GM'S 2006 Cadillac XLR: Cadillac Performance Parts, Aftermarket Parts

The 2006 Cadillac XLR-V is the newest addition to the high-performance V-Series vehicles for the ultra-luxury class of high-performance roadsters.

The 2006 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar V-8 engine, good for 440 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque--120 horsepower. The 32-valve V-8 is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.

The car has recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control, 13.4-inch dual-piston front brakes and 13.0-inch single-piston brakes in the rear, a larger front stabilizer bar, and the addition of a rear stabilizer bar. Styling cues include a wire-mesh grille, 19-inch wheels, and wood and aluminum accents in the interior.

This Cadillac is the first to be equipped with Adaptive Forward Lighting, which uses sensors that read steering wheel angle input and vehicle speed to determine how quickly and how much to turn the headlights. The Cadillac XLR has polished wire mesh upper and lower grilles; unique nineteen-inch, ten-spoke aluminum wheels; a hood bulge; and four stainless-steel exhaust tips.

The XLR chassis is sharper than the SL500's, however, and Cadillac has enhanced it with a stiffer front anti-roll bar, the addition of a rear bar, and a sportier Magnetic Ride Control calibration. The brakes have been uprated, with bigger diameter 13.4-inch front and 13.0-inch rear cross-drilled rotors, a setup that is essentially the same as the Corvette Z51's. The StabiliTrak stability system now has four positions. The larger diameter wheels are accompanied by wider Pirelli run-flat 235/45 front and 255/40 rear tires.

A full complement of performance enhancements such as new 19-inch wheels and tires, a recalibrated suspension and stronger brakes gives the Cadillac a serious performance entry in the luxury convertible segment.

The Cadillac XLR boasts of the following: 440-horsepower Supercharged Northstar V-8 Engine, Rear-Mounted Hydra-Matic Six-Speed Automatic Transmission, Handcrafted Leather-wrapped Interior, and Adaptive Forward Lighting System -Series Design Cues.

Exterior and interior appointments include a signature wire-mesh grille, larger 19-inch wheels at all four corners, and ebony wood and aluminum accents throughout the interior; larger brakes, stabilizer bars, wheels and tires. It also includes a performance-calibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MR) system; Adaptive Forward Lighting system, a first-time application on a Cadillac, which automatically adjusts headlamp direction up to 15-degrees for improved night driving vision.

By Jenny McLane.

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New Cadillac BLS Wagon in Detail

General Motors' Cadillac division has recently presented a fresh new product at the European crowd in the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show. GM's luxury brand is adding up a new variant on its current BLS compact executive car model. Cadillac has unveiled the BLS Wagon, and announced that it will roll out in markets throughout Europe in the last quarter of 2007.

According to Jim Taylor, General Manager of Cadillac brand: “The Cadillac BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers preferring dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics. "

"This is the first Cadillac wagon in our 104-year history, and we think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their performance luxury vehicles." he added.

Just like any other Cadillac luxury vehicle, the new Cadillac BLS Wagon embodies the company's signature styling like the sharply designed contours, wedge shape, tapered lines, vertical tail lights, and Cadillac's V-shaped chrome-plated grille that marks the vehicle's distinction. The Cadillac designed team said that they are very excited because this is the first time for them to create Cadillac designs cues for a station wagon. A host of other exterior components are included in the new Cadillac BLS Wagon including jewel-like headlamps, bumper integrated fog lamps, body-colored bumper, a wide air intake, narrow chrome strip in the side windows, and rear spoiler. As expected for a GM branded vehicle, the Cadillac BLS Wagon is also equipped with quality GM parts like GM mufflers. The Cadillac BLS Wagon also comes with the latest LED lighting technology for the vehicle's high-mounted stop lamp.

On the inside, customers should expect nothing for the BLS Wagon but luxury, elegance, versatility, and comfort. Aside from the standard interior auto parts like three-spoke leather steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted remote controls, analog clock, and easy to read circular instrument panel, the station wagon is also equipped with a host of interior amenities and entertainment systems including Bose high-quality audio system, touch-screen DVD navigation system, and the latest hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone system, to name the few. The Cadillac BLS Wagon has also a spacious luggage compartment and increased payload capacity.

Now on the technical side, specifically the suspension, chassis, and powertrain system, Cadillac engineers have installed front MacPherson struts on the BLS Wagon along with four-link rear axle. Under the hood of the sleek station wagon comes a wide range of engine options – one diesel and three petrol engines to choose from. Leading the engine range is the 1.9-liter 150-hp engine featuring common-rail direct-injection system and particulate filter for an improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. For performance oriented drivers, two 2.0-liter petrol engines delivering 175 hp and 210 hp are available, plus the monstrous twin turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 petrol engine that pumps out 255 hp. These engines are coupled with a choice of six-or five-speed manual or automatic gearboxes powering the front wheels.

Watch out for the Cadillac BLS Wagon when it rolls out in European markets later this year.

By Noah Scott.