Cadillac XLR-V
This is the high-performance 'V-Series' version of the rear-wheel drive XLR roadster. The XLR-V has a supercharged 440 bhp/425lb ft version of the GM Northstar 4.4 V8 engine, with revised induction and exhaust systems and improved engine cooling, six-speed automatic transmission and equipment including adaptive forward lighting, fitted in a Cadillac for the first time. The American answer to an SL55 AMG or XKR, it accelerates 0-60 mph in under five seconds.
Suspension has been tuned, with revised anti-roll bars and a recalibrated Magnetic Ride control (adaptive damping) system; larger brakes, wheels and tyres are fitted with 19-inch rims. As with the CTS-V saloon, V-series styling details include a wire-mesh grille, a more sculpted bonnet with a dome to accommodate the supercharger, unique ten-spoke aluminium wheels, stainless steel exhaust tips, black brake callipers and aluminum interior trim.
Cadillac has confirmed that a small number of XLRs will be imported to Europe, and a few are likely to come to the UK, albeit in left-hand drive form only. The mainstream XLR develops 320 bhp, but if that's not enough, the XLR-V could be offered on special order.
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| Cadillac DTS |
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Cadillac DTS & Escalade ESVe
The "e" stands for Executive, but over here, the Escalade ESVe super-SUV and the DTS limousine are both more likely to been seen carrying hen parties from bar to bar. These models have been substantially stretched from their mainstream-range equivalents - the DTS by 70 inches and the Escalade by 40 - by GM's Cadillac Master Coachbuilder division. Inside, besides copious legroom and space for bad behaviour, there are TV screens, PCs, full-spec sound systems and partitions for privacy. The DTS is a little more board-room than bling-bling, with a writing table, vanity mirrors, a "refreshment compartment" and fridge, magazine rack and cigar humidor, plus burled elm-finish consoles.
The first customer for the DTS has already been announced: none other than George Dubya himself, who took delivery in January. Next up, however, is billionaire real-estate magnate Donald Trump, who put in a public appearance at the show to receive his keys from GM boss Bob Lutz. A GM spokesman said: "Obviously, a man of Donald Trump's status can choose any vehicle for his personal transportation. We're excited that he has chosen the Cadillac DTS executive limousine to chauffeur him to appointments in and around New York."
