23.8.2005
Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V to debut at Frankfurt Auto Show

Cadillac will host the European premiere of the STS-V and XLR-V next month at the Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA).

Cadillac's V-Series strategy represents limited production series in which the performance and luxury of the brand's vehicles are taken to their full extent. The "V" designation is a tribute to classic Cadillac nameplates of decades past. The contemporary V-Series era began with the introduction of the 298 kW (400 hp) CTS-V in 2004 in North America.

Development and performance testing of both, the STS-V and XLR-V was done at the Nordschleife circuit of Germany's famed Nürburgring. The 4.4 liter Northstar V-8 supercharged DOHC engine features variable valve timing and represents the most output ever for a production Cadillac. It generates more peak power in the STS-V than in the XLR-V, due to the larger engine compartment that allows more induction and exhaust capacity. On the other hand, the XLR-V benefits from its power-to-weight ratio. Both vehicles feature GM's new Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and accelerate from 0 - 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h for both vehicles.

The STS-V delivers 350 kW (469 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 595 Nm of torque at 3900 rpm and the XLR-V is certified at 330 kW (443 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 561 Nm of torque at 3900 rpm.

European sales of the STS-V and XLR-V are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2006.