New Cadillac XLR-V to Compete Head-On with Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

Outside, the SS receives monochromatic paint for its sportier front and rear fascias, and it rides on chrome-plated

SS accents brighten up what is otherwise a somewhat dated TrailBlazer cockpit. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

20-inch wheels, wrapped in wide 255/50WR20 performance rubber.

Inside, SS accents such as a T-bar shifter handle, aluminum interior details, special door sill plates and French stitching on the upholstery, brighten up what is otherwise a somewhat dated cockpit.

With the addition of these three models, Chevrolet will bring the total of SS-badged vehicles from five up to eight. While some offer the guts to back up the nameplate (Trailblazer SS), Chevrolet still hasn't quite proven to the public that all of its nominations

Finally, an XLR with some lead in its pencil! (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

are worthy of the legendary double-S insignia (Malibu SS). Expect to see these two cars hit showrooms late this summer. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect it to be competitive.

Cadillac's Long Awaited XLR-V Debuts in New York

While the Trailblazer SS will draw the crowds with its powerhouse V8 and the Malibu SS with its updated styling and increase in performance, the vehicle that's best dressed for success is the new Cadillac XLR-V. Finally, an XLR with some lead in its pencil! As its 'V' designation suggests, this is the long-awaited high-performance version of Cadillac's Corvette-based, retractable hardtop roadster, and the third member of the brand's new "V" family.