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Cadillac XLR
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The XLR is a retractable hardtop convertible marketed by the Cadillac division of General Motors, assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Based on the Y-body platform shared with the Chevrolet Corvette, the XLR uses the Cadillac Northstar engine rather than the GM LS2 engine found in the Corvette — along with its own styling, interior, and suspension, and power-retractable aluminum hardtop.
Cadillac introduced the XLR at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show and began production in the 2004 model year — forshadowed by the Evoq concept vehicle.
The XLR features as standard equipment heated and cooled leather seats, wood interior trim, remote keyless access, 18 inch alloy wheels, side airbags as well as a navigation, audio, and DVD system sharing a 7-inch dashboard screen.
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Encyclopedia
The XLR is a retractable hardtop convertible marketed by the Cadillac division of General Motors, assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Based on the Y-body platform shared with the Chevrolet Corvette, the XLR uses the Cadillac Northstar engine rather than the GM LS2 engine found in the Corvette — along with its own styling, interior, and suspension, and power-retractable aluminum hardtop.
Cadillac introduced the XLR at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show and began production in the 2004 model year — forshadowed by the Evoq concept vehicle.
The XLR features as standard equipment heated and cooled leather seats, wood interior trim, remote keyless access, 18 inch alloy wheels, side airbags as well as a navigation, audio, and DVD system sharing a 7-inch dashboard screen. The retractable hardtop itself is constructed of aluminum (i.e.,lightweight), requires 6'-10½" of vertical clearance during retraction, and is manufactured by a supplier joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
The engine is Cadillac's 4.6 L Northstar tuned for , mated as of the 2007 model year to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The XLR is the second roadster offered by Cadillac in recent years. The first was the Cadillac Allanté, produced from 1987 to 1993.
The XLR was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2004.
Engine:
- 2004 Northstar 4.6 L (280 in³) V8
XLR-V
The XLR-V uses the same supercharged Northstar V8 as the Cadillac STS-V, though output is down somewhat. For the XLR-V, the engine is certified by the SAE to produce and 414 ft·lbf (561 N·m). The supercharger and four intercoolers are built into the intake manifold. A six-speed automatic transmission, larger brakes from the Z51 Corvette, and wheels will also be used.
The XLR-V can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds according to Car and Drivers tests. The magazine also timed it at 11.3 seconds to and recorded a 13.0 second quarter mile at 110 mph (177 km/h). Its top speed is limited to (Unlimited:).
Cadillac first presented the supercharged XLR-V in a Super Bowl commercial airing February 6, 2005. Super Bowl MVP, Deion Branch was also awarded an XLR. The car was formally introduced at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.
The XLR-V went on sale in the United States in early 2006 with a base price of $98,000. Pricing for the 2008 model starts at $101,300; making it one of General Motors' most expensive vehicles.
2009
For model year 2009, the XLR added a new front fascia, new rear fascia and new side fender vents.
Inside, Alcantara - a suede-like microfiber material - was added for the headliner. The interior added new instrument cluster trim rings with revised graphics, and new wood dashboard trims.
A spokesman for Cadillac has confirmed that production of the XLR will end in the spring of 2009.
Yearly American sales
| Calendar Year | Total American sales |
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| 2003 | 875 | | 2004 | 3,665 | | 2005 | 3,730 | | 2006 | 3,203 | | 2007 | 1,750 | | 2008 | 1,250 |
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