GM’S 2006 Cadillac XLR: Cadillac Performance Parts, Aftermarket PartsWritten by Jenny McLane
The 2006 Cadillac XLR-V is newest addition to high-performance V-Series vehicles for ultra-luxury class of high-performance roadsters.The 2006 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar V-8 engine, good for 440 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque--120 horsepower. The 32-valve V-8 is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. The car has recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control, 13.4-inch dual-piston front brakes and 13.0-inch single-piston brakes in rear, a larger front stabilizer bar, and addition of a rear stabilizer bar. Styling cues include a wire-mesh grille, 19-inch wheels, and wood and aluminum accents in interior. This Cadillac is first to be equipped with Adaptive Forward Lighting, which uses sensors that read steering wheel angle input and vehicle speed to determine how quickly and how much to turn headlights. The Cadillac XLR has polished wire mesh upper and lower grilles; unique nineteen-inch, ten-spoke aluminum wheels; a hood bulge; and four stainless-steel exhaust tips. The XLR chassis is sharper than SL500's, however, and Cadillac has enhanced it with a stiffer front anti-roll bar, addition of a rear bar, and a sportier Magnetic Ride Control calibration. The brakes have been uprated, with bigger diameter 13.4-inch front and 13.0-inch rear cross-drilled rotors, a setup that is essentially same as Corvette Z51's. The StabiliTrak stability system now has four positions. The larger diameter wheels are accompanied by wider Pirelli run-flat 235/45 front and 255/40 rear tires. A full complement of performance enhancements such as new 19-inch wheels and tires, a recalibrated suspension and stronger brakes gives Cadillac a serious performance entry in luxury convertible segment.
| | Honda Pilot 2005 with Innovative Honda Performance Parts, Aftermarket Parts from Parts TrainWritten by Jenny McLane
The 2005 Honda Pilot features an advanced 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve, 60-degree, and V-6 engine, aluminum-block-and-head design that is compact, light and powerful. It has 255 horsepower (+15 horsepower), 250 lb.-ft of torque (+8 lb.-ft.), very low emissions, high fuel efficiency and instantaneous throttle response. The 2005 Honda Pilot replaced Passport and it shares same basic chassis and powertrain as MDX. The three Pilot models all offer a V6, 255-horsepower engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.The new Honda engine features a broad and flat torque curve, very low emissions and high fuel economy. The new drive-by-wire throttle replaces a conventional throttle cable with an all-electronic system that relays throttle pedal position to engine computer. The new system reduces overall weight by incorporating cruise control system and reduces shift shock by communicating with transmission during up- and down-shifts. The more powerful engine is coupled with an innovative drive-by-wire throttle system, which reduces overall weight by incorporating cruise control function, and helps to reduce shift shock by communicating with transmission during up and down shifts. The Pilot DBW system replaces a conventional throttle cable arrangement with an all-electronic system that senses accelerator pedal position and relays that information to a computer. List of standard features include tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding second and third seats, power mirrors, windows and doors locks, remote keyless entry and AM/FM/CD player, among other items. The EX and EX-L models include a six-disc changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic-off headlights and allow wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof and heated power mirrors are standard on EX-L model only.
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