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Early details on the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid leaked onto the web yesterday morning, and you can read Damon's early rundown on the essentials here. Now that Cadillac has released the full info and tech specs, we can break it down pretty simply. The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid uses the exact same 2-Mode hybrid powertrain as both the Yukon and Tahoe hybrids. Unlike its platform cousins, however, the Escalade does not incorporate any weight-saving measures. It does incorporate Hybrid badges in the fender vents and "H" logos by the rear windows. We're assuming (and hoping) the giant "H Y B R I D" door decals are to make the display car stand out on the floor at the auto show down in Miami this week.

We talked to a Caddy rep who told us that the decision was made not to diminish the Escalade in any way, so the seats retain all their stuffing, the front end gets no aero tweaks, and the bodywork doesn't get any lightweight elements like the Chevy and GMC trucks. Now, according to GM, the use of the hybrid system increases fuel economy by at least 50% anyway. If you figure that the standard 6.2L Escalade is good for 9 or 10 real-world MPG combined, it should be good for at least 18 mpg or so on the highway. We doubt it'll match the 21/22 (2WD) and 20/20 (4WD) city/hwy EPA ratings of the Tahoe Hybrid simply because the 'Slade outweighs it by 110 pounds in 2WD form and 181 when equipped with 4WD.

That said, if the Escalade really can actually get mileage in the mid to upper-teens it's an impressive feat, no matter how you look at it. This is a 3-ton truck after all, and we've driven midsize crossovers that struggle to get that kind of fuel economy. Those interested in towing stuff can pull 6,000 lbs with the 2WD truck and 5,700 lbs with the 4WD variant. As for the target audience, it's basically Escalade shoppers willing to pony up an additional premium to use less gas or to simply flash some green cred via the Hybrid badges.

GM's full press release is included after the jump and the gallery contains 14 hi-res photos.

[Source: GM]