Cadillac XLR
Cadillac XLR (2004-2008)
The Cadillac XLR is a spring 2009 to early 2004 Roadster built by the U.S. car brand Cadillac. The platform was from the presented early 2005 Corvette C6.
With the XLR follows General Motors to the trend of the steel folding roof convertible after the constructive like Mercedes -Benz SL-Class (R 230) was successfully launched in the United States.
History
The production model is based on the study Evoq of 1999. In the edgy - futuristic vehicle design, the American stealth aircraft have been taken as a model (especially the F -117 stealth bomber ).
The XLR was officially offered in Germany by certain dealers, but sold very difficult. Have been Officially in Germany only about 100 copies sold.
The starting price was 109,950 euros and was by far the most expensive model of Cadillac 's lineup. The only extra the metallic coating was offered.
Fitted was the XLR with the Northstar LH2, one made of light metal V8 engine with 4.6 liter displacement and four overhead camshafts with camshaft adjustment (VVT ), which up to the present time (2012 ) the highest technical level of development of all ever constructed General Motors V8 engines was. At the same time LH2 version marked the end of production of the Northstar engines because they have been set because of the expensive development and manufacturing in June 2010 and since then the easier to produce Chevrolet LS OHV engines is evaded.
Through the transaxle a weight distribution of 50:50 was achieved (similar to the Corvette C6), which should lead to a more sporty - neutral driving behavior.
A special feature is designed by the designer Bulgari Keyless Go function key and derived from him dashboard with real wood applications from eucalyptus wood (ebony the XLR - V). In addition, the XLR is equipped with a head-up display that projects information about speed, distance traveled and navigation on the windshield. To the Other standard equipment includes include DVD navigation and entertainment system with touch screen display, Bose sound system with 9 speakers, distance radar, cooled cup holders, parking aid (PDC ) and air-conditioned / ventilated seats. The air conditioning air conditioned by a thermoelectric ceramic disc, the air temperature inside the vehicle within one minute by 15 degrees, which is one of the fastest in its class.
The XLR also has the adaptive damping system as standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Unconventional are the doors without door handles - they can be opened electronically by a pressure sensor. Also, the XLR comes standard with the keyless go system - no ignition switch is mounted on the instrument panel ( instead the Keylesssystem with the start button ).
Through the use of various lightweight materials - among other things, there is the electro-hydraulic folding roof construction of a magnesium alloy - the profit for the weight to 1.6 tons. The cabin was built as a sandwich, among others, with specially prepared balsa wood - similar to the technology used by NASA to absorb the impact energy of space probes.
Luggage compartment capacity is 125 liters and 329 liters in open with closed roof.
Facelift
In the fall of 2008, the XLR was mainly truly cleaned. On the exterior, the new front and rear bumper, the modified radiator grille and the air intakes in the fenders and the more contoured bonnet fall on. The newly designed 18 - inch alloy wheels are optional chrome and adaptive headlights to improve safety. Inside, more leather, Alcantara headliner and on a cruise is employed.
The standard OnStar 8.0 system has a Bluetooth interface and voice recognition and allows the driver to inform themselves via GPS tracking at a service center on the traffic situation.
The production of the XLR was completed in spring 2009.