Cadillac XLR-V
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The Cadillac XLR-V is the latest addition to the brand’s growing V-Series family of luxury high-performance vehicles. The XLR-V two-seat roadster offers a new supercharged 4.4 litre Northstar V8 SC engine producing 331 kW (450 hp) and will accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
At the heart of the XLR-V is a new, 4.4-litre version of the Northstar engine fitted with a positive displacement intercooled supercharger. The dual overhead cam (DOHC) Northstar V8 SC engine, produces 331 kW (450 hp) at 6400 rpm and 561 Nm torque at 3900 rpm.
A specific output of 100hp per litre makes the V8 SC one of the world’s highest specific output production V8 engines. The engine’s power is underscored by its ability to deliver 90 percent of its peak torque between 2200 and 6000 rpm, maintaining the refinement expected of a luxury marque.
The Cadillac XLR-V shares with the XLR roadster a combination of distinctively bold styling with contemporary luxury, ingenious technologies and rear-wheel-drive performance. A retractable hardtop convertible with an electrically operated steel fold-away roof, the XLR-V ultra-luxury, high-performance roadster is a landmark car in Cadillac’s long history and is the quickest, most agile and most exclusive Cadillac ever offered.
A lightweight chassis using GM’s unique, patented performance car structure, featuring steel hydroformed perimeter frame rails, and enclosed structural ‘tunnel’, is the foundation for outstanding ride and handling characteristics, making the XLR-V a great car to drive with the roof up or down. A rear-mounted six speed automatic gearbox gives near 50/50 weight distribution for enhanced balance and vehicle dynamics.
Compared to the XLR, the V-Series features a range of chassis refinements to enable equal surefootedness and driver appeal on the street or the track. They include larger brakes with larger cross-drilled rotors and high-performance brake linings, recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a larger front stabiliser bar and the addition of a rear stabiliser bar, stiffer rear lower control arm bushings, larger wheels and tyres, with 235/45R19 on the front and 255/40R19 at the rear.
The Magnetic Ride Control has been recalibrated to subtly change the driving characteristics of the XLR-V. It is augmented by a four channel/four-selection mode StabiliTrak chassis control system which enables the driver to switch between four stability settings, including a ‘less-governed’ mode for the performance enthusiast.
The Northstar V8 SC is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, the first use of General Motors’ six-speed automatic in a rear-mounted configuration. The transmission incorporates a host of advanced features including an integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts. Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS) and Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL) minimise transmission upshifts during closed throttle driving and cornering to maintain the correct gear, while Driver Shift Control allows the driver to sequentially shift gears manually via the gearshift lever.
V-Series styling modifications
As with all members of the V-Series family, exterior and interior appointments clearly set the XLR-V apart while retaining an aura of refined elegance. Exterior refinements include the V-Series signature polished wire mesh upper and lower front grilles and a new 10-spoke 19-inch aluminium wheel design with sterling silver finish.
In the XLR-V interior, Ebony leather with French stitching wraps interior components throughout, from the top of the instrument panel and roll hoops to the door trim, arm rests, center console and steering wheel. Zingana wood, an ebony-hued wood with a distinctive grain is used on the shifter knob, steering wheel and on portions of the door and center console, supplemented by aluminium accent pieces in a new Kinetic pattern.
The soft, supple leather seats with French stitching are either all ebony or shale with matching perforated sueded fabric inserts on both the seats and accent trim on the door panels, perfectly in harmony with the exterior color offerings.
Built at GM’s state-of-the-art, award-winning assembly centre at Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Cadillac XLR-V is now available from European Cadillac dealers.
Source: GM Media Releases
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