Vehicle Overview The XLR, Cadillac’s retractable-hardtop coupe, is a luxury roadster with a performance-oriented chassis and structure. The XLR competes with the Jaguar XK and the BMW 6 Series.
New for 2009 Only the Platinum and XLR-V models are offered this year; new front and rear end with specific grilles for each model; new fender vents.
Exterior Built on a 105.7-inch wheelbase, the XLR is 177.7 inches long overall, which is 13 inches shorter than the BMW 650 and 11 inches shorter than the Jaguar XK. The roadster has a rear-mounted transmission that makes the weight distribution close to 50/50.
Retracting the hardtop takes less than 30 seconds. Made of aluminum and magnesium, the top structure features composite exterior panels, a heated glass back window and glass rear-quarter windows.
Standard Magnetic Ride Control
18-inch wheels standard on XLR Platinum
19-inch wheels standard on XLR-V
Platinum trim features special chrome wheel design
New front and rear ends and fender vents
Run-flat tires
Platinum version has new exhaust tips that differ from the XLR-V’s
Interior Two occupants fit inside the XLR’s luxurious interior, which can feature light or dark eucalyptus wood and aluminum accents. The XLR has 42.6 inches of legroom, virtually the same as the XK (43) and 650 (42).
New leather instrument panel
Heated and cooled seatbacks and cushions
Heated steering wheel
Head-up information display
Nine-speaker Bose audio system with in-dash six-CD changer
Standard XM Satellite Radio and OnStar
New iPod interface available
Under the Hood A 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 with variable valve timing produces 320 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 310 pounds-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Premium fuel is recommended
Six-speed automatic transmission
Safety Safety features include:
Standard side-impact airbags
Standard four-channel all-disc antilock brakes
Standard traction control
Standard electronic stability system
XLR-V The performance-packed V edition of the XLR is fitted with a supercharged 4.4-liter V-8 that develops 443 hp at 6,400 rpm and 414 pounds-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission incorporates Performance Algorithm Shifting and Performance Algorithm Liftfoot systems, along with Driver Shift Control for manually selected gear changes.
Polished wire-mesh upper and lower grilles
Sculpted hood
Six-speed automatic transmission incorporates a manual-shift mode
