Cadillac XLR

Cadillac XLR
Manufacturer:	General Motors
Production:	2004–present
Class:	Luxury car
Predecessor:	Cadillac Allanté
Platform:	Y-body
Related:	Chevrolet Corvette
Body Styles:	FR 2-door convertible
Engines:	4.6 L Northstar V8 4.4 L Northstar SC V8

The XLR is a luxury sports car sold by Cadillac and is assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is based on the same Y-body platform as the Chevrolet Corvette. The XLR uses the Cadillac Northstar engine rather than the GM LS1 engine found in the Corvette. The XLR also has its own unique styling, interior, and suspension, and has a power-retractable aluminum hardtop. The engine is Cadillac's 4.6-liter Northstar tuned for 320 hp, and operates with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Cadillac introduced the XLR at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show, and it entered production in the 2004 model year. It has a base price of US$76,650. Sales have been below expectations. Rather than reaching 6,000 per year, Cadillac had sold just 4,744 in 18 months as of March, 2005.

Designed for both performance and luxury, the XLR comes with heated and cooled leather seats, wood interior trim, 18 in alloy wheels, and side airbags. Navigation, audio, and DVD are all displayed via a 7-inch dashboard screen, and Remote Keyless Access is included. All of these features are standard.

The XLR is the second roadster offered by Cadillac in recent years. The first was the Cadillac Allanté of 1987-1993.

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

Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz SL500, Lexus SC 430, BMW 645Ci cabriolet, Jaguar XK8, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster and Maserati Spyder.

Engine:

• 2004 Northstar 4.6 L (280 in³) V8

XLR-V

Cadillac gave the public its first glimpse of the upcoming supercharged XLR-V in its Super Bowl commercial, which aired 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 uses the same supercharged Northstar V8 as the STS-V, producing 440 hp (328 kW) and 425 ft.lbf (576 Nm). The supercharger and four intercoolers are built into the intake manifold. A six-speed automatic transmission, larger brakes from the Z51 Corvette, and 19-inch wheels will also be used. It will have a 0-60 mph acceleration time of under five seconds. It will be available in the United States in early 2006.

Upon its release, the XLR-V will be the fastest production vehicle ever built by Cadillac.