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.