Category Archives: Cadillac Models

D3 XLR-V +3

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Motor Authority points out that D3 has released stage 1, 2, and 3 kits for the Cadillac XLR-V.  Now, out of the box the XLR-V arrives with 443 elegant horsepower from a 4.4L Supercharged Northstar drivetrain, so it is no slouch.  The D3 packages manage to tweak that 443hp up to 525hp, or 575hp, or 600hp, respectively.  Nice icing on the cake indeed.
 

D3 Cadillacs Stage 1 XLR-V kit installed

D3 Cadillac's Stage 1 XLR-V kit installed

Stage 1 Power Package: $1875.00  Application: 2006-2008 XLR-V
Description – This is our introductory package which includes Stage 1 and 2 Intakes and ECU Box. It is a relatively simple and quick bolt on package that will boost engine power to over 500 bhp. Installation only takes about an hour and can be installed with common hand tools. This is one of the largest performance gains you can obtain for your XLR-V with minimal investment.
Horsepower Increased to = 525+ bhp
Torque Increased to = 470+ ft lbs.
Includes Stage 1 and 2 Intakes and ECU Box

Stage 1.5 Power Package: $3,415.00
Application: 2006-2008 XLR-V
Horsepower Increased to = 545+ bhp
Torque Increased to = 500+ ft lbs.
Includes Exhaust System, Intercooler Lid, Spark Plugs, and ECU Box Tune Update)
Product Description – This upgrade will make your XLR-V accelerate like a true light weight sports car. Power to weight ratio is an astonishing 6.9:1! This is about as far as you can go running factory boost settings.

Stage 2 Power Package: $3140.50
Application: 2006-2008 XLR-V
Includes Intercooler Upgrade and Boost Upgrade.
*Does not include any of Stage 1 items*
Description – For those who are looking for a little bit more of an upgrade, but do not want to get into the motor, we offer our Stage 2 power package. This package includes our Intercooler Upgrade & Boost Upgrade. It will boost engine power up to 575 bhp and over 580 ft lbs of torque. *Does not include any of Stage 1 items* This package requires a PCM reflash to maximize tune and engine potential. Because of the high output of this package it is advised that brake upgrades are also considered at time of purchase.

Stage 3 Power Package: Call for Pricing and Details
Application: 2006-2008 XLR-V
Horsepower Increased to = 600+ bhp
Torque Increased to = 580+ ft lbs.
Description – This is for the enthusiast who wants it all. Each stage 3 package is customized to the individual’s desire. We cover everything from ported cylinder heads to rebuilt bottom ends. Also part of every stage 3 is braking system upgrades, wheels and tires (if big brakes are used) and any other custom modifications desired. This power package is rated at 600+ bhp. The Stage 3 power package is typically only done in house.

The Stage 2 appears to be in addition to the cost of the Stage 1, so to purchase the Stage 2 you would need to add the cost of Stage 1 and Stage 2.

I can’t wait to see what D3 has planned for the CTS and for the CTS-V. I think we may see 700 hp Cadillacs on the boulevard soon.

Motor Trend Magazine has a complete review of the D3 Stage 2 XLR-V HERE.

Celebration of Cadillac’s Dewar Trophy 9/21/2008 at Brooklands

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The Classicrallies.com blog notes that

Cadillac fans and owners will congregate on 21 September at the Brooklands Museum in Surrey to celebrate the legendary American brand’s first Dewar Trophy win, which took place at the site a hundred years ago. Over forty UK-based vintage Cadillacs from the brand’s 106-year history will be on display and will be joined by the latest generation of cars on sale in the UK.

That would be Surrey, England at the Brooklands Museum.

Cadillac won the Dewar trophy after an amazing — especially for the time — feat. Back in 1908, three Model K Cadillacs were taken completely apart, and the parts mixed together. Then 3 cars were assembled from the random parts, all resulting in complete cars. In fact, the parts were interchangeable, which meant that Cadillacs were being manufactured to a VERY high standard. This is the origin of the Cadillac slogan “Standard of the World”.

Courtesy wheels.blogs.nytimes.com

Courtesy wheels.blogs.nytimes.com

The Dewar Trophy was a cup donated in the early twentieth century by Sir Thomas R. Dewar, to be awarded each year by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) of England “to the motor car which should successfully complete the most meritorious performance or test furthering the interests and advancement of the [automobile] industry”. (wikipedia).

In 1908, Cadillac certainly merited this praise.  In my opinion the new supercharged V8 engine in the CTS-V at 556 hp furthers the interest and advancement of the automobile; it certainly piques my interest.

Cars.com Expert CTS-V Review notes

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blogs.cars.com notes Joe Weisenfelder at Cars.com got to take a 2009 CTS-V out on the course at New York’s private Monticello Motor Club and wrote about it here.

CTS-V grill

CTS-V grill

A few notable notes:

  • The CTS-V supercharger sound level is very subdued
  • Reasonable mpg during the test drive
  • Because the hardware can handle the torque, Cadillac uses no artificial torque management like low-gear throttle dialback
  • Overall, you really feel like you’re driving the CTS-V, and that’s not necessarily true of some extremely capable performance cars

The CTS-V continues a pattern of positive reviews.  Cadillac has not formally announced pricing, but the whispered starting price of just under $60K seems to fit well within most people’s model for bang for the buck. 

The press is still in the honeymoon phase with the new CTS-V, so we’ll see how it fares once the head-to-head comparisons are ready.   I have little doubt in the new Cadillac’s abilities, but little faith that it will always be judged on a fair playing field.