Basic Information Identification Make: Cadillac Model: XLR Year: 2009 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 2009 Cadillac XLR is a luxury personal sports car (roadster) positioned as a premium, upscale...
The 2009 Cadillac XLR is a luxury personal sports car (roadster) positioned as a premium, upscale convertible designed for performance and comfort, competing with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible, and Jaguar XK Convertible.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
The XLR offered a unique blend of American luxury with European-inspired performance dynamics, featuring a retractable hardtop for year-round usability and advanced technology for its time. Its focus was on effortless touring and sophisticated design rather than outright track performance.
Key Features
Key Features:
Power-retractable hardtop, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, head-up display (HUD), available adaptive cruise control, Bose premium audio, and a luxurious interior crafted with premium materials.
Vehicle Type
Vehicle Type:
Two-door convertible sports car with a retractable hardtop.
Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, safety features, comfort and convenience, audio system, climate control, navigation system, vehicle care, and troubleshooting.
Page Count
Page Count:
Approximately 250-300 pages (estimated based on typical owner's manuals for this class of vehicle)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Completeness
Completeness:
This is a comprehensive owner's manual covering all essential aspects of operating and maintaining the 2009 Cadillac XLR for the end-user.
Availability
Availability:
Instant download upon purchase.
Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Systems Covered:
Engine, transmission, braking system, suspension, steering, electrical system, interior controls, exterior features, convertible top operation, infotainment system, climate control, safety restraint systems, lighting, and driver information center.
Procedures Included
Procedures Included:
Starting and operating the vehicle, understanding dashboard indicators, proper use of comfort and convenience features, operating the convertible hardtop, basic maintenance checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), cleaning and care recommendations, emergency procedures, and basic troubleshooting guidance.
Procedures Included Extended:
Information on operating the Active Fuel Management system (if applicable to specific 2009 XLR trims), manual operation of the convertible top in case of power failure.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Covers essential information for everyday use and basic maintenance, designed for the owner. Does not delve into complex diagnostic procedures or detailed component removal/installation steps typically found in a service manual.
Special Features
Special Features:
Detailed guidance on the operation and care of the power-retractable hardtop, including troubleshooting common issues and safety precautions.
Troubleshooting Scope
Troubleshooting Scope:
Provides basic troubleshooting guidance for common warning lights and minor operational issues, empowering owners to diagnose simple problems.
Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire document.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchability
Searchability:
PDF is typically searchable, allowing users to quickly find specific topics.
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine:
4.6L V8 Northstar VVT
Performance
Horsepower:
323 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
310 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel System:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Engine Codes
Engine Codes:
L37 (standard)
Engine Description
Engine Description:
The Northstar V8 is a 4.6-liter DOHC V8 engine known for its smooth operation and comfortable power delivery, designed for luxury touring.
Fuel Type
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Adaptive shift control, manual mode (DSC) for driver-selectable gear changes.
Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
177.7 inches (4514 mm)
Width:
71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
52.1 inches (1323 mm)
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches (2669 mm)
Front Overhang:
34.3 inches (871 mm)
Rear Overhang:
37.7 inches (958 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3800-3900 lbs (1724-1769 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult vehicle placard or VIN decoder for exact GVWR.
Payload Capacity:
Consult vehicle placard for exact payload capacity.
Cargo
Trunk Capacity:
8.8 cubic feet (249 liters) with hardtop up; reduced with hardtop stowed.
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (model year specific, consult official reports)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (model year specific, consult official reports)
IIHS Front Impact:
Good (model year specific, consult official reports)
Active Features
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Run-Flat Tires, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Adaptive Cruise Control (optional).
Active Head Restraints:
Yes, designed to reduce whiplash injuries.
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, head curtain airbags (integrated into A-pillars and doors), three-point seat belts with pretensioners, active head restraints.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Bose premium audio system with CD player, MP3 capability, and available navigation system. Cadillac's infotainment interface features a central touchscreen and dashboard-mounted controls.
Infotainment Features:
SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability (subscription required), steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Display Type:
Color touchscreen display.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance:
Head-Up Display (HUD) projecting speed, gear selection, and navigation prompts onto the windshield. Optional Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
OnStar telematics system (subscription-based), auxiliary input for audio devices.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Consult manual for specific recommendation, typically around 100,000 miles for Dex-Cool coolant.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2-3 years, or as indicated by vehicle maintenance schedule.
Dexron III/VI (check owner's manual for exact specification)
Differential Fluid Type:
GM Part #12345831 (or equivalent synthetic 75W-90, consult manual)
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Potential for early models to have issues with the power telescoping steering column, convertible top hydraulic system leaks, and infotainment system glitches. Magnetic Ride Control sensor failures can occur. Regular maintenance is key.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Cadillac, an iconic American luxury automotive brand, has a long history dating back to 1902, known for pioneering technological advancements and luxurious appointments.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The XLR was introduced for the 2004 model year as Cadillac's halo sports car, based on the Chevrolet Corvette C6 platform. It featured a unique styling and a retractable hardtop, differentiating it from the Corvette. The 2009 model year received minor updates but remained largely consistent with previous iterations, including the high-performance XLR-V variant (which had a supercharged V8).
Production
Production Years:
2004-2009
Manufacturing Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Model Overview
Model Overview:
The 2009 XLR represents the final model year of this luxury roadster, known for its sophisticated design and advanced features, a significant departure from traditional Cadillac offerings.
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The XLR received generally positive reviews for its styling, comfort, and advanced technology, although some critics noted its performance was not as sharp as some European rivals.