• Equipped with a supercharged Northstar engine and rear-mounted six-speed automatic transmission, the high-performance luxury roadster effectively delivers 0-to-60 performance in under 5 seconds
• Exterior and interior appointments clearly identify the two-seater as a V-Series family member, including application of a signature wire-mesh grille, larger 19-inch wheels at all four corners, and ebony wood and aluminum accents throughout the interior
• Chassis refinements enable surefootedness on the street or the track and include larger brakes, stabilizer bars, wheels and tires, a performance-calibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MR) system
• An Adaptive Forward Lighting system, a first-time application on a Cadillac, which automatically adjusts headlamp direction up to 15-degrees for improved night driving vision

Like XLR, the XLR-V will be built at GM¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s state-of-the-art, award-winning Bowling Green assembly center.

XLR-V's Supercharged Northstar Engine

At the heart of the XLR-V is the new, 4.4-liter version of the Northstar engine outfitted with a positive displacement intercooled supercharger. The dual overhead cam (DOHC) V-8 engine delivers the highest horsepower rating of any Cadillac engine to date.

Called the Northstar V-8 SC (supercharged), the engine produces 440 horsepower (328 kW) at 6400 rpm and 425 lb-ft (576 Nm) torque at 3600 rpm (power and torque figures estimated) ? and the engine¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s power is underscored by its ability to deliver 90 percent of its peak torque between 2200 and 6000 rpm.

The aggressive torque curve enabled by the choice of a supercharged engine gives the XLR-V acceleration capable of placing it firmly in the under-5-second-club for 0-to-60 time ? a signature capability of V-Series vehicles.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

The Northstar V-8 SC is mated to the all-new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission ? the first use of General Motors¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec? new six-speed automatic in a rear-mounted configuration.

The 6L80 ? the only transmission offered on the XLR-V ? is one of the most technologically advanced automatic transmissions in the industry, using clutch-to-clutch operation and an advanced integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts. In addition, a wide 6.04:1 overall ratio spread enhances performance and fuel economy.

Performance-Tuned Chassis Systems

Chassis modifications found on the XLR-V when compared to its mainstream sibling 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 is in the braking system to assure strong stopping power and smooth, confident brake operation, coinciding with 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 lining. Front rotors are 13.4-inches (340.4 mm) in diameter; rear rotors are 13.0-inches (330.2 mm). 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¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s surpercharged 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.

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