2009 Cadillac XLR Preview

Design

With strong landmark Cadillac design and advanced technology, the 2009 XLR and XLR-V clearly show off the Stealth fighter aircraft influence. The roadster's retractable hardtop is a key component of the design, allowing transformation from coup_ to open roadster in less than 30 seconds-just by pushing and holding a single button. Constructed of aluminum and magnesium with composite exterior panels, the hardtop features glass rear-quarter windows and a heated glass backlight. Three new regular-production colors for the exterior are added: Black Cherry, Radiant Silver and Gray Flannel. Alcantara, a suede-like microfiber, is used in the headliner material, and is available in either Ebony or Cashmere. Hand-cut and -sewn leather adorns the upper instrument panel. Power window switches, instrument panel cluster trim rings and graphics, wood grain and metal trims are all new.

Hardware

In the 2009 Cadillac XLR Platinum, a 320-hp, 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 engine offers smooth, refined and quiet performance, while special tuning gives driver feedback from the environment. The high-performance XLR-V features a 443-hp, 4.4-liter supercharged Northstar V-8 engine, hand-built by a single craftsman at the GM Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control that allows the XLR-V to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, according to Cadillac. Magnetic Ride Control, electronically controlled, magnetic-fluid based real-time damping, is standard on both models. The XLR was one of the world's first vehicles to be equipped with Magnetic Ride Control technology.

Safety

A full list of safety features for the 2009 Cadillac XLR is not yet available, but will likely include a full complement of air bags. Both XLR Platinum and V-Series models run on Goodyear EMT tires with advanced run-flat technology-eliminating the need for a spare and providing exceptional overall tire performance. The XLR Platinum model has power-assisted disc with 4-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), while the XLR-V has heavy-duty, high-performance brakes with power-assist with 4-channel ABS front and rear.

Technology

The technology list is extensive in the 2009 Cadillac XLR and XLR-V, starting with the Magnetic Ride Control and extending to virtually every aspect of the roadster. The XLR features keyless access, where the driver can simply keep the fob in pocket or purse to operate the roadster's ignition, doors, and trunk. The XLR is also one of the first vehicles to use adaptive forward lighting technology, which enables the headlamps to adjust the lighting pattern synchronous with vehicle steering. Adaptive cruise control, using a radar sensor mounted in the front of the car, can detect objects in its path. OnStar 8.0 next-generation technology with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, eNav powered by MapQuest and Bluetooth wireless connectivity are other technological features in the 2009 XLR.