NEW YORK – The 2006 Cadillac XLR-V is the newest addition to the luxury nameplate’s V-Series vehicles. Like its mainstream XLR sibling, the XLR-V is two-seat, retractable hardtop convertible offering distinctive styling with contemporary luxury and rear-wheel-drive performance.

XLR-V refinements include a supercharged Northstar engine, rear-mounted six-speed automatic transmission, a signature wire-mesh grille, larger 19-inch wheels larger brakes, stabilizer bars, wheels and tires, a performance-calibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MR) system and an Adaptive Forward Lighting system, a first-time application on a Cadillac, which automatically adjusts headlamp direction up to 15-degrees for improved night driving vision.

Engine/Transmission

At the heart of the XLR-V is the new, 4.4-liter version of the Northstar engine outfitted with a intercooled supercharger. The dual overhead cam (DOHC) V-8 engine delivers the highest horsepower rating of any Cadillac engine to date. An aggressive torque curve enabled by the choice of a supercharged engine gives the XLR-V acceleration capable of placing it firmly in the under-5-second-club for 0-to-60 time.

The air induction system on the XLR-V was redesigned to address packaging needs created by the larger engine and addition of the supercharger. These modifications increased the flow of air to the engine by 30 percent. The system was designed to be as free flowing as possible, bringing in the maximum amount of air to the supercharger.

The exhaust system features a unique muffler design, which effectively combines the construction of a more conventional muffler with a high-performance flow-through design. In order to keep sound levels at a pleasant, throaty pitch during everyday driving on streets and expressways, the exhaust is routed through a series of internal chambers that muffle sound levels . During more aggressive driving, a vacuum-actuated Pierburg valve in the muffler opens to allow straight exhaust flow-through.

The Northstar V-8 SC is mated to the all-new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission – the first use of General Motors’ new six-speed automatic in a rear-mounted configuration. 6L80 incorporates a host of advanced driving enhancement features, including advanced Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS), Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL), and Driver Shift Control (DSC).

Chassis modifications found on the XLR-V when compared to its mainstream sibling include larger brakes; recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MR); larger front stabilizer bar and the addition of a rear stabilizer bar; stiffer rear lower control arm bushings; larger wheels and tires; a power steering fluid cooler; and a higher-capacity fuel pump.

Styling modifications have imparted a more aggressive character to the XLR-V in keeping with its enhanced performance capabilities, while retaining an aura of refined elegance. Exterior and interior design refinements include:

* Polished wire mesh upper and lower front grilles, a V-Series signature; * Aggressively sculpted hood instantly marking the XLR-V as a supercharged-powerhouse. While the dome is enclosed and does not bring additional air into the engine, its function is to make room for the supercharger; * New 10-spoke aluminum wheel design with sterling silver finish; * Unique V-Series and Supercharged badging that subtly proclaims the XLR-V’s pedigree, including “XLR-V” and “Supercharged” badges on the front fenders, doors and deck lid; * Four polished stainless steel exhaust tips; * Black finish brake calipers with machined V-Series logo; * Three exterior color offerings: Infra Red, Black Raven and Light Platinum; * Zingana Wood, an ebony-hued wood with a distinctive grain, is used on the shifter knob, cup holder area, steering wheel, and on portions of the door and center console; * The upper portion of the interior is ebony with either shale or ebony as the dominant lower color, maintaining a sense of quiet, restrained elegance; * Ebony leather with French stitching wraps interior components throughout, from the top of the IP, and roll hoops to the door trim, arm rests, center console and steering wheel; * The soft, supple leather seats with French stitching are either all ebony or shale with matching perforated suede fabric inserts on both the seats and accent trim on the door panels; * Aluminum accent pieces throughout the interior, from the sill plates to the center stack trim plate surrounding the radio and steering wheel accents, are in a new Kinetic pattern; * V -Series badging highlights the instrument cluster and passenger side dash.

Story by General Motors, edited by Supercars.net