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The Cadillac XLR 2-seat hard-top convertible was made from 2004 through 2009.  The V- series example, XLR-V, ran from 2006-2009.   Where my STS-V had a Cadillac Sigma chassis and LC3 Cadillac Supercharged V8, the XLR-V had a modified Corvette Y-chassis and the LC3 Supercharged Northstar V8.  All of the LC3 engines were made by hand at the Wixom Performance Center, each engine completed by a single master technician.

The “base” XLR was a premium, flagship Cadillac.  It premiered at $75K in 2004,  just beyond the Escalade EXT Platinum price that year, the most expensive Cadillac besides the XLR.  Besides the convertible hard top, the XLR features heated and cooled seats, radar adaptive cruise control, heads-up display, and the 320 hp RWD 4.6L DOHC Northstar V8.

The XLR-V when available from 2006 added more power, cooling, and an upgraded suspension and cost a cool $100K.

XLR-V: The 2006 Cadillac XLR-V ultra-luxury, high-performance roadster sets new standards in power, performance and personal amenities, combining distinctive, bold styling with contemporary luxury, ingenious technology and rear-wheel drive performance.

At the heart of the XLR-V is the new, 4.4L version of the Northstar engine outfitted with a positive displacement intercooled supercharger. The Northstar V-8 SC (supercharged), which also powers the STS-V, produces 443 horsepower (330 kw) at 6400 rpm and 414 lb.-ft. (561 Nm) torque at 3900 rpm (SAE certified*). The engine’s power is underscored by its ability to deliver 90 percent of its peak torque between 2200 and 6000 rpm. The engine also features variable valve timing, enabling outstanding top-end performance while maintaining the refinement and quality associated with a luxury marque. The engine is mated to the all-new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.

The 6L80 is one of the most technologically advanced automatic transmissions in the industry, using clutch-to-clutch operation and an advanced integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth, precise shifts. In addition, a wide 6.04:1 overall ratio spread enhances performance and fuel economy.

The 6L80 also incorporates a host of advanced driving enhancement features, including advanced Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS), Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL), and Driver Shift Control (DSC).

Chassis modifications on the XLR-V include larger brakes; recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MR); larger front stabilizer bar and the addition of a rear stabilizer bar; stiffer rear lower control arm bushings; larger wheels and tires; a power steering fluid cooler; and a higher-capacity fuel pump.

XLR-V styling modifications impart a bolder character in keeping with its performance capabilities, yet retain an aura of refined elegance. Design refinements include:

• Polished wire mesh upper and lower front grilles, a V-Series signature
• Aggressively sculpted hood that makes room for the supercharger
• New 10-spoke aluminum wheel design with sterling silver finish
• Unique V-Series and Supercharged badging
• Four polished stainless steel exhaust tips
• Black finish brake calipers with machined V-Series logo
• Three exterior color offerings: Infra Red, Black Raven and Light Platinum
• Zingana Wood on the shifter knob, cup holder area, steering wheel, and on portions of the door and center console
• Ebony leather with French stitching on interior components
• Soft, supple leather seats with French stitching and matching perforated suede fabric inserts
• Aluminum accent pieces throughout the interior

Like XLR, the XLR-V will be built at GM’s state-of-the-art, award-winning Bowling Green assembly center.

From 2004-2006 the XLR had a 5-speed automatic (no manual available, but does offer selectable shifting) transmission.  In 2006-2009 the XLR upgraded to a 6 speed automatic.  The XLR-V’s all came with the 6 speed automatic.

The XLR’s used the magnetic ride control, while my STS-V used conventional performance shocks/struts.

Shopping for an XLR now, my sense is a good non-supercharged price is around $25K for a low mileage version in good condition.  The XLR-V has held around a $10K premium over the standard XLR.   The XLR-V loses the adaptive cruise control (has normal electronic cruise), and wood steering wheel (less grippy for track duty).  Because they were quite expensive new, even with some depreciation XLR pricing can cover a wide range, so good to watch for a good deal.

I am currently actively shopping for an XLR, and plan to post more info as I search out an XLR as my replacement ‘weekend’ and date car.

SPECIFICATIONS

(See GM of Canada section for Canadian product differences.)

DETROIT – Cadillac is partnering with The LIFERS Project and photographer Matt Alberts to create “The Seasons Collection,” a multi-media photography collection of adventure sports-driven stories about people who push the limits in pursuit of their passion.

Using wet collodion photography, a 19^th Century technique known for its sensitivity to ultraviolet light, long exposure times and enduring images, “The Seasons Collection” follows individuals and finds the correlation between what drives them and the seasons that inspire them.

“Cadillac has always been a brand for individuals who are passionate about their pursuits” said Cadillac Chief Marketing Officer Uwe Ellinghaus. “Partnering with The LIFERS Project allows Cadillac to highlight individuals who share our belief that there shouldn’t be limitation in the pursuit of one’s passions, but rather the inner drive to take the risk and march forward.”

The first collection, SNOW, features a snowboarding adventure focused on those whose passion is driven by snow. The second, SUN, travels along the West Coast to find those who are influenced by the skateboarding lifestyle. The final collection, WATER, travels through the Northeast to follow the surfing community and other water pursuits.

Alberts will use wet plate photography combined with digital photography and video production for the project.

Viewers can follow the journey to create this one-of-a-kind photography collection in real time throughout the year via social media updates and webisodes, weekly recap videos of events, places traveled and LIFERS interviewed while on the road.

The project will conclude with an art show in New York City in December 2015, where the audience can view the original photographs alongside Cadillac’s range of award-winning vehicles.

About Cadillac
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

About The LIFERS Project
LIFERS is an adventure driven photography project created by Matt Alberts. Using wet plate collodion as a medium, LIFERS captures the images of people who have dedicated their lives to their passion and the lifestyle that comes along with it. A LIFER pushes the limits and restraints of everyday life in order to truly live the life they want. A LIFER is passionate, bold, optimistic, and truly pursue life with power and anticipation.