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The Cadillac XLR-V was warmly received by discriminating roadster enthusiasts
upon its debut in 2006. Designed to compliment the Cadillac XLR, the XLR-V is a
high performance version that has several significant differences from the XLR
that include an enhanced body style, unique interior trim, bigger wheels, an
enhanced suspension and braking system and a supercharged V8 engine.
The XLR-V is a limited production vehicle and it is also the most expensive
Cadillac ever sold. With prices in the 100K range, it was expected that buyers
will want a lot for their money, and they got it. The first thing one would
notice as the car approached was the characteristic and elegantly designed
Cadillac emblem set into unique wire mesh grille inserts. The sophisticated and
sexy body rests upon uniquely designed 19 inch wheels and the athletically
styled hood and fitted quad exhaust tips subtly hint at the muscle under the
hood. There is only one trim level and it is very well equipped-as one would
expect for a car in this price range. The interior is fully loaded and with the
retractable power operated hard top down it is easy to see the exquisite
attention to detail throughout the interior of the cabin. Though not quite as
refined as some of the competing European roadsters in this high performance
category, like the Mercedes-Benz SL AMG models, the price is definitely lower
and it still exudes an abundance of luxury, comfort and stylish, well positioned
gauges and controls. The inviting and contemporary upscale interior features
heated and cooled seats upholstered in fine, handcrafted leather upholstery and
well placed Zingana wood and aluminum accents throughout. Just about every
comfort and convenience feature can be found including heated and cooled seats,
a voice controlled navigation system, head up display, dual-zone climate
control, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights and
a 250 watt sound system including an in-dash CD changer and a high dash mounted
7-inch touchscreen for driver information, entertainment and navigation system
controls.
The price barrier was not the only record broken by Cadillac with the
introduction of the XLR-V. This super coupe goes from 0-60 in less than 5
seconds-the fastest Caddy ever. The specially designed 4.4 liter V8 engine is
capable of up to an astounding 443 horsepower. The immense power is sent to the
rear wheels via a 6 speed automatic transmission that is equipped with manual
shift control.
The heart of the XLR-V is a supercharged 4.4-liter V8. It produces 443
horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 414 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Power is sent to
the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that features
manual-shift control. Expect a 0-to-60-mph time of fewer than 5 seconds.
With such a powerful and widely accepted debut in 2006, the Cadillac XLR-V went
unchanged for the 2007 model year with the exception of the increase of the
powertrain warranty to 5 years/100,000 miles. With its powerful and agile
performance, edgy design and a wealth of luxury features, the XLR-V provides all
the exhilaration and excitement one could dream of in a roadster. |
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