You can't just add more power to a vehicle without altering its chassis to handle the extra performance, Taylor points out, so modifications to the XLR-V include larger brakes, a recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MR) system, larger front stabilizer bar and the addition of a rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear lower control arm bushings, larger wheels and tires, a power steering fluid cooler, and a higher-capacity fuel pump.
''The most noticeable change is in the braking system,'' says Taylor, ''to assure strong stopping power and smooth, confident brake operation, coinciding with the increased power and handling capabilities of the XLR-V.''
To achieve this, chassis engineers turned to J55 brakes, essentially the same application used in the Z51 Corvette with larger cross-drilled rotors and high-performance brake lining. So the front rotors are 340.4 mm in diameter, and the rear rotors 330.2 mm. Also, the thickness of the rotor cheeks on both the front and rear has been increased for added thermal capacity. The brake system incorporates dual-piston front calipers, and single-piston rear calipers.
The fabulous Magnetic Ride Control on the XLR-V has been recalibrated ''to account for the enhanced handling characteristics the roadster's surpercharged performance demands.'' The system seeks to keep the body on an even plane at all times, giving drivers a comfortable ride by dramatically reducing disturbances to the vehicle body.
The MR recalibration -- combined with a stiffer front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar, and stiffer rear control arm bushings -- ''subtly changes the driving characteristics of the XLR-V when compared to the standard XLR,'' Taylor says.
Another V-Series staple is a four channel/four-selection mode chassis control system (StabiliTrak), enabling the driver to switch between four stability settings, including a "less-governed" performance mode for the performance enthusiast.
The wheels and tires (Pirelli run-flats) have been increased in size for ''enhanced sure-footedness,'' to 235/45R-19 on the front and 255/40R -19 rear.
Taylor says the air induction system on the XLR-V was redesigned to address packaging needs created by the larger engine and addition of the supercharger.
These modifications increased the flow of air to the engine by 30 percent, funneling it from the front air intake over the radiator and to the supercharger via two ducts, which converge into one prior to reaching the supercharger so only one mass air flow sensor is required.
''The system was designed to be as free flowing as possible,'' Taylor says, ''bringing in the maximum amount of air to the supercharger. Each duct has been carefully tuned to minimize supercharger whine and resonance in order to achieve the most pleasing intake sound quality.''
The exhaust system features a unique muffler design, which effectively combines the construction of a more conventional muffler with a high-performance flow-through design.
''In order to keep sound levels at a pleasant, throaty pitch during everyday driving on streets and expressways,'' Taylor explains, ''the exhaust is routed through a series of internal chambers that muffle sound levels.''
''The most noticeable change is in the braking system,'' says Taylor, ''to assure strong stopping power and smooth, confident brake operation, coinciding with the increased power and handling capabilities of the XLR-V.''
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| (photo: General Motors) |
The fabulous Magnetic Ride Control on the XLR-V has been recalibrated ''to account for the enhanced handling characteristics the roadster's surpercharged performance demands.'' The system seeks to keep the body on an even plane at all times, giving drivers a comfortable ride by dramatically reducing disturbances to the vehicle body.
The MR recalibration -- combined with a stiffer front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar, and stiffer rear control arm bushings -- ''subtly changes the driving characteristics of the XLR-V when compared to the standard XLR,'' Taylor says.
 |
| (photo: General Motors) |
The wheels and tires (Pirelli run-flats) have been increased in size for ''enhanced sure-footedness,'' to 235/45R-19 on the front and 255/40R -19 rear.
Taylor says the air induction system on the XLR-V was redesigned to address packaging needs created by the larger engine and addition of the supercharger.
These modifications increased the flow of air to the engine by 30 percent, funneling it from the front air intake over the radiator and to the supercharger via two ducts, which converge into one prior to reaching the supercharger so only one mass air flow sensor is required.
''The system was designed to be as free flowing as possible,'' Taylor says, ''bringing in the maximum amount of air to the supercharger. Each duct has been carefully tuned to minimize supercharger whine and resonance in order to achieve the most pleasing intake sound quality.''
 |
| (photo: General Motors) |
''In order to keep sound levels at a pleasant, throaty pitch during everyday driving on streets and expressways,'' Taylor explains, ''the exhaust is routed through a series of internal chambers that muffle sound levels.''