Cadillac: XLR news **Production to End (page 3)**
#82
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I think it was a good idea. An SL competitor was much needed at Caddy. The design is already old school "Art and Science" as in comparison to the new STS. The next one could be better.
#83
Got da Internet Goin Nutz
Just like the car dealer said, it's a seasonal product.
That being said, I too have only seen ONE! And this is coming from someone that was living in Houston land of the escalade/hummer/bmw/mercedes/etc. I actually saw my first phantom in houston and several Ferraris and Lambos.
That being said, I too have only seen ONE! And this is coming from someone that was living in Houston land of the escalade/hummer/bmw/mercedes/etc. I actually saw my first phantom in houston and several Ferraris and Lambos.
#87
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Originally Posted by ashran2
why are american sports cars going to back to stone age......
i dont have nething against them but why cant they use better tech.....
i dont have nething against them but why cant they use better tech.....
Just because something is supposedly "high tech" does not mean it automatically performs better than a older technology solution. The C6 and upcoming Z06 perform extremely well (the Z06 should be world class) and are at a price point that most can afford.
Yes, it would be nice to drive in Enzo's and Carrera GT's all day, but you could buy 15 Z06's and probably come close to their performance for much less $$.
The C6 performs extremely well. Just because it has an advanced leaf spring setup does not mean it does not perform well. Just because it also has a OHV pushrod engine doesn't mean it can't out accelerate most cars. It also gets excellent fuel economy as well.
Again, technology for the sake of technology isn't always a good thing. Look what is happening with BMW.. I'd take direct feel steering that that electronic crap.
Last edited by cusdaddy; 03-03-2005 at 12:30 PM.
#88
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MacPherson struts (i.e. whats used on the 3 series) is sooo much more advanced (and BETTER then leaf springs), and give you far more control over camber/caster over wheel travel, and its not enzo price
edit: but i also agree that top gear took it and turned it into something its not, old can still be good if refined
and i dont think theres a huge market for hard top lux roadsters, the MB SL being an exception because its an MB SL
edit: but i also agree that top gear took it and turned it into something its not, old can still be good if refined
and i dont think theres a huge market for hard top lux roadsters, the MB SL being an exception because its an MB SL
#89
The sizzle in the Steak
Overpriced POS. Get the Vette and save some $$$ or get the real luxo roadster the SL
#90
I drove it. For 75k, it was not impressive. Its just a Vette with wood. And the interior is pretty bad for the price. It does not speak quality for 75k. I'd much rather a SL or XK8 or SC 430 than this.
#91
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Originally Posted by Python2121
MacPherson struts (i.e. whats used on the 3 series) is sooo much more advanced (and BETTER then leaf springs), and give you far more control over camber/caster over wheel travel, and its not enzo price
edit: but i also agree that top gear took it and turned it into something its not, old can still be good if refined
and i dont think theres a huge market for hard top lux roadsters, the MB SL being an exception because its an MB SL
edit: but i also agree that top gear took it and turned it into something its not, old can still be good if refined
and i dont think theres a huge market for hard top lux roadsters, the MB SL being an exception because its an MB SL
#93
_____ like a rabbit
Originally Posted by gavriil
Autoweek reports that adaptive headlights are added for the 2006 model year. The headlights turn in the same direction as the car.
#94
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Originally Posted by stangg172004
were they not going to drop this car form there line up because they sold like three of them last year?
Its a specialty car and not a dime a dozen SL.
Anybody who sais the interior is not of premium quality is talking out of their ass. The interior is very nice (just looked at an 06 the other day). Not as much leather in the standard XLR vs. the SL500 but look at the price difference.
But the XLR-V on the other hand.........stunning.
#96
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I am starting to see a lot of these on the roads. I actually think that the XLR-V will be a great car, but I have to disagree with Beltfed. Cadillac has a lot of work to do on their interiors. I have driven many new Cadillacs, from my friends CTS-V to the SRX. None of the cars can match the interior quality of competitive Audi, BMW, or MB models.
#97
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Originally Posted by Maximized
I am starting to see a lot of these on the roads. I actually think that the XLR-V will be a great car, but I have to disagree with Beltfed. Cadillac has a lot of work to do on their interiors. I have driven many new Cadillacs, from my friends CTS-V to the SRX.
I do agree though, the standard lineup overall could use some help in the materials department......the build quality is there on the newer models.
The XLR is very nice though, quality plastics, real aluminum, wood, leather seats/door pulls/center armrest/roll bars.
XLR-V takes it to another level, almost every surface in the car is leather wrapped.
Also took a peak at the new DTS, nice car.
#98
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Future Products — Cadillac - - Source: Autoweek
XLR: A freshening is scheduled for the 2009 model year; a redesign is planned for the 2011 model year.
#99
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Originally Posted by Maximized
The 3 series doesn't handle as well. People don't understand what type of suspension the Vette uses. It works well, why should they change it. The C6 Z06 will be one of the best handling cars ever sold from the factory.
#100
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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.
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.
Source: www.GMInsideNews.com
#101
Senior Moderator
Corvette engines to be used in 2009...?
From Worldcarfans...
Recent reports have indicated that Cadillac will be launching a redesigned version of their XLR roadster in the summer of 2009. Sporting an updated exterior and interior, the new model hopes to carry the momentum created by the new CTS and CTS-V.
Largely neglected since its 2004 debut, the current XLR has only seen the introduction of a V-series and minor interior updates. With the introduction of Jaguar’s XK models and with freshened Mercedes SL’s on the way, the XLR was starting to feel behind the times.
The current XLR uses a 4.6L Northstar V8 which produces 320 and enables the car to go from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, while the XLR-V uses a 4.4L supercharged engine that is rated at 443hp and knocks 1.2 seconds off the standard version’s 0-60 time. GM’s recent announcement that it has stopped development of new Northstar engines means that the XLR could adopt engines used in the Corvette for the first time.
Largely neglected since its 2004 debut, the current XLR has only seen the introduction of a V-series and minor interior updates. With the introduction of Jaguar’s XK models and with freshened Mercedes SL’s on the way, the XLR was starting to feel behind the times.
The current XLR uses a 4.6L Northstar V8 which produces 320 and enables the car to go from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, while the XLR-V uses a 4.4L supercharged engine that is rated at 443hp and knocks 1.2 seconds off the standard version’s 0-60 time. GM’s recent announcement that it has stopped development of new Northstar engines means that the XLR could adopt engines used in the Corvette for the first time.
#102
i've always liked the body of the XLR a little better than the Vettes but i've only seen a handful of them out there in the few years they've been out. I always wondered why they(General Motors) didn't just put the Vette engine in the XLR.
the XLR-V was only like 35 more hp than a regular vette. they build the XLR and the Vette in the same plant in Bowling Green,KY.
IMHO: this is a long over due move by GM to put the Vette engine in the XLR
the XLR-V was only like 35 more hp than a regular vette. they build the XLR and the Vette in the same plant in Bowling Green,KY.
IMHO: this is a long over due move by GM to put the Vette engine in the XLR
#103
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Originally Posted by stright-(paint)balling
i've always liked the body of the XLR a little better than the Vettes but i've only seen a handful of them out there in the few years they've been out. I always wondered why they(General Motors) didn't just put the Vette engine in the XLR.
the XLR-V was only like 35 more hp than a regular vette. they build the XLR and the Vette in the same plant in Bowling Green,KY.
IMHO: this is a long over due move by GM to put the Vette engine in the XLR
the XLR-V was only like 35 more hp than a regular vette. they build the XLR and the Vette in the same plant in Bowling Green,KY.
IMHO: this is a long over due move by GM to put the Vette engine in the XLR
#105
Senior Moderator
2009 Cadillac XLR Facelift Revealed
Details from WCF...
The Cadillac XLR was first introduced to the market in 2003 following its debut at the Detroit Motor Show, ever since then the sales performance of the retractable hardtop roadster have been consistently disappointing and we would hardly be surprised to see the American premium brand's second attempt into the roadster market fall flat on their face, just as the Allanté did.
In keeping with automotive tradition, the XLR will get a mid-life update for the 2009 model year, the base model will be abolished leaving just the Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V models available for the market. The Platinum's 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine and XLR-V's 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine have been left untouched but the designers have revisited the styling of the roadster.
Inspired by the multi-award winning CTS sedan, the XLR gets completely new front and rear fascias as well as new side fender vents resulting in a much more aggressive stance. The cabin area also receives a touch up with new striking wood and metal trims along.
"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."
In keeping with automotive tradition, the XLR will get a mid-life update for the 2009 model year, the base model will be abolished leaving just the Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V models available for the market. The Platinum's 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine and XLR-V's 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine have been left untouched but the designers have revisited the styling of the roadster.
Inspired by the multi-award winning CTS sedan, the XLR gets completely new front and rear fascias as well as new side fender vents resulting in a much more aggressive stance. The cabin area also receives a touch up with new striking wood and metal trims along.
"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."
#106
That's Racist
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i wonder what a whole new xlr replacement will look like; they seemed to have all ready stretched the art-deco modern look really far.
#107
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2009 Cadillac XLR and XLR-V
Press release from Cadillac...
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.
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.
#108
Senior Moderator
#109
Senior Moderator
S'more nice pics...
#111
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Very nice. Just like with the first CTS, STS, and second Escalade, this car's first round of using Caddy's Art & Science Design language is very sharp and polarizing. IMHO, the next gen of this car, with more refined, subtle surfaces and detail treatment (both interior and exterior wise) will make this car phenomenal.
#113
The sizzle in the Steak
The interior is still lacking.
#114
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
The interior is still lacking.
#115
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by charliemike
I felt the same way but can't quite figure out why. Perhaps it's design (it's certainly not the materials as far as I can tell).
#116
Senior Moderator
Cant wait for gen 2.
#117
The sizzle in the Steak
XLR production to end
Two automakers, Cadillac and Honda, announced today that production of their high-performance roadsters will come to a close during 2009. Cadillac says that production of the Chevrolet Corvette-based XLR will cease in March or April and Honda confirmed earlier reports that 2009 will be the last model year for the slow-selling S2000.
The Bowling Green, Kentucky-built XLR’s production cessation means that about 40 workers will lose their jobs. Cadillac sold just 1,250 XLRs last year, the model’s fifth year, even though it had been subject to a minor facelift.
“Obviously, it’s difficult when a plant loses a product,” plant manager Paul Graham told the Bowling Green Daily News. “We want to continue to grow our volume as much as we can. So it’s been difficult.”
The S2000, which was introduced in 1999, had been intended as a limited-run model, but Honda says it continued production due to demand. Still, the automaker barely sold 2,500 S2000s in the U.S. last year, well down from prior years. Overall, Honda sold about 65,000 S2000s in the U.S.
“The S2000 is a sports car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts,” Honda executive vice president John Mendel said in a press release. “It raised the bar for all future roadsters, and it’s already considered a classic by many Honda fans.”
The Bowling Green, Kentucky-built XLR’s production cessation means that about 40 workers will lose their jobs. Cadillac sold just 1,250 XLRs last year, the model’s fifth year, even though it had been subject to a minor facelift.
“Obviously, it’s difficult when a plant loses a product,” plant manager Paul Graham told the Bowling Green Daily News. “We want to continue to grow our volume as much as we can. So it’s been difficult.”
The S2000, which was introduced in 1999, had been intended as a limited-run model, but Honda says it continued production due to demand. Still, the automaker barely sold 2,500 S2000s in the U.S. last year, well down from prior years. Overall, Honda sold about 65,000 S2000s in the U.S.
“The S2000 is a sports car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts,” Honda executive vice president John Mendel said in a press release. “It raised the bar for all future roadsters, and it’s already considered a classic by many Honda fans.”
#118
Senior Moderator
I rather liked the XLR...
XLR...
XLR...