Jalopnik: XLR

D3-Tuned XLR-V Cranks Out 600 HP; Brake Upgrades "Highly Recommended"

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Cadillac tuners D3 Research have introduced a new three-step tuning package for the XLR-V that results in a Michelinferno-inducing 600 HP in top trim. Unfortunately, that sort of output isn't available with just a few simple tweaks: A complete engine rebuild is part of the package required to extract peak performance from the 4.4-liter Northstar V8, and owners are urged to opt for the "highly recommended" brake upgrades as well. Customers not wanting to go quite so far can opt for the stage one kit providing a new air-intake system, reflashed ECU, "performance spark plugs" and a high-flow exhaust system, adding up to a still-healthy 525 HP. Of course, if you just want your base XLR to look like a D3-tuned XLR-V, you can buy body trim and emblem kits separately. Poseur. [Motor Authority]

2009 Cadillac XLR-V Revealed, Along With A Load Of Images

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EDT

When Cadillac dropped images of its fender-vented 2009 Cadillac XLR, we knew the XLR-V shots couldn't be far behind since they already gave us specs in the last go round. Well, there it is, amidst a new raft of XLR shots, sure looks like a 2008 Cadillac XLR-V with some fender vents slapped on. We're just glad to know it gets a 443 HP Supercharged Northstar V8 and keeps that sweet folding hard top. Though we'll have to see how the richies respond to that figure knowing the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is sporting a 556 HP monster mill.

[XLR-Net.com]

2009 Cadillac XLR Roadster, Revealed!

Ray Wert — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:25:00 EDT

There's a lot of metal getting the official reveal this morning, isn't there? After showing off the new 2009 Porsche 911 just a few minutes ago, we're now seeing the upgraded 2009 Cadillac XLR taking its first baby steps into the morning sun. The General's luxe brand's taking the Art & Science design to new, more powerful heights with this brand new Caddy-vette with an all-new front fascia, rear tail treatment and side venting. The 2009 XLR will get two different editions to choose — the "base model" 2009 XLR Platinum and the high-performance 2009 Cadillac XLR-V. The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320 HP (239 kW) 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine. The XLR-V, part of Cadillac's V-Series of high-performance models, is powered with a 443 HP (330 kW) 4.4-liter Supercharged Northstar V8 engine. Oh, baby, we're very happy this morning. Full press release below the jump.

Detroit, Mich. - Since its inception in 2004, Cadillac's XLR has been a fresh face in the elite club of the world's finest luxury roadsters. Today Cadillac revealed the new 2009 edition of the XLR Roadster, featuring styling and model enhancements providing more dramatic design and technology.
Only the finest editions of Cadillac's retractable hardtop roadster will be offered in 2009: The luxurious XLR Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V. The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine. The XLR-V, part of Cadillac's V-Series of high-performance models, is powered with a 443-horsepower (330 kW) 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine.

The 2009 XLR includes a new front fascia, new rear fascia and new side fender vents. The revised design is inspired by the award-winning CTS sport sedan, delivering more detail and aggressiveness to Cadillac's roadster. The front fascia includes new fog lamps and specific upper and lower grilles for the Platinum and V-Series models. Also, both '09 models feature the distinctive hood with a raised center section that was previously exclusive to the V-Series.

"XLR has been a catalyst for the dramatic design and technology driving Cadillac's ongoing renaissance," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The enhanced 2009 model exemplifies the continued development of Cadillac's approach to design, performance and craftsmanship."

The ultra-luxury XLR Platinum model receives additional exterior identifiers, including a revised rear fascia with more pronounced new exhaust tips and a new 18-inch wheel design (painted wheel finish is standard; chrome is optional).

Inside, the '09 XLR lineup delivers more luxury and technology. Alcantara™ - a suede-like microfiber material - is used for the headliner material, in either Ebony or Cashmere color. Also new is hand-cut and sewn leather used on the upper instrument panel. This hand-stitched and wrapped leather lends tailored elegance to the cabin, representing Cadillac's new approach to modern and elegant interior craftsmanship.

The updated cabin includes new instrument cluster trim rings and graphics, new wood grain trims (Natural Olive Ash Burl for XLR Platinum and Black Olive Ash Burl for XLR-V) and new metal trims (Quartz for XLR Platinum and Bermuda for XLR-V.)

Advanced technology has always been a trademark of XLR, and that legacy continues in 2009. This includes Cadillac's acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control system and amenities such as Keyless Access with push-button start, DVD navigation and entertainment, heated and cooled seats, head-up display and heated steering wheel. XLR's advanced technologies also include Adaptive Forward Lighting that enables the headlamps to swivel in concert with vehicle steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

XLR is factory-equipped with OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth capability. The next-generation OnStar 8.0 system (OnStar subscription is not required for Bluetooth) features enhanced hands-free voice commands, Turn by Turn navigation and Emap powered by MapQuest. This includes the industry-first Destination Download feature, in which directions can be downloaded from OnStar directly to the car's navigation system - eliminating the need to stop the car to manually enter a destination.

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2009 Cadillac XLR, Now In The Nude

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Last time we brought you photos of the 2009 Cadillac XLR it was hidden behind a forrest of trees. This time we've got a great shot of the new XLR roadster in the buff. The new XLR is basically a re-skinned Corvette that's set to be unveiled to the public later this year, which may explain why it's running around without any tape on. The Art & Science look is still in full effect though not quite as angry looking as the previous generation. You'll notice the new grille and restyled fog lamps immediately, which help move the design forward. Spy report below the jump.

Caught - Without Camouflage: 2009 Cadillac XLR!
Just In: We just caught the '09 XLR without even an inch of
camouflage - exposing the new front fascia - including a new
grille and restyled fog lamps. In addition, the XLR will be wearing a
bit more jewelry - in this case, it will be chrome vents on the
fenders.

Watch for an official debut of the 2009 XLR in the coming months.

And this time they didn't have to climb a tree to get it.

2009 Cadillac XLR Roadster

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:17:57 EDT

It's nice to see these first spy photos of the 2009 Cadillac XLR mere minutes after we just dropped the hot load of Fierenzo. Essentially the Cadillac XLR is a re-skinned Corvette. A drop-dead gorgeous skin, but still a re-skin. So what have we got on the new hotness with two doors from Caddy? Not much unfortunately. Thanks to the Chicago Tribune, we know the 2009 Cadillac XLR will go public in July, but whether that means it'll be revealed or hit showrooms is anyone's guess. Despite some camouflage, these photos from the spy shooters at KGP do show us the new XLR will get an XL-sized dose of CTSexiness with an enhanced "Art & Science" grille and what may perhaps be the same faux chrome vents affixed to the side of the rest of the Caddy lineup. Doesn't matter, we'd still take one. Especially one with the letter "V" at the end. Even more so if they bring out a ZLR-1. Full spy report from KGP below the jump.

It took shimmying up a tree to get it, but we just nabbed our first spy photos of Cadillac's revamped 2009 XLR roadster. Based on the camouflage and the visible body panels, it appears that the updated XLR will qualify as more of a facelift rather than a fully redesigned vehicle. The February 10, 2008 issue of the Chicago Tribune reported that the reworked XLR will go public in July, but that report wasn't clear whether that date specified an unveiling or an on-sale date.
These new shots don't answer that question, but we can get closer to assessing the scope of the XLR's freshening. The camouflage covering the front and rear fascias hides the details, but it's probably safe to assume that the XLR will get some more, much-needed design nuance in line with the latest CTS—since the XLR is still saddled with the rather unpolished look of Cadillac's first-generation Art & Science design language. The retractable hardtop design looks unchanged, as do the doors and rear fenders. The front fenders, however, have an interesting strip of tape just in fore of the doors' front cut lines, suggesting that some type of fender vent could conceivably be in the works to match the rest of the Cadillac lineup.

Expect thorough mechanical upgrades, and an improved interior commensurate with the XLR's place as Cadillac's answer to the formidable Mercedes SL.

Rampant Speculation On 2009 Cadillac XLR, XLR-V

Ray Wert — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST

The forum fan-boys always on the Inside of News on GM are speculating on the next Cadillac XLR and XLR-V today. Although GM PR folks have been a bit cagey on a replacement for the XLR luxury sports convertible, it isn't stopping the General's fan-boys from rampant speculation gleaned from forums far and wide — mostly because of Rick Popely's little XLR name-drop in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday. Rick says:

"Cadillac will roll out the 2009 XLR roadster in July with fresh styling in and out.
XLR is based on the Chevrolet Corvette, but Cadillac won't get a version of the 2009 ZR1 due in late summer with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that cranks out 620 horsepower. Chevrolet hints at a price of around $100,000 and says it will build only about 2,000 per year."

So will it get the same LS9 in the new Corvette ZR1? Will it get the LSA from the Cadillac CTS-V? Will it get magic pixie dust? Best question — will it actually happen? Let's all speculate together, shall we? What say you? [via GM Inside News]

Cadillac XLR

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:33:28 EDT

Let's say you're looking for a V8-powered roadster. You're flush, but aren't entertaining the typical Germanic options. You want a crisp handler, but that well worn, peak-earning-years ass has seen better days. Getting rattled around like the last Cracker Jack in the box isn't your idea of fun. You like your gadgetry on a limited basis, don't mind a plebeian dash binnacle, but think having radar-guided cruise control might be a hoot. Run-flat tires don't pose a problem, but a cloth top does. Depreciation is a minor inconvenience, but paying full price is out of the question. You've come to the right stretch of incentivization. It's the 2007 Cadillac XLR, a car you haven't though about for at least a year, and neither has anyone else. That's why Cadillac's been offering a $7,500 rebate on the near-$80,000 car for several months. The XLR is a niche of one, a Corvette for retired gearheads. It's pricey, but maybe you don't care about that so much. [Cars.com]

Bob Barker's Last Car Can Be Yours!

Murilee Martin — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:20:00 EDT

According to the seller, this 2007 Cadillac XLR is the very last car ever given away by Bob Barker on The Price Is Right, on the episode that aired on June 15th. Let's say you already have some other historically significant cars- say, the 1910 Gräf & Stift in which Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated- and you need to add this incredibly important vehicle to your stable. In that case, you have no choice but to get busy bidding on this 90-mile XLR... which has a starting bid price of 65 Gs (and a reserve that you'll just have to guess). Oh yeah, the car they had on the show itself was black, so you'd need to whip out the paperwork from CBS to prove to skeptics that Bob really did (sorta) give this very car away. [eBay]

LA Auto Show Preview: Cadillac Drops A Limited-Edition Trio Of Platinum-Covered Poop

Ray Wert — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:37:53 EST

Right before the LA Auto Show begins, Cadillac's gone and released the embargoed doors on pictures and a press release for three of their show vehicles — and guess, what — although the press release claims Caddy's "extending its luxury tradition with limited-edition versions of XLR Roadster, and STS, DTS Sedans" — in reality, it's more like they're "extending the tradition of endless variant edition chromium-covered comic books." Basically, Cadillac's trying to build off of another "variant edition" — the V-series. Only this time, they're trying to make Platinum the new "luxury" badge of the brand. The only problem I've got is — isn't Cadillac already supposed to be the "luxury" brand for the General? Full deets in the press release below the jump and photo gallery below. – Ray Wert

THE PLATINUM SERIES: CADILLAC EXTENDS ITS LUXURY TRADITION WITH LIMITED-EDITION VERSIONS OF XLR ROADSTER, AND STS, DTS SEDANS
LOS ANGELES - An elegant tradition of hand-crafted luxury is being redefined for a new generation, as Cadillac today introduces the Platinum Series for the XLR roadster and STS and DTS sedans. The Platinum Series is a limited-edition collection of vehicles including additional elegant design touches, and continues Cadillac's reinvention of its interior styling and appointments.

Cadillac's landmark V-series extended the brand's credentials into the elite-level performance arena. Now the Platinum Series aims to do the same in the luxury direction. The vehicles were inspired by the very popular Escalade ESV Platinum that was offered between the 2004 and 2006 model years and introduced many new luxury features to the luxury SUV marketplace.

"The Platinum Series is a natural addition to the Cadillac brand, extending the luxury appeal of our products," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. "Platinum also joins the new 2007 SRX and our V-Series cars as examples of Cadillac's return to hand-crafted interiors, an important addition to the ongoing renaissance of the brand."

Cadillac's limited-edition Platinum models feature ultra-premium details such as a generous use of chrome, authentic wood and luxurious upholstery, as well as Cadillac's precision hand-crafted interiors, executed by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew cabin components individually.

Here's a look at Cadillac's 2007 Platinum portfolio:

XLR Platinum

The XLR roadster has taken a starring role in Cadillac's new emphasis on dramatic styling and serious performance. Now the XLR Platinum maximizes the elegance of Cadillac's entry into the elite club of luxury roadsters.

XLR Platinum features exclusive 15-spoke, 18-inch wheels, with a brighter chrome finish for the grille and an exclusive Liquid Amethyst exterior color and exclusive Platinum badge.

Inside, the XLR Platinum features appointments such as authentic olive ash burl wood and a Cashmere interior color. The instrument panel "upper," and door trim feature hand cut, sewn and wrapped leather. Other cabin appointments include olive ash burl wood inserts on the steering wheel and luxurious Alcantara suede headliner, visors and pillars, and additional Platinum badging on the sill plate.

The Cadillac XLR Platinum will be available in the first quarter of 2007.

STS Platinum

The STS Platinum sedan extends the luxurious look and feel of the STS with elements such as 18-inch chrome-finish wheels; a brighter chrome-finish grille; a Glacier Gold exterior finish; bright chrome inserts on the exterior door handles and Platinum badging.

On the inside, STS Platinum features hand-cut, sewn and wrapped instrument panel, door trim and center console areas. The seats are fully leather, a semi-aniline variety called Tuscany . Luxury touches include chrome accents on the instrument panel and doors, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, olive ash burl wood accents with a saddle-stained shade, premium floor mats and a Platinum badge of the door sill. STS Platinum comes in either a Cocoa over Cashmere or an Ebony interior color scheme.

The Cadillac STS Platinum will be available in the first quarter of 2007, in either the V-6 or Northstar V-8-powered versions of the car.

DTS Platinum

The Cadillac DTS Platinum goes to dramatic new lengths with 18-inch wheels, bright chrome grille and chrome inserts on the exterior door handles, as well as a Platinum badge, all of which highlight the Ebony exterior finish.

A unique Light Linen over Cocoa interior is distinguished by olive ash burl wood with decorative inlay; semi-aniline-dyed Tuscany leather upholstery and hand-cut-and-sewn leather on the instrument panel, console and door trim.

A handcrafted, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with authentic olive ash burl wood and chrome appointments; suede headliner and visors; and an illuminated Platinum badge on the door sill plate complete the package.

The Cadillac DTS Platinum will be available in August of 2007.

Cadillac (www.cadillac.com) is a division of General Motors (NYSE: GM). GM, the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM has manufacturing operations in 33 countries . In 2005, GM sold 9.17 million cars and trucks globally, under the following brand names: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com

Related:
More of our LA Auto Show coverage [internal]

Exclusive Ad Watch: The Cadillac XLR-V Is A Punk Rocker, Bored With Lookin' Good

Ray Wert — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 17:00:00 EDT

I could say something cliche about how "street prophets" here on the "mean streets" of Detroit "dropped" this "world premiere" of Cadillac's newest ads, featuring some old "Caddilac style" "mighty-morphing" into the new XLR-V hotness, into our grubby little hands, whispering into my ear that it's set to debut over the weekend. But we'll save you from that type of tired and hackneyed phraseology. Let's just put it to you this way, and keep in mind it's not in my nature to be mysterious, but — I can't tell you how we got them and I certainly can't tell you why. Let it suffice for me to say this — any ad featuring a soundtrack with "Punk Rocker" by the Teddy Bears and some Iggy Pop thrown in for fun, is probably gonna be a-ok-go in our books. The 60 second spot's above — the 30 second's after the jump. – Ray Wert