Cadillac Reveals the V-series XLR

Think 440 horses. Then think 100 grand.
BY: Tony Swan
DATE: May 2005

You're looking at one of the first official photos of Cadillac's new XLR-V roadster, which was unveiled at the New York auto show. Info has been arriving in trickles, although we do know the V-series XLR will be propelled by a supercharged and intercooled 4.4-liter DOHC 32-valve version of Caddy's Northstar V-8, as anticipated, and that its output numbers are substantially higher than those of the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter edition employed in the standard XLR: 440 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque versus 320 and 310, respectively. Although there's a difference of five pound-feet of torque (430 versus 425), this is the same supercharged Northstar that distinguishes the V-version of the new STS sedan, and like the sedan, the XLR's blower V-8 sends power to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Although the supercharged powertrain and accouterments such as bigger brakes, wheels, and tires are likely to add to the curb weight, Cadillac is forecasting 0-to-60-mph times of "under five seconds," although how much under remains to be seen. The best we could achieve with the naturally aspirated car was 5.8 seconds ["The Glamour Droptops," C/D, October 2003].

The XLR-V should be easy to distinguish from the XLR, thanks to the raised center section of the hood, which shelters supercharger-related hardware, and the trademark V-series mesh grille. If you get close enough to peek inside, you'll see zingana wood trim, exclusive to this model.

In the absence of any firm price information, we're prepared to make a semi-informed guess. Projecting from the 44-percent disparity between Cadillac's CTS 3.6 and CTS-V, it's possible the XLR-V will roll into showrooms in the first quarter of 2006 with a price of about $100,000, some 20 grand less than a Mercedes SL55 AMG. Still, this would mark another first for Cadillac.

Excerpt from www.caranddriver.com

Damn I didnt think a Caddy could get better then the XLR well I guess It just did. This think should be a beast when it hits the roads.

Jeremy

That ain't grandma's caddy!

If Grandma can afford this, I can see why Social Security is is deep trouble!

I think I remember seeing a Caddy XLR at one of the Motor Trend shows in Baltimore and it was really nice. And as it should be for $70K+. Convertible Hardtop, Interior Style, Unnecessary Climate Control Options... Everything to pamer you on those "long" trips to the Grocery Store.