Positioning:
Luxury grand tourer/sports convertible, competing with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SL, BMW 6 Series Convertible, and Porsche Boxster/911 convertible.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the GM Kappa platform, shared with the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, though significantly enhanced and upscaled for Cadillac's luxury positioning.
Design:
Distinctive Cadillac styling, power retractable hardtop, premium interior materials, performance-oriented chassis.
Technology:
Magnesium-alloy structure for the retractable roof, available Magnetic Ride Control, Bose audio system, Head-Up Display (HUD).
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a stylish, performance-oriented luxury convertible with a focus on technology and comfort.
Primary Coverage:
Features and controls, maintenance, service schedules, do-it-yourself activities, towing, safety considerations
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to physical manual for exact count; electronic versions often mirror this (typically 200-300 pages for this class of vehicle)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation, rear-wheel drive system
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, infotainment system, comfort controls, power accessories, battery, charging system basics
Body:
Retractable hardtop operation and care, door locks, windows, mirrors
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, using climate control, audio system, navigation (if equipped), convertible top operation
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement
Diy Activities:
Basic checks, minor fluid top-offs, perhaps cabin air filter replacement (dependent on manufacturer's scope for owners)
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation, emergency procedures, safe driving practices
Towing:
Towing considerations, towing capacity (if applicable for light towing, e.g., flat towing a trailer), trailer wiring basics
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on understanding vehicle functions, basic checks, and recommended service intervals. Not a full service or repair manual.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.967 L (364 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
99.0 mm x 94.6 mm (3.90 in x 3.72 in)
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
400 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECU:
GM's ECM (Engine Control Module)
Length:
177.7 inches (4513 mm)
Width:
72.7 inches (1847 mm)
Height:
50.1 inches (1273 mm)
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches (2669 mm)
Front Track:
61.5 inches (1562 mm)
Rear Track:
62.5 inches (1587 mm)
Front Headroom:
37.4 inches (950 mm)
Front Legroom:
43.1 inches (1095 mm)
Front Shoulder Room:
53.1 inches (1349 mm)
Trunk Volume Top Up:
Approx. 10.7 cu ft (303 L)
Trunk Volume Top Down:
Approx. 5.2 cu ft (147 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700-3800 lbs (1678-1724 kg), varies with options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4300 lbs (1950 kg)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not specifically rated as a convertible by NHTSA in standard format, but GM prioritizes structural rigidity and safety features.
IIHS Crash Test:
Likely received good ratings in frontal and side impact tests for its class, but specific convertible ratings might differ.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags (often thorax-mounted)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection system (often integrated behind the seats)
Seat Belts:
3-point height-adjustable seat belts with pretensioners
Pedestrian Safety:
Potential pedestrian-friendly design elements, but not a primary focus for this era/segment.
Audio System:
Bose Premium Audio System with CD player, AM/FM radio. Optional satellite radio.
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system with touchscreen interface.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Head Up Display:
Optional Head-Up Display (HUD) projecting speed and other critical information onto the windshield.
Keyless Entry Start:
Keyless Access with Push Button Start
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. (Check manual for specific driving conditions)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Cabin Air Filter:
Typically every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually, or as needed based on air quality.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using Dex-Cool coolant).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect periodically. Fluid change recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and fluid condition. Consult manual.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, GM dexos1™ Gen 2 or equivalent synthetic oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.0 quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter change
Coolant:
GM Original Equipment Dex-Cool® (50/50 mix of Dex-Cool antifreeze and deionized water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 compatible brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent, consult manual for exact specification.
Retractable Top:
Potential issues with hydraulic cylinders, pump, and sensors for the power retractable hardtop; requires careful maintenance and lubrication.
Electronics:
Various electronic modules and sensors can be prone to failure over time, common in high-tech luxury vehicles of this era. Includes infotainment, climate control, and comfort features.
Suspension:
While generally robust, early models might see wear in suspension bushings and components, especially with spirited driving or high mileage.
Engine Ls2:
The LS2 is generally a robust engine. Common issues, if any, tend to be age-related like valve cover gasket leaks or minor sensor issues. Oil consumption can increase with age and mileage.
Cadillac Legacy:
Cadillac, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing luxury vehicles, often at the forefront of automotive technology and comfort.
Xlr Genesis:
The XLR was conceived as a modern interpretation of the classic Eldorado Brougham and a competitor to European luxury roadsters. It debuted for the 2004 model year as a 2004 model.
2005 Updates:
For 2005, the XLR received minor updates, potentially including new interior trim options, revised suspension tuning, and possibly minor software updates for the infotainment system. The powertrain remained the same.
Production Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA (at the Corvette Assembly Plant)
Production Years:
2004-2009
Xlr V Variant:
A higher-performance XLR-V model was introduced for the 2006 model year, featuring a supercharged 4.4L V8.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The XLR did not make Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run, facing stiff competition.
North American Car Of The Year:
The XLR was a contender but did not win the North American Car of the Year award.
Auto Express Convertible Awards:
May have received positive reviews from various automotive publications for its style and performance, though specific awards are not widely cited.
Customer Satisfaction:
Customer satisfaction was often mixed, with praise for performance and luxury, but some criticism regarding reliability and electronics, common for highly complex luxury vehicles.