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Bombs Away! The D3 Cadillac Night Hawk CTS-V Exposed

D3 Cadillac Night Hawk CTS-V

Stealth bomber.

Back in the 1970s, the United States military was developing a new aircraft that utilized advanced stealth technology to mask it from radar. The project was top secret and it wasn’t until 1988 that it was revealed as the F-117 Nighthawk by United States. During the Persian Gulf War in 1991, the aircraft was used very effectively to destroy targets behind enemy lines.

The new D3 Cadillac Night Hawk was also developed under a cloak of secrecy and is a powerful machine capable of striking behind enemy lines and taking the checkered flag. The car began as the Bolt on Racer by D3 Cadillac, and after some closed-door development, transformed into the matte black D3 Night Hawk.

The entire chassis of the D3 Night Hawk was tuned precise and accurate tactical strikes on the racetrack. A new K3 Variant 3 coilover system was installed and allows the D3 Cadillac team to adjust the suspension for a given race track. D3 Cadillac also installed a sway bar kit, end links, chassis bracing, and adjustable end links along with upgraded brake rotors, pads, and lines. The stock wheel and tire setup was replaced with D3’s Max Track setup with Toyo Proxes R888 tires in a 295/30/19 front and rear fitment for uncompromising grip.

The next step for the D3 Night Hawk was upgrading the supercharged 6.2-liter armament. The V-8 was readied for track use with the D3 Stage 4 Tune Power Kit. First, the California-based tuner upgraded the cooling system by installing an all-aluminum competition radiator and Ultracooler intercooler system with high-capacity pump that is capable of cycling 20 gallons per minute. A new D3/Setrab transmission cooler and D3 Differential Cooler were also installed to ensure the powertrain can effectively operate under racing conditions.

After the powertrain was upgraded with efficient cooling systems, the 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 was upgraded for more power. The D3 Night Hawk was given a larger crankshaft pulley to drive the supercharger, larger throttle body, supercharger lid spacer, and ported supercharger housing and inlet. The entire exhaust system was overhauled with headers, cross-pipe, mufflers, and supplemental mufflers for reduced backpressure and more power. The 6.2-liter was also outfitted with new spark plugs and wires and then given an ECU tune to ensure all modifications are working in unison. The end result is a 700 horsepower and 700 lb-ft. of torque output, making the D3 Night Hawk one of the most powerful racers on the track.

Just like the Lockheed F-117 it was based on, the D3 Night Hawk sports sharp aerodynamics and a stealthy black paint scheme designed to deflect enemy radar signals. The combination of a front lip splitter, rear diffuser, and rear D3/APR wing spoiler help to generate downforce. The entire D3 Cadillac Night Hawk was then finished in a matte black finish on the side panels and doors, while the front hood, roof, and parts of the rear were given a glossy black finish.

The D3 Cadillac Night Hawk will compete in the 2012 Cadillac Challenge on the West Coast, while its sibling, the D3 Patriot Missile, will compete in the same series on the East Coast.

D3 Cadillac Night Hawk Specifications

Engine:
Displacement: 6.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Supercharged
Maximum Horsepower: 700
Maximum Torque: 700 lb-ft.
-D3 Stage 4 Tuner Power Kit
-Larger crankshaft pulley
-New exhaust with cross-pipe, headers, mufflers, and supplemental mufflers
-New spark plugs and wires
-New throttle body
-New supercharger lid spacer
-Ported supercharger inlet and housing
-ECU tune
-Larger, more efficient intercooler
-Transmission cooler
-Differential cooler
-Upgraded radiator

Wheels, Suspension, Brakes:
Wheels: D3 Max Track Wheels and Tires
Tires: Toyo Proxes R888 in 295/30/19 front and rear setup
Brakes: Upgraded rotors, pads, and brake lines
Suspension: KW Variant 3 coilovers, D3 end links, sway bars, and chassis bracing

Exterior:
-Side panels and doors in matte black finish
-Center sections (hood, roof, trunk) in gloss black
-Front splitter
-Rear diffuser
-D3/APR rear wing spoiler

D3 Cadillac Night Hawk Gallery

[Source: D3 Cadillac]

What do you think of the D3 Cadillac Night Hawk and its black paint scheme? Leave a comment and let us know!

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