The
XLR was a
retractable hardtop convertible marketed by the
Cadillac division of
General Motors, assembled in
Bowling Green, Kentucky. Intended to be Cadillac's
flagship sports car, the XLR was based on the
Chevrolet Corvette's
Y platform. The XLR featured its own unique styling, interior, and suspension, and power-retractable aluminum hardtop, along with the
Cadillac Northstar engine. The XLR ended production after the 2009 model year.
Cadillac introduced the XLR at the 2003
Detroit Motor Show and began production in the 2004
model year — forshadowed by the
Evoq concept vehicle.
The XLR features as standard equipment heated and cooled leather seats, wood interior trim, remote keyless access, 18 inch alloy
wheels, side
airbags as well as a navigation, audio, and
DVD system sharing a 7-inch dashboard screen. The retractable hardtop itself is constructed of aluminum, requires 6'-10½" of vertical clearance during retraction, and is manufactured by a supplier joint venture between
Mercedes-Benz and
Porsche.
The engine is Cadillac's 4.6
L Northstar tuned for , mated as of the 2007 model year to a 6-speed
automatic transmission.
The XLR was the second roadster offered by Cadillac in recent years. The first was the
Cadillac Allanté, produced from 1987 to 1993.
The XLR was nominated for the
North American Car of the Year award for 2004.
Engine: