Essen 2009: Focus RS360 From Wolf Racing
D3 boosts Cadillac XLR-V output to more than 600hp

D3 boosts Cadillac XLR-V output to more than 600hp

Viknesh Vijayenthiran September 11th, 2008 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author September 11th, 2008
  • Articles Contributed: 3139
  • Comments Posted: 0
  • Leaderboard Rank: N/A

December 31st, 1969 There was a time when aftermarket tuners would rarely even consider modifying something like a Cadillac. The brand was largely associated with retirees and boring business execs, hardly the type of buyers looking for aggressive bodykits and insane power mods. Then came the sharply styled CTS sedan and all of a sudden Cadillac was cool again. Now there are a number of tuners like California’s D3 Research and Design that offer a range of performance and styling mods for Cadillac’s new generation of ‘Art and Science’ designed vehicles. We’ve previously reported on D3’s kit for the new CTS sedan, and now the tuner has revealed an upgraded package for the XLR and performance XLR-V. Working with the top-of-the-range 443hp (330kW) XLR-V, D3 engineers add a new air-intake system, reflash the ECU, add performance spark plugs and a high-flow exhaust system, with the end result being a boost in power to more than 525hp (392kW). For those seeking more power, D3 also offers second and third stage kits, with the resulting outputs standing at 575hp (429kW) and 600hp (450kW) respectively. These upgrades require some serious performance modifications including complete engine rebuilds and ‘highly’ recommended brake upgrades. To set the cars apart from their stock siblings, D3 offers several styling enhancements including a new chrome grille, custom 18 and 19in alloys, and Corsa muffler tips. Owners of the standard XLR need not worry as many of the upgrades are applicable for this car as well.
D3 boosts Cadillac XLR-V output to more than 600hp

D3 boosts Cadillac XLR-V output to more than 600hp

Enlarge Photo

There was a time when aftermarket tuners would rarely even consider modifying something like a Cadillac. The brand was largely associated with retirees and boring business execs, hardly the type of buyers looking for aggressive bodykits and insane power mods. Then came the sharply styled CTS sedan and all of a sudden Cadillac was cool again. Now there are a number of tuners like California’s D3 Research and Design that offer a range of performance and styling mods for Cadillac’s new generation of ‘Art and Science’ designed vehicles.

We’ve previously reported on D3’s kit for the new CTS sedan, and now the tuner has revealed an upgraded package for the XLR and performance XLR-V.

Working with the top-of-the-range 443hp (330kW) XLR-V, D3 engineers add a new air-intake system, reflash the ECU, add performance spark plugs and a high-flow exhaust system, with the end result being a boost in power to more than 525hp (392kW).

For those seeking more power, D3 also offers second and third stage kits, with the resulting outputs standing at 575hp (429kW) and 600hp (450kW) respectively. These upgrades require some serious performance modifications including complete engine rebuilds and ‘highly’ recommended brake upgrades.

To set the cars apart from their stock siblings, D3 offers several styling enhancements including a new chrome grille, custom 18 and 19in alloys, and Corsa muffler tips. Owners of the standard XLR need not worry as many of the upgrades are applicable for this car as well.

Tags: Modified, Roadsters

Posted in: 2009, Cadillac, News, XLR, XLR-V


Comments (13 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. By Gus #1, Posted: 9/11/2008

    Wow.
    I think the stock V rocks, but this is wild.

  2. By rickybobby #2, Posted: 9/11/2008

    i love the rims on the black car
    now on to the suspension please

  3. By www.mywheelsonwalls.com #3, Posted: 9/11/2008

    Looks good to me too! Will they be doing a pink one for the sales force of a particular cosmetic company?

  4. By NoNameDenton #4, Posted: 9/11/2008

    For some reason, looks better then the original, love the hp numbers, but tune the suspension to something resembling the Corvette it is based on.

  5. By Bruce Nunnally #5, Posted: 9/11/2008

    Hopefully they will sell a lot of upgrade kits. I think it is important to encourage ANY Cadillac performance add-ons. With really excellent add-ons Cadillac is probably willing to offer it for distribution through their dealer network as they have done with the Corsa cat-back exhaust or the FG2 shocks/struts for the CTS-V.

  6. By Roman #6, Posted: 9/11/2008

    stuff like this wont help the sales of this car, this car will remain on the top 10 worst selling vehicles list.

  7. By HECTOR #7, Posted: 9/12/2008

    I have only ever seen ONE of these cars on the road so I don't think they sell very well. It was supposed to be for more mature drivers who didn't want the flashiness of a Corvette but that doesn't seem to be working very well for Caddy.

  8. By Gus #8, Posted: 9/12/2008

    True, you hardly ever see them, wheras the SL550 is almost every other car here...

  9. By NoNameDenton #9, Posted: 9/12/2008

    Hector, since this is a low production car, of course you do not see it often on the road.

  10. By HECTOR #10, Posted: 9/12/2008

    So is the Ferrari Enzo and I have seen at least 2. That's 100% more.

  11. By NoNameDenton #11, Posted: 9/12/2008

    That is a stupid comparsion, no wonder I mock you posts.

  12. By Roman #12, Posted: 9/12/2008

    no name denton, you dont see them because they dont sell, look it up,

  13. ma_buttaz avatar by buttaz #13, Posted: 10/16/2008

    Sadly, i listen to the comments and realize that america's b*lls were traded for bodykits and low gas prices....lol The XLR-V is one of the most distinguished machines, in my opinion, on the road today....Fortunately, we all don't have to go along with whats "popular for the moment"...as in the case with most people who choose to buy foreign....God forbid, we'll all be wearing tight underwear and sipping tea with crappy accents...lol The XLR-V's interior is it's weak point...However, it's styling is superior to all the other foreign garbage you guys are trying to past off as the ultimate experience in being a follower....Only REAL American muscle heads know what sell outs don't....No replacement for displacement buddy....;)

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media