The XLR is a new model from Cadillac, and it falls in line
with their resurgent philosophy: the contemporary expression
of Cadillac's heritage of landmark design and advanced technology.
Add to that a new penchant for speed, flare and daring (exemplified
with the CTS), and the 2004 Cadillac XLR is just another
step in their quest to push back atop the throne of American
manufacturers. The XLR is certainly a good step in that
direction. A two-seater with a retractable hardtop cover,
the 2004 Cadillac XLR is every bit deserving of its luxury
roadster status. It has plenty of power, style and comfort
to satisfy.
Available Models
The all-new 2004 Cadillac XLR is offered in one model trim
only.
Interior Features
Though the 2004 Cadillac XLR seats two, it doesn't shirk
any of the appointments necessary to achieve luxury status.
The leather upholstery is soft and giving, highlighted with
a subtle eucalyptus wood trim. Air conditioning with dual-zone
automatic climate controls keeps you nice and cool when
the top is up, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel with
radio controls is ideal for both gripping and concentrating
on the road.
Of course, there is plenty more. The XLR's seats are both
heated and cooled in the back and the cushion. There is
a 7-inch color touch screen mounted in the upper center
console with access to DVD navigation and entertainment
(available in Park position only). A nine-speaker world-class
Bose audio system with a six-CD in-dash changer and digital
signal processing modes, plus XM Satellite Radio keeps the
music going for hours. The XLR is also equipped with OnStar
and a head-up display that projects key driver information
onto the windshield.
Exterior Features
The retractable power hardtop opens and closes quietly and
efficiently. The top structure is made of aluminum and magnesium
with composite exterior panels, a heated glass backlight
and glass rear-quarter windows. Up front, rain-sensing wipers
do the work for you.
Performance
The 2004 Cadillac XLR looks cool, but it really sets itself
apart with its performance. The engine responsible for this
is a 4.6-liter Northstar VVT (variable valve timing) V8
with 320 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque
at 4400 rpm. The engine has been extensively re-engineered
for the luxury roadster, and it marks the Northstar's first
adaptation to rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive
(AWD) configurations. The engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic
5L50-E 5-speed automatic transmission, which offers three
performance features normally found individually on luxury
sport sedans: driver shift control, performance algorithm
shifting and performance algorithm liftfoot.
Handling the XLR is a pleasure with the Magnetic Ride Control
system, which provides electronically controlled, magnetic-fluid
based real-time damping. The ride is also enhanced by a
new performance car architecture. Patented by GM, it comprises
steel hydroformed perimeter frame rails, an enclosed structural
"tunnel," aluminum cockpit structure and balsa-cored
composite floors.
Safety and Security
The XLR's safety system rounds out a comprehensive array
of features. All models come with standard dual front airbags,
side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, an antiskid
system, tire-pressure monitor, a rear-obstacle-detection
system and cornering lights.
|
|
|
|
|
Fast Stats
|
Seats |
2
|
MSRP
from |
$75,385
|
Engine |
4.6L V-8 VVT
|
Horsepower |
320 @ 6400
|
Transmission |
5-speed automatic
|
MPG:
City/Hwy |
17 / 25 (estimated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|