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2006 Cadillac XLR-V Preview |
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2006 Cadillac XLR-V Preview
by Trevor Hofmann / Canadian Auto Press
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 | | The XLR-V is a rolling showcase for Cadillac's various advanced technologies. (Photo: General Motors
of Canada) |
If you know your Cadillac V-models you'll realize that the numbers correlate almost exactly to the previously released STS-V, and like the large sedan the XLR-V features a supercharged version of the celebrated 4.4-litre Northstar V8, now dubbed Northstar-SC. And as far as propelling the welterweight (well at least compared to the 1,920 kilo/4,232 lb SL55) XLR-V forward with any greater momentum than the stock model, the positive displacement intercooled supercharger adds a 120-horsepower and 115 lb-ft advantage, which should make for some rather quick 0 to 100 km/h time trials - Cadillac is boasting less than five seconds. What's more, the XLR-V delivers 90 percent of its peak torque between 2,200 and 6,000 rpm resulting in an extremely consistent and controlled release of power.
When you consider the efficiently packaged Cadillac V8 is more than a litre smaller than the equivalent M-B AMG mill, allowing it bragging rights  | | The efficiently packaged Cadillac motor is among the world's
highest specific output production V8 engines. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
to the rarified 100-horsepower-per-liter club and in so doing making it among the world's highest specific output production V8 engines, the XLR-V's performance is even more impressive.
Mercedes-Benz's AMG team uses superchargers to pump up output too, called kompressors in Germany,
But the XLR-V, like its Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz competitors, is not all about straightway speed or even cornering adhesion. More so, the car is a rolling showcase for Cadillac's various advanced technologies, such as its variable-flow exhaust system that optimizes the flow rate of spent gases at higher engine speeds, while producing a more robust exhaust note.
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