California-based LimeLite Coachworks has produced the first known hybrid SUV stretch limo, adding 160 inches to a 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. While we'd imagine that the hybrid Tahoe limo is mainly going to be used as a curiosity for limo services, LimeLite claims that the juiced Tahoe is actually still good for an 80% fuel economy increase over a standard Tahoe — not insignificant for a limo company trying to stretch its fuel budget. The Tahoe Hybrid can operate all standard limousine functions, including flat-screen TVs, a full wet bar, lighting and stereo systems, while the engine is off, using just the hybrid battery system. So how did they work around the Tahoe's complex hybrid high-voltage system? LimeLite shop foreman Miguel De la Vega said they were "very careful." Indeed.
In fact, LimeLite reported no trouble dealing with the hybrid's unique high-voltage electrical system, and the company plans an even more extreme 220-inch conversion in the near future. With the arrival of the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid on the scene right about now, LimeLite is also planning an active conversion business with the new green Caddies as well. Oh, and if you want a Tahoe Hybrid Limo, the LimeLite version will set you back just under a hundred grand, or you can ride in this one by calling up its new owner, Zbest Limos of Baltimore, MD. Full specs below.
Exterior • Four Opera Lights per post - Behind the Glass • SUMMIT WHITE Exterior • Custom Color Matched Paint • White Mohawk Vinyl Top • Tubular Style .025”Thick Steel Chassis Frame • All 18 Gauge Steel Body Parts • 160" Tinted Windows • Custom Tinted Rear Windows • Black Step Running Boards • Upgraded Factory Braking System • Upgraded Factory Suspension System • 3M Undercoating • Optional Wheels Interior: • Custom Bench Seating with • Black Fiber & Grey J-Style Bench Seating • Fiber Optic Rope Piping Under Seats • Upgraded Factory Headliner • Hardwood Flooring • Removable Black Carpet Overlay • Full Length Stainless Steel Ceiling with Fiber Optics • Rear 3rd & 4th Row Bench Seat • Fiber Optic Rope Piping around the Headliner • Halogen Accent Lights • Stainless Steel Privacy Partition with Fiber Optics • Stainless Steel Ceiling with Starlight Fiber Optics • Ice Coolers & Drink Holders Throughout • Lighted Glassware & Decanters • Two Full Bars with Pearl Lexan Tops • Stainless Steel Bar Backs with Fiber Optics • Manual Sun Roof (For Emergency Use) • Seats 14 very comfortably Audio/Video/Effects: •Level III Stereo with Pioneer DEH-5000 with MP3-WMA-AAC Compatible CD Player • DVD Player • Two 15” Flat Screens next to the Partition • One 7” Flat Screen in bar area • One 7” Flat Screen in the pillar • Two Laser Lights • A/V Hookup • 110 AC Outlets • 12V DC Power Socket • Strobe Lights • Laser Lights • LimoTouch Control Panel • Backup Camera with Rear View Mirror in Color • Hands free intercom for the Driver • Phone Intercom for the Passenger • iPod - iPhone Docking Station • Back up Video System with Monitor • Invisible Stereo/Television Antenna Engine and Drivetrain: • Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI LIVC with ACTIVE FUEL MAMAGMENT • 2-MODE HYBRID Transmission • HYBRID PROPULSION ELECTRIC 300 VOLT ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM • PREMIUM SMOOTHRIDE SUSPENSION
[LimeLite Coachworks via Hybrid Cars]