Ultra luxury and performance - 2009 Cadillac XLR roadster
Elegant, fast and American, the Cadillac XLR features advanced technologies that add pleasure, not complexity to the driving experience. Built at the Chevrolet Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Ky., the rear-wheel drive XLR shares much of its underpinnings with the legendary muscle car. Despite its roots, the XLR's blend of technologies, materials and top shelf creature comforts add pleasure to the driving experience.
For 2009, Cadillac's standard retractable hardtop roadster receives a new front fascia, new rear fascia and new side fender vents inspired by the automaker's Sixteen concept vehicle and the recently redesigned (2008) CTS sports sedan.
Additionally the standard version of the Cadillac roadster will only be offered in the luxurious XLR Platinum trim. The XLR Platinum model receives additional exterior identifiers, including new exhaust tips exiting beneath the rear fascia, a new hood (now shared with the XLR-V) and a new 18-inch wheel design. Three new exterior colors are also added to the palette: Black Cherry (replaces Liquid Amethyst), Radiant Silver (replaces Platinum) and Gray Flannel (replaces Goldstream).
The chiseled lines of the XLR are unlike any other coupe on the road today, while the operation of the convertible hardtop always seems to draw a crowd. By pushing and holding a single button, the XLR can convert from coupe to open roadster in less than 30 seconds. The top is constructed of aluminum and magnesium with composite exterior panels, a heated glass backlight and glass rear quarter windows.
Power for the Cadillac roadster is generated by the refined Northstar 4.6L V8 engine and transferred to the pavement through a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is rear-mounted, giving the roadster a virtual 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution for superior balance as well as providing occupants with unusually roomy footwell space.
On the road, the footprint of the XLR coupled with the seamless flow of power from its Northstar engine, make driving an experience to be savored and enjoyed.
The Cadillac roadster's road manners are its backbone. Based on GM's performance car architecture, the foundation uses hydroformed steel perimeter frame rails, an enclosed structural "tunnel," an aluminum cockpit structure and balsa-cored composite floors.
This serves as the basis for the XLR's suspension hardware, with double wishbones at each corner, combined with transverse-mounted composite leaf springs front and rear. The Cadillac is shod with Michelin ZP Extended Mobility tires with advanced run-flat technology that eliminates the need for a spare and provides outstanding overall tire performance.
Inside, the 2009 XLR delivers a more luxurious passenger environment and enhanced technology. Alcantara -- a suede-like microfiber material -- is used for the headliner, offered in Ebony or Cashmere. Also new is hand-cut and sewn leather used on the upper instrument panel. This hand-stitched and wrapped leather lends a tailored elegance to the cabin.
Additional interior updates include: new instrument cluster trim rings and graphics; new power window switches; a new Natural Olive Ash Pearl wood grain trim; and a new Quartz metal trim.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 105.7; overall length: 177.7; width: 72.3; height: 50.4 -- all vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 4.6L V8 -- 320 hp at 6,400 rpm and 310 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control.
EPA fuel economy: 15 city/24 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 11.6 cu. ft. (top up); 4.4 cu. ft. (top down).
Parts content -- country of origin
Final assembly point: Bowling Green, Ky.
US/Canada: 77 percent.
Engine and transmission: USA.
Safety features:
Dual front airbags, head curtain airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, OnStar communications system, automatic power door locks, remote control engine start, remote keyless entry, garage door opener, automatic headlamp control, head-up instrument display, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, daytime running lights, navigation system, rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitor, traction control, StabiliTrak vehicle stability system and adaptive speed control.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile.
Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited.
Roadside assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile, 24-hour.
Pricing
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Cadillac XLR roadster starts from $82,690. Destination charges add $840.
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