2009 Cadillac XLR

Introduced as a new model in 2004, the Cadillac XLR is a luxury roadster intended to compete with the Mercedes SL550, the BMW 650i and the Jaguar XK. The XLR was foreshadowed by the 1999 Evoq concept and designed as a halo car to earn Cadillac prestige during its renaissance in the competitive luxury market. While the XLR shares its platform with the Chevrolet Corvette, it features unique interior and exterior styling, distinct suspension tuning, and a power retractable hard top similar to the one found in the Mercedes SL-class.

The XLR is rear wheel drive, powered by a 4.6-litre Northstar V8 producing 320 horsepower and 315 lb.-feet of torque mated to a six speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually via the console shifter. It features 18 inch, seven spoke aluminum wheels and a Magnetic Ride Control system with computer controlled adjustable shock absorbers.

Standard luxury features on the XLR include heated and cooled leather seats, a 9-speaker Bose sound system, eucalyptus wood interior trim, and a touch-screen DVD based navigation system with a 7-inch LCD display. Remote keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and ultrasonic rear parking assist are also included. An optional 'platinum' package adds a hand stitched leather interior, olive ash wood trim, and Alcantara headliner.

Safety features are comprised of front and side airbags, traction control, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system. A unique heads up system projects digital readouts of the speedometer, audio settings, and cruise control on the windshield to help the driver maintain attention on the road. Updates for 2008 are limited to a revised suspension to reduce any hint of floatiness, a heated steering wheel, and a new Elektra Blue color.