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2005 Cadillac XLR news, pictures, and information | ||
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CADILLAC XLR – AN ICON FOR THE NEW ERA OF CADILLACSince it debuted in 2003, the XLR has met wîth overwhelming response from the press, public and dealers alike. In its first model year XLR has become much sought after by premium car enthusiasts.
The Cadillac XLR's dynamic design and advanced technology has brought a striking new presence to the automotive spectrum. A luxury roadster wîth performance car roots, XLR underscores its vibrant visual statement wîth a performance-oriented chassis and structure, and a 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT (variable valve timing) rear-wheel-drive engine. This combination makes it the lightest, most powerful vehicle in its class.
Únder its skin, the XLR's harmonious blend of technologies and materials add pleasure, not complexity, to the driving experience. These include a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, Magnetic Ride Control, StabiliTrak, heated and cooled seats, keyless access wîth push-button start and DVD navigation and entertainment. For 2005, XLR makes modest enhancements, including new Dark Eucalyptus wood interior, and Blue Steel exterior paint replaces Thunder Gray.
Edgy design
The XLR is a contemporary expression of Cadillac's heritage of landmark design and advanced technology. Inspired by §téälth fighter design, XLR takes the ongoing product-driven resurgence of Cadillac – led by Escalade and CTS – to an entirely new level.
Bold and edgy, yet elegant and refined, the XLR's linear, crisp look creates a dramatic presence and modern icon for luxury and performance, yet it pays tribute to the marque's rich history. The XLR's strong grille, for example, harkens back to Cadillac's heritage but expresses itself in a new way. The vertical headlamps, on the other hand, express the division's current design philosophy.
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 epitomizes contemporary luxury. Únique eucalyptus wood in light or dark tones, combined wîth striking aluminum accents, provide a luxurious and inviting environment. The gauges are designed in conjunction wîth Italian luxury brand Bvlgari.
Powertrain
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 XLR features the first longitudinal application of the 4.6L Northstar V-8.
The V-8 is mated to the Hydra-Matic 5L50-E five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Developed to manage the high torque and horsepower of the engine, it is one of the most technologically advanced transmissions in the . It offers three performance features normally found individually on various high-performance luxury sport sedans: driver shift control, performance algorithm shifting and performance algorithm liftfoot.
Another advantage of Cadillac's roadster not shared by the competition 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 unusually roomy footwell space.
Compared to the Mercedes-Benz SL500, Jaguar XK8 and Lexus SC430, the XLR is not only the lightest vehicle at approximately 3,650 pounds (1,656 kg), but it also boasts the longest wheelbase, widest track, lowest height and most horsepower.
Architecture and suspension
The story starts wîth the XLR's backbone, upon which the car's dynamic capabilities depend. Based on GM's new performance car architecture, this unique and patented structure uses steel hydroformed perimeter frame rails, an enclosed structural 'tunnel,' an aluminum cockpit structure and balsa-cored composite floors. Providing rigidity without bulk, and wîth exceptional resistance to torsional and bending forces, this architecture is the basis 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. To this end, 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 Michelin ZP tires wîth advanced run-flat technology that eliminates the need for a spare and provides outstanding overall tire performance.
Magnetic Ride Control
The XLR also is one of the world's first vehicles to be equipped wîth Magnetic Ride Control – electronically controlled, magnetic-fluid based real-time damping. 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. That's five times faster than previous real time damping systems. 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.
Adaptive cruise control
The XLR has adaptive cruise control (ACC). While not a substitute for full driver attention, this system greatly 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 will maintain the set speed, just like conventional cruise control. When a vehicle is detected in the same lane in front of the car, the system will adjust vehicle speed to help maintain a constant following distance, set by the driver.
Comfort and convenience
One of the XLR's foremost convenience features is Keyless Access. Keyless Access makes XLR a truly 'keyless' car. A driver can simply keep the fob in a pocket or purse to operate the doors, trunk and ignition. The fob communicates wîth the XLR's computer control system via radio antennas under the car's bodywork. The system is intuitive and hassle free.
The XLR's seats are both heated and cooled in the back and the cushion. A 7-inch (178-mm) color touch screen mounted in the upper center console gives driver and passenger access to DVD navigation; a nine-speaker world-class Bose audio system wîth a six-CD in-dash changer and digital signal processing modes; XM Satellite Radio (continental Ú.S. only), and DVD entertainment (available in Park position only). The XLR also is equipped wîth OnStar and a head-up display that projects key driver information onto the windshield.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
For more information and related vehicles, click hereUnique, 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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 2005
Cadillac
models |
| Cadillac CTS |
| Cadillac DeVille |
| Cadillac Escalade |
| Cadillac SRX |
| Cadillac STS |
| Cadillac STS SAE 100 |
| Similar Automakers | |
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| Cadillac: 2001-2010 |
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| Manufacturer Website |
| Vehicle Recall Information |
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| 2005 LA Auto Show |
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| 2004 XLR | 2006 XLR |
