2008 Cadillac XLR-V
It idles smoother and quieter than a garden-variety Cadillac XLR. Only the 19-inch rolling stock, mesh front grille-work, stainless-steel tailpipes, and a discreet badge or two hint that this version of Cadillac's edgy two-seat roadster is different from others. But mash the throttle, and you'll know it is: The intake tract moans, the supercharger whines, and the flapper valves in the mufflers open to let the exhaust breathe free. Oh, and there's another indicator: The speedometer needle will pass the "60" mark in 4.5 seconds.
Cadillac appears serious about its "v-Series" performance sub-brand, and why not: AMG and M have worked like charms for Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Brewing up high-powered versions of mainstream models isn't a new idea. But it is a smart one that adds brand value and exclusivity, sells more cars, and pleases enthusiast drivers and lead-footed car-magazine geeks. Like us.
The Cadillac XLR already had some good stuff going for it, such as a chassis designed and built by the same gang that brings us the Corvette. A Northstar V-8 motor. Unique B2 bomber-like styling. And a trick, retractable hardtop. To that foundation, add more power, handling, braking, interior upgrades, overall 'tude--and a six-figure price tag--and you have the Cadillac XLR-v.
The heart of Cadillac's third v model is a supercharged Northstar that's been thoroughly reengineered; more of it is new or revised than is carried over from the naturally aspirated version. Displacement drops from 4.6 to 4.4 liters via a slight bore reduction. The blower is a Roots-type design, and unique manifolding places it low in the engine valley. The integrated intercooler is a neat bit of work. Instead of looking like a repurposed radiator, it's made up of extruded aluminum tubes that bristle with cooling fins.
Considerable attention was paid to noise/vibration/harshness control. Variable valve timing on intake and exhaust cams was retained to ensure a wide, flat powerband, and block and heads are aluminum. Routing the exhaust through the chassis center tunnel and squashing the oil pan enough for the Northstar to clear the Cadillac XLR's low hood account for the 26-horse deficit relative to the STS-v sedan.
