Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Sports Convertible
Market Niche:
High-performance, technologically advanced personal luxury vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, BMW Z4, Jaguar XK8.
Retractable Hardtop:
Features a sophisticated power-retractable hardtop.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, but with a longer wheelbase and luxury appointments.
Dvv:
Derived from the Corvette C6 platform for enhanced performance and handling.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of all engine variants.
Transmission:
Coverage for automatic transmission: diagnostics, maintenance, repair, rebuild procedures, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Includes driveshaft, differential, axle, and suspension system service and repair.
Brakes:
Comprehensive coverage of brake control systems, brake components, and parking brake service.
Steering:
Includes steering column, power steering system maintenance, diagnostics, and repair.
Cooling System:
Detailed information on the cooling system, including radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant specifications.
Fuel System:
Fuel delivery, injection system diagnostics, fuel pump, and fuel filter service.
Emission Control:
Diagnostics and repair of emission control systems, including catalytic converters and emissions sensors.
Electrical System:
Extensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including battery, charging system, lighting, and accessories.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnostics, repair, refrigerant handling, and climate control.
Safety Systems:
Includes Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, and airbag system service information.
Body And Trim:
Coverage for exterior and interior components, including doors, hood, glass, mirrors, and trim.
Chassis:
Detailed information on chassis components, suspension, and wheel alignment.
Multiplex Communication:
Coverage for Multiplex/CAN communication systems and diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Complete preventative maintenance procedures and schedules.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Repair:
Detailed repair instructions for every component and system.
Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Wiring Schematics:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
Illustrations Diagrams:
Abundant diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views for clarity.
Depth:
Factory-level, high-detail repair information used by dealership technicians.
Scope Of Repair:
From basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Standard side-impact airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection system.
Seatbelts:
Three-point safety belts with pretensioners.
Navigation System:
Optional DVD-based navigation system with touchscreen interface.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with CD player, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary input.
Head Up Display:
Optional Head-Up Display (HUD) projecting critical information onto the windshield.
Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Parking Assist system.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry and push-button start.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Consult manual for specific intervals, often extended or based on driving conditions, but typically around 60,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (GM spec: GM4718M or dexos1 Gen 2).
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Coolยฎ Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Retractable Hardtop Mechanism:
Potential issues with hydraulic lines, pumps, and seals for the power-retractable roof. Requires careful maintenance and lubrication.
Suspension Components:
Early models may experience wear on bushings and ball joints, particularly with spirited driving.
Electronic Modules:
As with many vehicles of this era, intermittent issues with various electronic control modules can arise.
Cadillac Heritage:
Cadillac, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing luxury vehicles, known for innovation and premium appointments.
Xlr Development:
Developed as Cadillac's halo sports car, heavily inspired by the Evoq concept car.
Xlr V Variant:
High-performance XLR-V variant introduced in 2006 with a supercharged V8 engine.
Production Start Year:
2003 (for the 2004 model year)
Production End Year:
2009
Assembly Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
๐ Awards & Recognition
Design Award Inspiration:
Inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept, which won numerous design awards.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Historically, reliability ratings for the XLR have been mixed, as is common for low-volume luxury and performance vehicles.
Safety Certifications:
Meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for its model years.
