Cadillac XLR

Cadillac XLR
Overview
ManufacturerCadillac (General Motors)
Production2003–2009
Model years2004–2009
AssemblyBowling Green, Kentucky, U.S. (Bowling Green Assembly Plant)
DesignerTom Peters (prod. exterior: 1999, 2000)[1][2]
Kip Wasenko (Evoq Concept: 1998; chief designer of prod: 2000)[3][4]
Wayne Cherry (design director)[5]
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer
Body style2-door roadster
LayoutFR layout
PlatformY-body/GMX215
RelatedChevrolet Corvette (C5)
Chevrolet Corvette (C6)
Powertrain
Engine4.6 L Northstar V8
4.4 L Northstar Supercharged V8
Transmission
  • 5-speed 5L50 automatic
  • 6-speed 6L80 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase105.7 in (2,685 mm)
Length177.7 in (4,514 mm)
Width72.3 in (1,836 mm)
Height50.4 in (1,280 mm)
Curb weight3,840 lb (1,742 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorCadillac Allanté

The Cadillac XLR is a front-engine, rear-drive, two passenger roadster manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 2003 to 2009 across a single generation — and noted for its power retractable hardtop, Bulgari designed interior instruments, head-up display, adaptive suspension, rear-mounted transmission and near 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. As Cadillac's flagship model, the XLR was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show and began production for the 2004 model year — foreshadowed by the 1999 Evoq concept.

The Cadillac XLR, although sometimes perceived as a badge-engineered variant of the Chevrolet Corvette – also manufactured at GM's Bowling Green assembly, and with the XLR sharing its GM Y platform, hydroformed perimeter frame and composite bodywork construction technology with the Corvette — each car has unique engines, exterior body panels, and their own interiors, suspension settings; and importantly, the XLR featured a power retractable hardtop. And the XLR arrived a year ahead of its platform sharing C6 Corvette sibling.

The XLR was the first production Cadillac with radar-based adaptive cruise control (ACC)[6] and the first to offer both heated and cooled seats.

The XLR was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2004.

  1. ^ "2004 Cadillac XLR - Set To Become An Icon For Cadillac's New Era". www.autointell.com.
  2. ^ "2005-2013 Chevrolet C6 Corvette: Specifications, Prices, Performance Info". March 3, 2017.
  3. ^ "XLR - Cadillac's Boldest Gesture Yet". Archived from the original on July 25, 2019. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  4. ^ "How Cadillac Designed a Comeback". June 18, 2013.
  5. ^ "Gm Brands Born Again". December 13, 2005.
  6. ^ http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delphis-adaptive-cruise-control-technology-featured-on-cadillac-xlr-71376412.html Delphi's Adaptive Cruise Control Technology Featured On Cadillac XLR