 2007 XLR | 2009 XLR  |
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MSRP: $80,650-99,160
Invoice: $75,400-87,750
2008 Cadillac XLR news, pictures, and information | ||
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XLR ADDS EXCLUSIVITY AND LUXURY FOR 2008
The XLR roadster, Cadillac's bold entry into the elite club of luxury convertibles, adds a dash of exclusivity to its unique combination of performance, advanced technology and dramatic design. The XLR is an icon for Cadillac's ongoing renaissance, expressing the brand's resurgence in the categories of serious performance, image, luxury and technical sophistication. The XLR represents the top of the Cadillac range wîth two basic models: the XLR wîth a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT; and the XLR-V high-performance variant – the quickest and most agile Cadillac ever offered – wîth a 443-horsepower (330 kW) 4.4L Northstar V-8 supercharged engine.
For 2008, Cadillac adds more exclusivity by introducing a limited-edition model produced during a short build period (December 2007 through February 2008). The 2008 Alpine White Limited Edition XLR features a chrome grille and 18-inch chrome wheels. The Alpine White XLR follows 2007's Passion Red XLR, which quickly sold out.
Cadillac also will continue its highly exclusive XLR Platinum series, injecting even more luxury into the brand's portfolio wîth luxury touches that include a hand-crafted leather interior. Six exterior/interior color combinations are available for 2008: Black Raven (Ebony/Cashmere); Goldstream Metallic (Burl/Cashmere); Liquid Amethyst (Burl/Cashmere); Light Platinum (Ebony/Cashmere); Elektra Blue (Ebony/Cashmere); Crystal Red (Ebony/Cashmere).
Also for 2008, the Cadillac XLR adds a heated §teering wheel and an improved version of Cadillac's acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control system. XLR's shock damping system is revised for 2008, extending the car's already impressive blend of agility and ride quality. Other advanced technologies include Adaptive Forward Lighting that enables the headlamps to swivel in concert wîth vehicle §teering; a head-up display; StabiliTrak; heated and cooled seats; Keyless Access wîth push-button start; and DVD navigation and entertainment.
Edgy design
The XLR is a contemporary expression of Cadillac's heritage of landmark design and advanced technology. Inspired by Stealth fighter aircraft design, XLR creates a dramatic presence of modern luxury and performance. The XLR offers the ultimate convenience of a retractable hard top. By pushing and holding a single button, the XLR can convert from coupe to open roadster in less than 30 seconds. The top is made of aluminum and magnesium wîth composite exterior panels, a heated glass backlight and glass rear-quarter windows.
The interior design expresses contemporary luxury. Únique eucalyptus wood in light or dark tones, combined wîth striking aluminum accents, provide a luxurious and inviting environment. The gauges were designed in conjunction wîth Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. Posted on conceptcarz.com.
Pure power
The XLR's Northstar 4.6L V-8 VVT is a 90-degree, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder engine featuring an aluminum block and cylinder heads, and a valvetrain configuration wîth roller finger followers. It generates 320 horsepower (239 kW) and 310 lb.-ft. (420 Nm) of torque.
The engine also features continuously variable valve timing (VVT); electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated intake and exhaust cam phasers on all four camshafts for extra control; electronic throttle control (ETC); low restriction intake and exhaust manifolds and cylinder head ports; close coupled catalytic converters mounted directly adjacent to the exhaust manifolds; and an air induction system designed for enhanced capacity and noise attenuation.
The V-8 offers smooth, refined performance throughout its entire operating range. It is quiet, yet tuned to give the driver feedback from the environment. It operates cleanly and efficiently, wîth excellent reliability and durability. The 4.6L V-8 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
An advantage of Cadillac's roadster not shared by competitors is its rear-mounted transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) This helps give the XLR a virtual 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution for superior balance, as well as providing occupants wîth unusually roomy footwell space.
Structure and suspension
The XLR uses GM's unique, patented performance car structure, featuring steel hydroformed perimeter frame rails, an enclosed structural 'tunnel,' an aluminum cockpit configuration and balsa-cored composite floors. Providing rigidity without bulk, and wîth exceptional resistance to torsional and bending forces, this structure is the foundation for the XLR's outstanding ride and handling characteristics.
The suspension system makes the XLR a true luxury roadster wîth the handling qualities of a performance car. The design uses double wishbones at each corner, combined wîth transverse-mounted, composite leaf springs front and rear. The system is designed to maintain firm control over wheel motion, while delivering a composed and compliant ride quality. The XLR achieves a maximum lateral G-force of more than 0.9. It runs on Goodyear EMT tires wîth advanced run-flat technology that eliminate the need for a spare and provide outstanding overall tire performance.
For 2008, the XLR offers optional chrome wheels.
Magnetic Ride Control
The XLR was one of the world's first vehicles to be equipped wîth Magnetic Ride Control – electronically controlled, magnetic-fluid based real-time damping. Standard on XLR and XLR-V, The system uses four wheel-to-body displacement sensors to measure wheel motion over the road surface and responds by adjusting the shock damping at speeds approaching one millisecond. The secret is the magneto-rheological fluid contained in its dampers, replacing traditional mechanical valves. Suspended in this fluid are tiny iron particles that respond to an electromagnetic charge.
A different piston profile new for 2008 improves damping capability and decreases shock temperatures, resulting in a new calibration for the vehicle and improved ride and handling.
Comfort and luxurious convenience
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 4.6 L., 8-cylinder Power: 320 hp Torque: 310 ft-lbs Engine : 4.4 L., 8-cylinder Power: 443 hp Torque: 414 ft-lbs | |
6-speed Automatic | |
XLR is one of the first vehicles to pioneer the use of Adaptive Forward Lighting. This technology enables the headlamps to adjust the lighting pattern in synch wîth vehicle §teering, a significant boost to a driver's nighttime visibility.
XLR's seatbacks and cushions are heated and cooled. For 2008, a heated §teering wheel is added. A seven-inch (178-mm) color touch screen mounted in the upper center console gives driver and passenger access to DVD navigation; a nine-speaker Bose audio system wîth a six-CD in-dash changer and digital signal processing modes; XM Satellite Radio (Ú.S. and Canada), and DVD entertainment (available in Park position only). The XLR also is equipped wîth a head-up display that projects key driver information onto the windshield.
The XLR has adaptive cruise control (ACC). While not a substitute for full driver attention, this system expands the convenience of cruise control. ACC uses a radar sensor mounted at the front of the car to detect objects in its path. If the lane ahead is clear, the system maintains the set speed, just like conventional cruise control. When it detects a vehicle in the same lane in front of the car, the system adjusts speed to help maintain a constant following distance, set by the driver.
XLR models feature Generation 7 OnStar technology, including OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Turn-by-Turn is the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. It enables consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
XLR-V – supercharged power and luxury
The 2008 supercharged Cadillac XLR-V is the quickest, most agile and most exclusive Cadillac ever offered, combining advanced technology wîth hand craftsmanship that harkens back to Cadillac's origins as a custom luxury coach builder.
Its 443-horsepower* supercharged Northstar V-8 is hand-assembled to exacting standards at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich. Each engine is built from start to finish by a single expert craftsman. The engine is paired wîth a six-speed automatic transmission wîth Driver Shift Control. This powerful combination enables 0-to-60 (mph) acceleration in less than five seconds. The XLR-V includes numerous chassis enhancements for outstanding performance, developed and tuned in some of the world's most demanding environments.
For 2008, Elektra Blue is added to the XLR-V's exterior color palette.
The interior features extensive use of leather-wrapped surfaces, created by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew leather components individually. Kinetic aluminum accents adorn the §teering wheel and instrument panel, and exotic Zingana wood trim appears throughout the cabin.
*SAE certified. Source - Cadillac
The XLR was a luxury roadster introduced by Cadillac at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show and production began in 2004. Originally known as the Evoq, the XLR had been shown previously. Including the Allante, the XLR is the second roadster offered by Cadillac in recent history. The XLR's biggest competition lay in the Lexus SC, the BMW 6-Series the Mercedes Benz SL-Class, the Jaguar XK and the Porsche 911. Despite all of this stiff competition, the XLR was nominated for the 2004 North American Car of the Year. A retractable hardtop, the XLR was marketed by the Cadillac division of GM, and was assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Unique, the XLR is most famous for its interior and exterior styling, along with its interesting suspension, and equipment of an attractive power retractable aluminum hardtop. The Cadillac XLR was built on the Y-body platform shared with the Corvette. The Cadillac Northstar engine, with a 4.6-liter dual overhead cam V8 powers the XLR and produces an impressive 320 horsepower. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The XLR can achieve 17 miles to the gallon in the city and a respectable 25 miles to the gallon on the highway.
The XLR was built for performance and luxury, and it came with a 4.6 liter 320 horsepower engine. The interior featured a white on black instrument panel that gave both a sporty and still luxurious look. Interior luxury appointments included interior wood trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, side airbags, keyless entry, heated and cooled seats, an audio and DVD system and a navigation system. Other fabulous options included XM Satellite radio, a dashboard screen that displays movies, and also allows for Internet access and a remote keyless entry. The XLR came with a 11.6 cubic foot trunk, and a very modern, edgy looking exterior.
At a base price of $76,650, the XLR unfortunately did not sell as well as Cadillac had hoped. This could mostly be due to its competition, but because of this, only 3,700 XLR units were sold in the U.S. in a year and a half. Whereas the Corvette and other similar vehicles were aimed at those seeking both speed and a sporty look, the XLR was meant for a much more refined and limited clientele.
Even though sales were not as anticipated, Cadillac went ahead and created the XLR-V in early 2005. A powerful roadster, the XLR-V was a supercharged variant of the XLR and was formally announced at the 2005 N.Y. International Auto Show. First offered in early 2006 in North America, the XLR-V became the fastest mass produced vehicle that Cadillac has every offered. The XLR-V came with a supercharged NorthStar V8, which produced 443 horsepower, 414 foot pound of torque and is SAE certified. It also features a supercharger, along with four intercoolers that are built directly into the intake manifold. The XLR-V also came with a six speed automatic transmission, along with larger brakes and even larger wheels that measured at 19 inches.
The XLR-V is capable of achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and 0-100 mph in just 11.3 seconds. With a top speed of 155mph, the XLR-V is only for the most refined of drivers.By Jessica Donaldson
Unique, the XLR is most famous for its interior and exterior styling, along with its interesting suspension, and equipment of an attractive power retractable aluminum hardtop. The Cadillac XLR was built on the Y-body platform shared with the Corvette. The Cadillac Northstar engine, with a 4.6-liter dual overhead cam V8 powers the XLR and produces an impressive 320 horsepower. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The XLR can achieve 17 miles to the gallon in the city and a respectable 25 miles to the gallon on the highway.
The XLR was built for performance and luxury, and it came with a 4.6 liter 320 horsepower engine. The interior featured a white on black instrument panel that gave both a sporty and still luxurious look. Interior luxury appointments included interior wood trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, side airbags, keyless entry, heated and cooled seats, an audio and DVD system and a navigation system. Other fabulous options included XM Satellite radio, a dashboard screen that displays movies, and also allows for Internet access and a remote keyless entry. The XLR came with a 11.6 cubic foot trunk, and a very modern, edgy looking exterior.
At a base price of $76,650, the XLR unfortunately did not sell as well as Cadillac had hoped. This could mostly be due to its competition, but because of this, only 3,700 XLR units were sold in the U.S. in a year and a half. Whereas the Corvette and other similar vehicles were aimed at those seeking both speed and a sporty look, the XLR was meant for a much more refined and limited clientele.
Even though sales were not as anticipated, Cadillac went ahead and created the XLR-V in early 2005. A powerful roadster, the XLR-V was a supercharged variant of the XLR and was formally announced at the 2005 N.Y. International Auto Show. First offered in early 2006 in North America, the XLR-V became the fastest mass produced vehicle that Cadillac has every offered. The XLR-V came with a supercharged NorthStar V8, which produced 443 horsepower, 414 foot pound of torque and is SAE certified. It also features a supercharger, along with four intercoolers that are built directly into the intake manifold. The XLR-V also came with a six speed automatic transmission, along with larger brakes and even larger wheels that measured at 19 inches.
The XLR-V is capable of achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and 0-100 mph in just 11.3 seconds. With a top speed of 155mph, the XLR-V is only for the most refined of drivers.By Jessica Donaldson
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 2008
Cadillac
models |
| Cadillac CTS |
| Cadillac DTS |
| Cadillac Escalade |
| Cadillac SRX |
| Cadillac STS |
| Cadillac VSR Sports Rod Concept | 2008 Cadillac Concepts |
| Cadillac Provoq Concept |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Chevrolet | Chrysler |
| Dodge | Ford |
| GMC | Hummer |
| Jeep | Lincoln |
| Mercury | Pontiac |
| Saturn | |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 2008 |
| Acura RL |
| Acura TL |
| Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro |
| Audi A5 |
| Audi PS TT |
| Audi RS 4 |
| Audi S4 |
| Audi S5 |
| Audi TT |
| Audi TT Clubsport Quattro Study |
| Cadillac: 2001-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Cadillac History |
| Other models by Cadillac |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Vehicle Recall Information |
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| 2007 XLR | 2009 XLR |
