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

Posted Thu Sep 11 2008 10:45 PM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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.

Reader Comments

Thu Sep 11 2008 11:33 PM
Gus says

Wow.
I think the stock V rocks, but this is wild.
Thu Sep 11 2008 11:50 PM
rickybobby says

i love the rims on the black car
now on to the suspension please
Thu Sep 11 2008 11:53 PM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says

Looks good to me too! Will they be doing a pink one for the sales force of a particular cosmetic company?
Thu Sep 11 2008 11:54 PM
NoNameDenton says

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.
Fri Sep 12 2008 12:32 AM
Bruce Nunnally says

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.
Fri Sep 12 2008 12:43 AM
Roman says

stuff like this wont help the sales of this car, this car will remain on the top 10 worst selling vehicles list.
Fri Sep 12 2008 9:11 AM
HECTOR says

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.
Fri Sep 12 2008 1:41 PM
Gus says

True, you hardly ever see them, wheras the SL550 is almost every other car here...
Fri Sep 12 2008 4:13 PM
NoNameDenton says

Hector, since this is a low production car, of course you do not see it often on the road.
Fri Sep 12 2008 9:53 PM
HECTOR says

So is the Ferrari Enzo and I have seen at least 2. That's 100% more.
Sat Sep 13 2008 2:32 AM
NoNameDenton says

That is a stupid comparsion, no wonder I mock you posts.
Sat Sep 13 2008 2:45 AM
Roman says

no name denton, you dont see them because they dont sell, look it up,
Thu Oct 16 2008 1:25 PM
buttaz says

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....;)

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