The Cadillac XLR is the first roadster from GM's luxury division since the Allante« left the scene in 1993. The XLR is a front engine, rear wheel drive convertible with a power retractable hardtop. It has revised front and rear fascias and side fender vents, marking the first update for the sporty two-seater since its introduction as a 2004 model.
The XLR is built on the same GM Y-body platform as the iconic Chevy Corvette, and the similarities are apparent when admiring its proportions and silhouette. The angular Cadillac styling, however, makes the XLR appear more like a Corvette from 20 years into the future!
We tested the high-performance XLR-V, which most notably features the chrome mesh upper and lower grille, 10-spoke 19-inch aluminum wheels, and "V" badging, hinting at the upgraded equipment below the hood.
While the base model XLR gets a 320 horsepower 4.6-liter Northstar V8, the XLR-V boasts a supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar V8. It puts out 443 horsepower and 414 pound feet of torque- enough to rocket the XRL-V to 60 from a standstill in 4.6 seconds. With both models, power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel consumption on the XLR ranges from 14 miles per gallon city up to 24 miles per gallon highway.
Keeping the wind out of your face at its unlimited top speed of 180 miles per hour is the power retractable hard top. When up, the top provides superior protection from the elements over the traditional ragtop while offering impressive headroom for such a low-slung car. From the driver's seat the blend of performance and luxury is apparent with miles of leather and a forest of burled wood competing with the heads-up display for the driver's attention.
On board equipment packages include Bose(r) Sound System with Personal(r) Surround Speakers and TrueSpace(r) Technology; Touch-screen DVD-based Navigation with voice recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control and memory package.
Safety equipment on the XLR includes 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, front and side impact dual-stage airbags, and GM's StabiliTrak 4-channel vehicle stability enhancement system.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Cadillac XLR is $86,215. An XLR-V with full options can cost as much as $104,000. The XLR is backed by a 5-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty.
For those who seek luxury and have a need for speed, the Cadillac XLR and XLR-V exemplify that blend in one sharp-looking high-performance roadster!