STS-V Pricing Announced!

Cadillac Slaps $77,000 Tag on STS-V

DETROIT — Cadillac's new XLR-V, the performance variant of the hardtop roadster, will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $100,000 when it arrives in showrooms later this year. The companion STS-V sedan will be priced at about $77,000.

The XLR-V is fitted with a supercharged, 4.4-liter version of General Motors' Northstar V8. The engine makes 440 horsepower and drives the rear wheels through a new six-speed automatic with manual-shift capability. Cadillac claims 0-to-60-mph acceleration in fewer than 5 seconds.

Also due this fall is the STS-V, which shares the supercharged, 4.4-liter unit and six-speed gearbox. Like the XLR-V, the high-performance sedan gets larger wheels and tires, along with the appropriate suspension modifications.

In a related move, GM announced that 49-year-old Bob Kruse will replace Mark Reuss, 42, as head of the company's performance division, which is responsible for development of the V-Series Cadillacs, among other goodies. Kruse retains his title as executive director of North America vehicle integration, while Reuss shifts to executive director of vehicle systems.

What this means to you: For about $25,000 less than the price of a Mercedes SL55 AMG, you can drive a 440-hp Cadillac roadster.