2005 CADILLAC XLR

Unique to Canada

New for 2005

  • Light or Dark Eucalyptus wood interior
  • Blue Steel exterior paint replaces Thunder Gray

Model Lineup

Engine  

Transmission

4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT

5-spd auto (Hydra-Matic 5L50-E)

XLR

s

s

Key:                                                                             

Standard

s

Not available

-


CUSTOMER PROFILE:

The XLR is designed for exceptionally wealthy individuals who have achieved great success and who, as a reward to themselves, demand the best in life. The target customer demographics are as follows: median age is 46; 30% female; median income $220,000; 58% with a university education.

PRODUCT HISTORY:

2004

All-new luxury roadster, 2-door, hardtop convertible introduced



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
Vince Muniga
Phone: 586-575-1928
Fax: 586-575-6090
E-mail: vince.muniga@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


STANDARD AND OPTIONAL FEATURES

EXTERIOR FEATURES

XLR

Antenna, front windshield integrated

S

Fuel filler door, power remote release

S

Glass, Solar-Ray tinted

S

Headlight washer system

S

Lighting - Bi-functional Xenon headlights

S

Lighting - High-Intensity Discharge (HID), high and low beam

S

Lighting - Daytime Running Lights

S

Lighting - Automatic headlight control with Twilight Sentinel

S

Lighting - Front fog lights

S

Lighting - Rear LED tail lights and centre high-mounted stop light

S

Mirrors - Exterior rear-view mirrors, foldaway, power, heated with driver-side electrochromic, auto-dimming feature

S

Roof, hardtop power retractable - operated via console control

S

Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, audible and visual rear obstacle system

S

Windshield wipers - automatic Rainsense

S

INTERIOR FEATURES

XLR

Aluminum accents

S

Carpeted floor mats

S

Climate Control - Automatic, dual-zone electronic climate control

S

Climate Control - Air filtration system, particulate and odour

S

Climate Control - Vents, positive shut-off

S

Console - Centre console storage

S

Console - Glovebox with key cylinder lock

S

Console - Storage compartment in vertical panel between seats

S

Console - Ashtray with cigar lighter

S

Console - Auxiliary power outlet

S

Console - Dual covered cupholders and coin holder

S

Cruise Control - Adaptive Cruise Control, RADAR transceiver adjusts speed to maintain pre-set following distance - tell-tale instrument panel display

S

Defogger, rear-window electric

S

Door map pockets

S

Garage Door Opener - HomeLink, garage door opener, universal 3-channel programmable

S

Instrumentation - Bvlgari designed and branded analogue display

S

Instrumentation - Head-Up Display instrumentation includes digital readouts for speed, gear, cruise control, audio system information, fuel level, multi-language display capability

S

Instrumentation - Driver Information Centre with multi-language display capability

S

Instrumentation - Tire Pressure Monitoring System, indicates pressure of all 4 tires in Driver Information Centre

S

Lighting - Illuminated entry/exit

S

Lighting - Interior rear-view mirror

S

Lighting - Courtesy, hush panel

S

Lighting - Glovebox

S

Lighting - Console bin

S

Lighting - Trunk

S

Lighting - Under hood

S

Mirrors - Interior rear-view mirror, electrochromic,

S

auto-dimming with 3-button OnStar controls and map Mirrors - Visor vanity mirrors with adjustable illumination

S

Navigation System - DVD Navigation, single DVD for map coverage in Canada and USA, GPS based, 165 mm (6.5 in.) touch screen, multi-language voice recognition, DVD video playback capabilities (vehicle in "Park" position only)

S

Package - Memory/Personalization: automatically recalls settings for 2 drivers based on their individual Bvlgari keyless access fob; remembers the position of the driver's seat, exit seating positions, exterior rear-view mirror preferences, climate control, radio station, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel settings

S

Power windows with express up/down and automatic indexing sealing system

S

Power door locks, programmable with lock-out protection

S

Sill plates - extruded aluminum

S

Steering Wheel - Leather-wrapped steering wheel

S

Steering Wheel - Controls for audio and cruise control

S

Steering Wheel - Power tilt and telescopic column

S

Steering Wheel - Eucalyptus wood trim accent

S

Trunk - Power remote release with closing system

S

Trunk - Cargo convenience net

S

Trunk - Trunk light

S

Trunk - Phosphorescent internal manual trunk entrapment release handle

S

Valet switch in glovebox

S

Wood Accents - Eucalyptus wood trim on steering wheel, doors, console and transmission shifter (choice of light or dark wood)

S

SEATS

XLR

Perforated-leather seating surfaces

S

Buckets, pneumatic upper and lower lumbar support

S

Driver and passenger 8-way power adjusters

S

Heated and cooled seat cushions and backs

S

Integrated audio speakers

S

Seat position switch that operates in conjunction with dual-stage air bag

S

SOUND SYSTEMS

XLR

AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, Radio Data System (RDS), weatherband, clock and TheftLock

S

Bose premium 9-speaker system with AudioPilot(r) noise compensation technology

S

MECHANICAL

XLR

Brakes - 4-wheel discs

S

Brakes - 4-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

S

Engine - 4.6L Northstar V8

S

Engine - Dual overhead camshafts

S

Engine - 4-valves per cylinder

S

Engine - 4-cam continuously Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

S

Engine - Aluminum block and cylinder heads

S

Engine - Block heater

S

Steering - Rack-and-pinion

S

Steering - Magnasteer, speed-sensitive, variable-assist

S

StabiliTrak - 4-channel computer-controlled vehicle stability enhancement system

S

Suspension - 4-wheel independent

S

Suspension - Magnetic Ride Control - computer-controlled active suspension system with adjustable shock absorbers

S

Traction Control: - Electronic, all-speed

S

Traction Control: - Integrates brake and engine management systems

S

Transmission - Rear-wheel drive

S

Transmission - 5-speed automatic, electronically controlled

S

Transmission - Torque converter clutch

S

Transmission - Driver Shift Control (DSC)

S

Transmission - Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS)

S

Transmission - Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL)

S

Transmission - Downgrade Detection with Brake Assist

S

SAFETY AND SECURITY

XLR

Air Bags - Driver and passenger, dual-stage, frontal

S

Air Bags - Driver and passenger, seat-mounted side-impact with head and thorax protection

S

Air Bags - Passenger air bag suppression - manual on/off switch in glovebox, LED illumination/indicator in console

S

Keyless Access System - Includes 2 fobs, Bvlgari designed and branded

S

Keyless Access System - Interior door release buttons

S

Keyless Access System - Push-button ignition start

S

Keyless Access System - Emergency interior mechanical door release and emergency exterior trunk release

S

OnStar In-Vehicle Communications and Assistance Service, includes one-year Directions & Connections Plan

S

Safety Restraints - 3-point safety belts with lap belt pre-tensioners, shoulder belt retractors and child restraint provisions

S

Theft-Deterrent Systems - Alarm, audible

S

Theft-Deterrent Systems - TheftLock, radio

S

S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment.


SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model:

XLR luxury roadster

Body style / driveline:

2-door, hardtop convertible / rear-wheel drive

Construction:

hydroformed perimeter frame, structural center tunnel, aluminum cockpit frame

Body material:

composite exterior panels

Manufacturing location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Key competitors:

Mercedes-Benz SL500, Lexus SC430, Jaguar XK8

 

Engine

Type:

Northstar 4.6L V-8 VVT (variable valve timing)

Displacement (cu in / cc):

279 / 4565

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.66 x 3.31 / 93 x 84

Block material:

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

Crankshaft material:

forged steel

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, four-cam continuously variable valve timing

Ignition system:

coil-on-plug ignition, with extended-life dual platinum-tipped spark plugs

Fuel system:

sequential electronic fuel injection

Compression ratio:

10.5:1

Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm):

320 / 239 @ 6400

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

310 / 420 @ 4400

Recommended fuel:

unleaded premium

Max. engine speed (rpm):

6700

Estimated fuel economy:

 

MPG (city / hwy / combined)

17 / 25 / 21

MPIG (city / hwy / combined)

20 / 33 / 24

L/100km (city / hwy / combined)

14.2 / 8.6 / 11.6


Transmission

Type:

Hydra-Matic 5L50-E rear-wheel drive, electronically controlled 5-speed automatic with torque converter clutch and Driver Shift Control

Gear ratios (:1):

  First:

3.45

  Second:

2.21

  Third:

1.60

  Fourth:

1.00

  Fifth:

0.76

  Reverse:

3.02

  Final drive ratio:

2.93


Chassis/Suspension

Front:

short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, Magnetic Ride Control

Rear:

short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, Magnetic Ride Control

Steering type:

Magnasteer power-assisted rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:

17.2:1

Steering wheel turns (lock to lock):

2.9

Turning diameter, curb to curb (ft / m):

39 / 11.9


Brakes

Type:

power-assisted disc with 4-channel ABS, front and rear

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):

front: 12.8 x 1.3 / 325 x 32

rear:  12.0 x 1.0 / 305 x 26


Wheels/Tires

Wheel type and size:

spun-cast aluminum, 18 inch x 8 inch

Tires:

Michelin ZP Extended Mobility

front: P235/50R18

rear: P235/50R18

Dimensions

Exterior

 

Wheelbase (in / mm):

105.7 / 2685

Overall length (in / mm):

177.7 / 4513

Overall width (in / mm):

72.3 / 1836

Overall height (in / mm):

50.4 / 1279

Track (in / mm):

front: 62.2 / 1580 

rear: 62.2 / 1580

Minimum ground clearance

(in / mm):

6.61 / 168

Curb weight (lb / kg):

3647 / 1654


Interior

Seating capacity
(front / rear):

2 / 0

Head room (in / mm):

37.6 / 955

Leg room (in / mm):

42.6 / 1083

Shoulder room (in / mm):

54.3 / 1380

Hip room (in / mm):

53 / 1346

Capacities

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

 

  Top up:

11.6 / 328

  Top down:

4.4 / 125

Fuel tank (gal / L):

18 / 68.1

Engine oil (qt / L):

7.5 / 7.1


Performance

Acceleration (0-60 mph / 0-97 km/h):

5.8 sec.

Max. lateral acceleration:

0.90g