2007 Cadillac XLR-V review

Cadillac XLR-V review:

The Cadillac XLR-V, a recent addition to the luxury nameplate’s growing family of high-performance V-Series vehicles, combines luxury with power, performance, personal amenities and style. The XLR-V is equipped with the Northstar V-8 SC (supercharged) engine, producing 331 kW (448 horsepower). Combined with a rear-mounted, six-speed automatic transmission, the XLR-V’s supercharged engine helps delivers 0-to-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in less than five seconds.

Measuring a compact 4.51 meters (14.8 ft.) by 1.84 meters (6 ft.), the XLR is based on the iconic Evoq concept car that redefined the perception of Cadillac around the world. The Cadillac XLR-V shares with the XLR the combination of distinctively bold styling with contemporary luxury, ingenious technologies, rear-wheel-drive performance and near 50/50 weight distribution for enhanced balance and vehicle dynamics – yet it does so on an entirely different performance level.

As with all members of the V-Series family, exterior and interior appointments clearly set the two-seater apart. These include the signature wire mesh grille, larger, 19-inch wheels at all four corners, and Ebony wood and aluminum accents throughout the interior. Chassis refinements enable equal surefootedness and driver appeal on the street or the track, including larger brakes, stabilizer bars, wheels and tires, and a performance-calibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MR) system.

Performance-tuned chassis systems

Chassis modifications on the XLR-V 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.

The most noticeable change was made in the braking system to assure strong stopping power and smooth, confident brake operation, given the increased power and handling capabilities of the XLR-V. To achieve this, chassis engineers turned to J55 brakes, essentially the same application used in the Z51 Corvette, with larger cross-drilled rotors and high-performance brake linings. Front rotors are 340 mm (13.4 in.) in diameter; rear rotors are 330 mm (13 in.). The thickness of the rotor cheeks on both the front and rear has been increased for added thermal capacity. The brake system incorporates dual-piston front calipers and single-piston rear calipers.

Magnetic Ride Control on the XLR-V has been recalibrated to account for the enhanced handling characteristics the roadster’s supercharged performance demands. The system seeks to keep the body on an even plane at all times, giving drivers a comfortable ride by dramatically reducing disturbances to the vehicle body. The MR recalibration – combined with a stiffer front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar, and stiffer rear control arm bushings – subtly changes the driving characteristics of the XLR-V when compared to the standard XLR. Another V-Series staple is a four-channel/four-selection mode chassis control system (StabiliTrak), enabling the driver to switch between four stability settings, including a "less-governed" performance mode for the performance enthusiast.

Wheels and tires have been increased in size for enhanced sure-footedness, to 235/45R19 on the front and 255/40R19 at the rear. The tires are Pirelli run-flats.