Cadillac XLR -- an icon for the new era of Cadillac

Since it debuted in 2003, the XLR has met with overwhelming response

from the press, public and dealers alike. In its first model year,

XLR has become much sought after by premium car enthusiasts.

The Cadillac XLR’s dynamic design and advanced technology has

brought a striking new presence to the automotive spectrum. A luxury

roadster with performance car roots, XLR underscores its vibrant

visual statement with a performance-oriented chassis and structure,

and a 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT (variable valve timing) rear-wheel-drive

engine. This combination makes it the lightest, most powerful vehicle

in its class.

Under its skin, the XLR’s harmonious blend of technologies and

materials add pleasure, not complexity, to the driving experience.

These include a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, Magnetic

Ride Control, StabiliTrak, heated and cooled seats, keyless access

with push-button start and DVD navigation and entertainment. For

2005, XLR makes modest enhancements, including new Dark Eucalyptus

wood interior, and Blue Steel exterior paint replaces Thunder Gray.

* Edgy design

The XLR is a contemporary expression of Cadillac’s heritage of

landmark design and advanced technology. Inspired by stealth fighter

design, XLR takes the ongoing product-driven resurgence of Cadillac

-- led by Escalade and CTS -- to an entirely new level.

Bold and edgy, yet elegant and refined, the XLR’s linear, crisp

look creates a dramatic presence and modern icon for luxury and

performance, yet it pays tribute to the marque’s rich history. The

XLR’s strong grille, for example, harkens back to Cadillac’s heritage

but expresses itself in a new way. The vertical headlamps, on the

other hand, express the division’s current design philosophy.

The XLR offers the ultimate convenience of a retractable hard top.

By pushing and holding a single button, the XLR can convert from

coupe to open roadster in less than 30 seconds. The top is made of

aluminum and magnesium with composite exterior panels, a heated glass

backlight and glass rear-quarter windows.

The interior design epitomizes contemporary luxury. Unique

eucalyptus wood in light or dark tones, combined with striking

aluminum accents, provide a luxurious and inviting environment. The

gauges are designed in conjunction with Italian luxury brand Bvlgari.

* Powertrain

The XLR’s Northstar 4.6L V-8 VVT is a 90-degree, DOHC,

four-valves-per-cylinder engine featuring an aluminum block and

cylinder heads, and a valvetrain configuration with roller finger

followers. It generates 320 horsepower (239 kw) and 310 lb.-ft. (420

Nm) of torque.

The engine also features continuously variable valve timing (VVT);

electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated intake and exhaust

cam phasers on all four camshafts for extra control; electronic

throttle control (ETC); low restriction intake and exhaust manifolds

and cylinder head ports; close coupled catalytic converters mounted

directly adjacent to the exhaust manifolds; and an air induction

system designed for enhanced capacity and noise attenuation.

The V-8 offers smooth, refined performance throughout its entire

operating range. It is quiet, yet tuned to give the driver feedback

from the environment. It operates cleanly and efficiently, with

excellent reliability and durability. The XLR features the first

longitudinal application of the 4.6L Northstar V-8.

The V-8 is mated to the Hydra-Matic 5L50-E five-speed automatic

transmission. Developed to manage the high torque and horsepower of

the engine, it is one of the most technologically advanced

transmissions in the industry. It offers three performance features

normally found individually on various high-performance luxury sport

sedans: driver shift control, performance algorithm shifting and

performance algorithm liftfoot.

Another advantage of Cadillac’s roadster not shared by the

competition is its rear-mounted transmission. This helps give the XLR

a virtual 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution for superior

balance, as well as providing occupants unusually roomy footwell

space.

Compared to the Mercedes-Benz SL500, Jaguar XK8 and Lexus SC430,

the XLR is not only the lightest vehicle at approximately 3,650

pounds (1,656 kg), but it also boasts the longest wheelbase, widest

track, lowest height and most horsepower.

* Architecture and suspension

The story starts with the XLR’s backbone, upon which the car’s

dynamic capabilities depend. Based on GM’s new performance car

architecture, this unique and patented structure uses steel

hydroformed perimeter frame rails, an enclosed structural tunnel, an

aluminum cockpit structure and balsa-cored composite floors.

Providing rigidity without bulk, and with exceptional resistance to

torsional and bending forces, this architecture is the basis for the

XLR’s outstanding ride and handling characteristics.

The suspension system makes the XLR a true luxury roadster with

the handling qualities of a performance car. To this end, the design

uses double wishbones at each corner, combined with

transverse-mounted, composite leaf springs front and rear. The system

is designed to maintain firm control over wheel motion, while

delivering a composed and compliant ride quality. The XLR achieves a

maximum lateral G-force of more than 0.9. It runs on Michelin ZP

tires with advanced run-flat technology that eliminates the need for

a spare and provides outstanding overall tire performance.

* Magnetic Ride Control

The XLR also is one of the world’s first vehicles to be equipped

with Magnetic Ride Control -- electronically controlled,

magnetic-fluid based real-time damping. The system uses four

wheel-to-body displacement sensors to measure wheel motion over the

road surface and responds by adjusting the shock damping at speeds

approaching one millisecond. That’s five times faster than previous

real time damping systems. The secret is the magneto-rheological

fluid contained in its dampers, replacing traditional mechanical

valves. Suspended in this fluid are tiny iron particles that respond

to an electromagnetic charge.

* Adaptive cruise control

The XLR has adaptive cruise control (ACC). While not a substitute

for full driver attention, this system greatly expands the

convenience of cruise control. ACC uses a radar sensor mounted at the

front of the car to detect objects in its path. If the lane ahead is

clear, the system will maintain the set speed, just like conventional

cruise control. When a vehicle is detected in the same lane in front

of the car, the system will adjust vehicle speed to help maintain a

constant following distance, set by the driver.

* Comfort and convenience

One of the XLR’s foremost convenience features is Keyless Access.

Keyless Access makes XLR a truly keyless car. A driver can simply

keep the fob in a pocket or purse to operate the doors, trunk and

ignition. The fob communicates with the XLR’s computer control system

via radio antennas under the car’s bodywork. The system is intuitive

and hassle free.

The XLR’s seats are both heated and cooled in the back and the

cushion. A seven-inch (178-mm) color touch screen mounted in the

upper center console gives the driver and passenger access to DVD

navigation; a nine-speaker world-class Bose audio system with a

six-CD in-dash changer and digital signal processing modes; XM

Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only), and DVD entertainment

(available in Park position only). The XLR also is equipped with

OnStar and a head-up display that projects key driver information

onto the windshield.

Visit Coast Cadillac at 3399 Willow St. (at Redondo) in Long

Beach. Call (800) 79COAST (26278). Visit their website at

www.CoastCadillac.com