Cadillac XLR

Cadillac XLR
Overview
Manufacturer	Cadillac (General Motors)
Production	2003–2009
Model years	2004–2009
Assembly	Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S. (Bowling Green Assembly Plant)
Designer	Tom Peters (prod. exterior: 1999, 2000)[1][2] Kip Wasenko (Evoq Concept: 1998; chief designer of prod: 2000)[3][4] Wayne Cherry (design director)[5]
Body and chassis
Class	Grand tourer
Body style	2-door roadster
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Y-body/GMX215
Related	Chevrolet Corvette (C5) Chevrolet Corvette (C6)
Powertrain
Engine	4.6 L Northstar V8 4.4 L Northstar Supercharged V8
Transmission	5-speed 5L50 automatic 6-speed 6L80 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	105.7 in (2,685 mm)
Length	177.7 in (4,514 mm)
Width	72.3 in (1,836 mm)
Height	50.4 in (1,280 mm)
Curb weight	3,840 lb (1,742 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Cadillac Allanté

The Cadillac XLR is a two-passenger roadster manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 2003 to 2009 across a single generation — and noted for its power retractable hardtop, Bulgari designed interior instruments, head-up display, adaptive suspension, rear-mounted transmission and near 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. As Cadillac's flagship model, the XLR was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show and began production for the 2004 model year — foreshadowed by the 1999 Evoq concept.

The Cadillac XLR, although sometimes thought of as a badge-engineered variant of the C6 Chevrolet Corvette, also manufactured at GM's Bowling Green assembly, actually made its debut a year ahead of it. While the two share the GM Y platform, hydroformed perimeter frame, and composite bodywork construction technology, each has distinct engines, bodies, interiors, and suspension settings, with the XLR also featuring a unique power retractable hardtop.

The XLR was the first production Cadillac with radar-based adaptive cruise control (ACC)^[6] and the first to offer both heated and cooled seats.

The XLR was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2004.