2009 Cadillac XLR & XLR-V

W ord is that 2009 marks the end of the exciting XLR, Cadillac’s second attempt at a roadster. The Allante set the stage as Cadillac’s first roadster and was manufactured from 1987 to 1993.

The XLR, however, proved to be a more alluring experiment, borrowing plenty from the Chevrolet Corvette. But unlike the Vette, the XLR houses a supercharged Northstar engine, a remarkable powerplant that has been a favorite of hot rodders for years. But very few, if any, retro rods can match the comfort and style of this well proportioned Caddie roadster. And that retractable hardtop is so cool.

SPECS:
Base Price: $87,000 to $93,000
Horsepower: 320 @ 6400
Torque: 310 @ 4400
0-60: 5.8 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph

Photos and VIDEO at right .

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G eneral Motors has managed to revitalize the Cadillac brand over the last few years with a multi-pronged approach. The entry-level CTS luxury sedan brings in the volume, while the larger STS and DTS compete on the larger (and more luxurious) end of the spectrum. The Cadillac SRX SUV is recognized as one of the best mid-sized luxury SUVs on the market, while the be-chromed and blinged Escalade has helped secure Cadillac’s position as the ride of choice for those who aren't comfortable with the concept of subtlety.

Cadillac is also working to add even more types of vehicles to their product range, primarily in the form of different trim and performance packages. The bulk of Cadillac sales will be filled by more mainstream vehicles, while performance-oriented drivers can opt for the V series. The final piece of the puzzle is the Platinum series, which Cadillac is positioning as being the most opulent and luxurious.

That strategy is perhaps articulated best in the range-topping XLR, Cadillac’s two-seat roadster. The basic XLR weighs in at around $80,000, while the cost of admission for the XLR-V begins at $100,000. The latter represents the most expensive Cadillac currently available, and underscores how GM intends to compete across the luxury car spectrum.

The XLR is available with two powerplants: the XLR ships with a 320-horsepower 4.6L Northstar V-8, while the XLR-V performance model gets a beefier 443-horsepower 4.4L supercharged V-8.

The base XLR is no slouch in the performance department, but performance-minded drivers would be wise to opt for the XLR-V. The latter will blast to 60mph in less than 5 seconds, making it easy to merge into traffic-choked freeways filled with lesser vehicles.

The interior uses high-quality materials, from instruments and gauges designed by Bvlgari to leather seating surfaces and trim that are cut, wrapped and installed by hand . Cadillac extends the hands-on craftsmanship to the engine compartment as well: each Northstar V8 destined for the XLR is hand-assembled by a single builder.

The XLR is based on a modified version of the Corvette platform, and the vehicles share the same approximate exterior dimensions. Cadillac’s “art and science” design language is perhaps best represented in the XLR, which features sharper edges and more angular body lines than any other Cadillac vehicle. Photos of the XLR don’t quite do it justice, as the crisp edges really make the XLR stand out when viewed up close. If you want to stand out from the crowd, the Cadillac dealer may be your first stop.

Related Video:

One of the most eye-catching features of the Cadillac XLR is the power-folding hardtop roof. Transitioning from a hardtop to an open-air convertible in the XLR is a push-button affair that only takes a few seconds. Select the VIDEO tab above on the right.

-Jeff James

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Cadillac XLR & XLR-V

Cadillac XLR & XLR-V

Pricey and powerful, the 2009 Cadillac XLR & XLR-V offer an exhilarating American alternative to the 2-seater European imports.

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