taken to lower emissions and improve fuel consumption. These improvements include the use of special piezo-electric injectors, a lower compression ratio and specific fine-tuning of the turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. The powerful torque of 540 Nm at 1600 - 2400 rpm remains unchanged, and guarantees superior performance with a low fuel consumption and low emissions. The combined consumption of the E 300 BLUETEC according to the NEDC is 7.2 to 7.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres.

E 350 CGI with second-generation direct petrol injection

In parallel with the E 300 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its model range with the E 350 CGI, which features an ultra-modern direct-injection petrol engine with a spray-guided combustion process. This unit, the world’s first V6 petrol engine with this innovative combustion system and piezo-electric injection, was introduced in the CLS 350 CGI in spring 2006 and is now also available for the Saloon and Estate in the high-volume E-Class.

Compared to the E 350, which remains in the range, the 215 kW/292 hp V-engine develops 20 hp more output and 15 newton metres more torque (365 Nm) while consuming ten percent less fuel. On an NEDC average the E 350 CGI Saloon, which accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, consumes just 8.7 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres. In both model variants the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The E-Class as a technological trendsetter

The E-Class sets new technical standards, and also features a comprehensive range of safety equipment which includes PRE-SAFE®, the Intelligent Light System, NECK-PRO head restraints and adaptive brake lights. This makes the E-Class the safest car in its class. Agility and driving enjoyment is assured by the DIRECT CONTROL package with a direct steering ratio and a new suspension setup.