2009 Cadillac XLR-V
We were the first to show you shots of the new 2009 Cadillac XLR, now we've taken a jump to ludicrous speed with the first photographic evidence of the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V. The new hotness from Cadillac is getting the same wire-mesh grille we expect from the V-Series, and what looks to be a gigantic Cadillac badge smack-dab in the center of it. And oh yes, did we mention the "supercharged" logo on the side of the new stylin' Caddy? The only question is whether that super-ed-up engine will be the 4.4-liter Northstar V8 (443 HP) or the 6.2-liter LSA V8 (550 HP). Which do you think it should get? Hit the jump for the full spy report from Brenda Priddy's spy photographer and frequent Jalopnik contributor Chris Doane.
2009 Cadillac XLR V-Series
These close-up pictures are of the 2009 Cadillac XLR V-Series. The refreshed XLR V-Series gets moderate changes to the front and rear. We can spot a wire-mesh grill with the big Cadillac badge through the camouflage. We also noticed the big fender vent covered up by the black tape – which is all new , although we're guessing it's a lot like the fender vent on the Provoq concept.
My photographer says "...it may very well continue with the 4.4L, supercharged, Northstar V8 good for 443hp. However there may be somewhat of a chance it will get the LSA motor. This is the motor found in the 2009 CTSv. The LSA is the 6.2L, supercharged, small block V8. It is good for 550hp and 550ftlbs in the upcoming CTSv. Whatever it had, it was crazy fast and had a really raucous exhaust note..."
And, in regards to "catching" this prototype, my photographer observed the following: "This guy was serious about getting away. At one point he got ahead of me and hid behind a 7-11. He thought I didn't see him go back there, but I did. While he was back there, he called up someone and 5 minutes later, there was a bright yellow Mazda RX-8 running interference for him and shadowing my every move while talking to the guy in the XLRv on the cell phone and telling him where I was at..."
They're not making our job easy!!
Photo Credit: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Company