2009 Cadillac XLR-V

With a supercharged V8, a Corvette based chassis and near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the XLR-V is a high performance roadster that provides competition for the Mercedes SL63 AMG and BMW M6. First introduced in 2005, the XLR-V features a host of improvements over the XLR on which it is based in the areas of performance, luxury, and appearance in order to allow it to compete with its rivals and justify its $100,000 price tag, the highest a GM product has ever commanded.

The heart of the XLR-V is its engine, a 4.4 Liter Supercharged Northstar V8 tuned to produce 443 horsepower and 414 lb.-feet of torque. Paired with a 6-Speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with a manumatic mode, the XLR-V's powerplant can propel the car to consistent sub-five second 0-60 runs. Variable valve timing on all four cams helps ensure that there is always a deep well of torque on tap. Chassis upgrades to compliment the added power include the addition of a rear anti-roll bar, a recalibrated ride program, and stiffer rear lower-control-arm bushings. The heavy duty, cross-drilled brake rotors and calipers are borrowed from the Corvette parts bin.

Visually differentiating the XLR-V from the naturally aspirated base model are a wire mesh grille and 10 spoke, 19-inch painted aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, the XLR-V coddles its occupants with a Bulgari designed instrument panel, kinetic aluminum trim and exotic Zingana wood. The car comes loaded with a plethora of hedonistic accouterments including a 9-speaker Bose sound system and 6 disc in-dash CD changer, touchscreen navigation, and a full leather interior with French stitching. A power opening and closing trunk and keyless door access/engine operation system round out the list of convenience features.

Helping to keep the powerful XLR-V on the road are an electronic traction control system and an excellent StabiliTrack stability control system with several settings for different intervention thresholds. Safety features include dual front airbags and seat mounted side airbags.

Interesting technological components on the XLR-V include a power retractable hardtop that can turn the car from a coupe to a convertible at the touch of a button in about 30 seconds. A magnetic ride control system features computer controlled shock absorbers with two driver-selectable modes; the touring setting provides for a comfortable highway ride while the performance setting firms up the shocks for spirited driving. Updates to the XLR-V for 2008 are limited to a new three-spoke steering wheel and several optional exterior colors.