Wednesday, March 23, 2005

John McCormick The 440-hp XLR-V makes its debut at the Cadillac display.

Cadillac XLR-V launches in five seconds

By John McCormick / Autos Insider

Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

NEW YORK -- Teaming up with Donald Trump, General Motors Corp. vice-chairman Bob Lutz made a lightning fast introduction of the 440-hp Cadillac XLR-V. "It's one of the highest performing premium sports cars in the world and the fastest Cadillac ever," said Lutz, prior to a light-hearted exchange with New York's charismatic billionaire real estate developer.

Trump received the keys to the first Cadillac DTS executive limousine but the spotlight was supposed to be on the XLR-V, which division chief Jim Taylor described as the "flagship of flagships."

"The XLR-V reinforces our performance credentials," said Taylor. The car hits showrooms in December, along with the high performance STS-V sedan. The price premium over the $72,000 standard XLR has yet to be announced.

A supercharged version of the XLR's 4.4 liter V-8 engine gives the XLR-V a sub-five second 0-60 mph acceleration time. Mechanical changes include a six-speed automatic transmission, 19-inch wheels and larger brakes and stabilizer bars.

Production of the XLR-V is at GM's Bowling Green, Kentucky plant.

John McCormick is a columnist for Autos Insider and can be reached at jmccormick@detnews.com

John McCormick Donald Trump, left. joined GM Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz for the introduction.