Autoblog would buy a Cadillac CTS-V before a Cadillac XLR-V

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Cadillac XLR-V offers an interesting summary of the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V Experimental Luxury Roadster, V-Series. The blog has a nice selection of great images of the XLR-V.

A reasonable question that Autoblog asks is why would an enthusiast pay $100K for an XLR-V with a 443hp Supercharged Northstar 4.4L engine instead of roughly $60-65K (prices STILL not announced) for a new CTS-V with a 556hp Supercharged OHC V8?

S/C Northstar Engine

S/C Northstar Engine

I know at least from my personal perspective there are advantages and disadvantages of each vehicle. The XLR cars of course are 2-seat roadsters, with folding hard top convertibles. The CTS cars are full size sports sedans. I like to joke that the XLR is a Corvette chassis with a Cadillac engine, while the CTS-V is a Corvette Engine in a Cadillac chassis. Actually the LSA engine in the CTS-V is unique to the CTS-V (so far), but it makes a nice summary.

Engine Sketch

Engine Sketch

I agree that it would be fun if Cadillac had retooled and put the 556hp LSA engine in the XLR-V this year, but the 4.4L Supercharged Northstar is a jewel of an engine. Since both cars are faster than they have to be anyway, XLR-V owners may legitimately want the smoother power delivery of the DOHC VVT Direct Injected Northstar engine.

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