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For Release: Aug.
1, 2004 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 7-inch (178-mm) color touch screen mounted
in the upper center console gives 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.
# # #
Contact:
Cadillac Communications
Nekeidra Shegog
Phone: 313-667-8985
Fax: 313-667-6001
E-mail: nekeidra.shegog@gm.com
Lifecycle Communications
Wendy Clark
Office: 586-492-8100
Fax: 586-575-6090
E-mail: Wendy.Clark@gm.com
GM of Canada Communications
Richard James
Phone: 905-644-1804
Fax: 905-644-3873
E-mail: richard.james@gm.com
GM de Mexico Communications
Juan Bernardo Urrutia
Phone: 011-525-6250-3046
E-mail: juanbernardo.urrutia@gm.com
Cadillac Europe
Dick Braakhekke
Phone: +31 (0) 30 634 6133
Fax: +31 (0) 30 634 6199
E-mail: DBraakhekke@CadillacEurope.com
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