Cadillac XLR

The new luxury roadster, designed to go head-to-head with models from Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Lexus, uses an all-new 4.6-L Northstar V8 and innovative features such as adaptive cruise control, Magnetic Ride Control, and keyless access.

Cadillac once again is entering the luxury roadster market with the 2004 XLR featuring the brand's new dynamic design direction and many advanced technologies. The car has a performance-oriented chassis and structure, many components of which are shared with Chevrolet's Corvette, and an all-new 4.6-L Northstar V8 for longitudinal rear- and all-wheel- drive applications. The combination is said to make the XLR the lightest and most powerful vehicle in its class. Innovative features 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. Interior design highlights are eucalyptus wood, aluminum accents, and gauges designed in conjunction with Bvlgari.

The XLR traces its design roots to the Evoq concept car-unveiled at the 1999 North American International Auto Show-that laid the groundwork for Cadillac's new design direction, which was first embodied in the CTS sedan. A team led by David Hill, Vehicle Line Executive for General Motors Performance Cars, and including Chief Designer Tom Peters and Chief Engineer David Leone, was charged with developing the production version of the car. Compared to the Evoq, the XLR has a shortened front-axle-to-dash distance and a rear axle pushed slightly rearward-and the car's shape was altered slightly to provide appropriate trunk space and adequate rear vision. Production began in the spring on a dedicated assembly line at General Motors' Bowling Green Assembly Plant.