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Features
As befitting the Cadillac badge and its $100,000 selling price, which includes an $815 destination charge and a $1,700 gas guzzler tax, the 2006 XLR-V is equipped with more than just a supercharged Northstar V8 engine. The hand-crafted leather interior features heated and cooled seats, a nine-speaker Bose surround sound system, XM satellite radio, a touch-screen navigation system, and 12 months of complementary OnStar Directions and Connections service including stolen vehicle tracking, hands-free calling, emergency assistance, and more.
Both occupants will benefit from front and seat-mounted side airbags, whereas the driver enjoys a heads-up display on the lower left corner of the windshield with a readout for speed and radio settings. There’s also a memory feature for the mirrors, climate control, audio system, power seat, and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. That last item is wrapped in soft leather with controls for the radio and climate system, but it’s oddly oversized like the wheel used in the Corvette. Adding a bit more luxury and convenience are rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear parking sensors, a power trunk lid, and high-intensity discharge headlights with washers.
Nuts and Bolts
Besides the hand-crafted leather interior and some visual enhancements, the only thing separating the 2006 Cadillac XLR from the XLR-V is the hardware. Most notable is the Northstar 4.4-liter, 32-valve, dual overhead cam, supercharged V8 pushing 443 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 414 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,900 rpm. A six-speed automatic with a manual mode is the only available transmission. Compare that powertrain to the regular XLR’s 4.6-liter Northstar V8, good for 320 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque using a five-speed automatic to deliver power to the rear wheels. Along with the extra power, the XLR-V brings about 150 pounds of added curb weight to the table.
A push-button starter button on the dash brings the Northstar engine to life, pushing spent exhaust fumes through the center-mounted quad tailpipes. Under the XLR-V’s skin is a performance-tuned suspension with double wishbones and stabilizer bars front and rear, while a Magnasteer speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system keeps the driver connected to the road. Aiding in the handling effort are 19-inch alloy wheels and Pirelli Euforia run-flat tires that measure 235/45 up front and 255/40 out back, behind which is a four-wheel antilock brake setup with discs significantly bigger than those found on the regular XLR.
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