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26/08/2005: "Cadillac's V-Series Tackle Europe"

Cadillac is ready to challenge the likes of BMW’s M and Mercedes’ AMG divisions at their own turf, as the American automaker intends to introduce European versions of the STS-V and XLR-V high-performance cars at next month’s Frankfurt auto show in Germany.

The introduction of the STS sedan and XLR hardtop roadster will give the GM division a full performance lineup in Europe, as the Corvette-powered CTS-V sedan has been on sale there since earlier this year. The STS and XLR will be available to European customers in early 2006 - the same time both cars will go on sale in America.

Both launches are powered by supercharged versions of Caddy’s Northstar V8 that owe nothing to their M or AMG-massaged rivals. The two engines displace 4.4 liters, but better breathing allows the STS’s mill to slightly outgun the XLR’s, 469 vs. 442 horsepower. Both are Cadillac’s most powerful engines ever, and good enough for 0-60 times under five seconds.

U.S. pricing could reach as much as six-figures for a well-optioned XLR-V, which would also be a first for Cadillac.

(this article was taken from speedtv.com)