Segment:
Luxury Roadster / Personal Luxury Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a convertible package.
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible.
Retractable Hardtop:
Power-operated, multi-panel metal roof that converts the XLR from a coupe to a convertible.
Magnesium Aluminum Chassis:
Lightweight and rigid chassis derived from the Corvette platform, contributing to performance and handling.
Magnetic Ride Control:
Adaptive suspension system that reads the road 1,000 times per second to adjust damping for optimal ride and handling.
Northstar V8 Engine:
Powerful and refined V8 engine providing robust performance.
Features And Controls:
Comprehensive explanation of all vehicle features and controls.
Maintenance Schedules:
Detailed recommended maintenance intervals and procedures.
Diy Activities:
Guidance for select do-it-yourself maintenance and operational tasks.
Towing Considerations:
Information pertaining to towing and trailer management.
Safety Considerations:
Essential safety guidelines and practices for operation.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this class of vehicle).
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission operation and basic maintenance.
Chassis And Suspension:
General information on vehicle dynamics and handling.
Brakes:
Operation of the braking system and related warnings.
Electrical System:
Overview of key electrical components and their functions.
Infotainment And Comfort:
Operation of audio, climate control, and navigation systems.
Convertible Top Operation:
Detailed instructions for operating and maintaining the retractable hardtop.
Lighting And Visibility:
Explanation of exterior and interior lighting functions.
Fluid Checks:
Guidance on checking essential fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.).
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Information on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and checking tire pressure.
Key Fob Operation:
Instructions for using the remote keyless entry and ignition.
Basic Troubleshooting:
Tips for identifying and addressing common dashboard warning lights and minor issues.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on procedures for breakdowns, flat tires, and jump-starting.
Depth:
Covers essential owner-level information, routine maintenance, and basic operational guidance. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typical of a service manual.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text-based PDF, allowing for keyword searches within the document.
Printability:
Designed to be printable on standard office printers.
Physical Equivalent:
Digital version of the original factory-issued physical owner's manual, typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound.
Physical Equivalent:
Typically printed on high-quality, glossy paper for durability and image clarity.
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated
Bore X Stroke:
3.62 in x 3.31 in (92 mm x 84.3 mm)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
320 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (PFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (GM dexos1™ compliant or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool® extended life coolant (orange)
Transmission Type:
6-speed automatic
Optional Transmission:
Not available for 2008 model year.
Shifting Modes:
Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability via paddle shifters or gear selector).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 9.3 US quarts (8.8 liters) for a complete refill.
Length:
176.2 inches (4475 mm)
Width:
72.2 inches (1834 mm)
Height:
50.1 inches (1273 mm)
Wheelbase:
105.7 inches (2685 mm)
Front Track:
61.1 inches (1552 mm)
Rear Track:
61.2 inches (1555 mm)
Curb Weight:
3,800 - 3,900 lbs (1724 - 1769 kg) depending on options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4,600 lbs (2087 kg)
Trunk Volume Coupe:
11.7 cubic feet (331 liters)
Trunk Volume Convertible:
4.4 cubic feet (124 liters)
Standard Wheel Size:
18 x 8.5 inches front, 19 x 9.5 inches rear
Standard Tire Size:
235/50R18 front, 255/40R19 rear
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120.65 mm (5 x 4.75 inches)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (for front occupants)
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Standard StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Run Flat Tires:
Standard run-flat tires, eliminating the need for a spare tire.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up rollover protection bars.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Head Unit:
Bose premium audio system with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and MP3 playback.
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition.
Display:
Driver Information Center (DIC) with multi-function display, touch-screen interface for navigation and climate control.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist system.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free calling integration.
Keyless Start:
Keyless Access and Push-Button Start.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 2-5 years or 30,000-100,000 miles thereafter (per Dex-Cool recommendations).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 12 months or 15,000 miles (24,000 km), or as needed based on air quality.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Inspect every 2 years, replace as needed (recommendation often depends on climate and usage, but a fluid flush is advisable around 3-5 years).
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid (specific type usually indicated in manual, often Dexron III/VI compatible).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for exact specification).
Retractable Hardtop Mechanism:
Potential issues with hydraulic systems, motors, and seals of the retractable roof, requiring specialized diagnosis and repair.
Magnetic Ride Control Sensors:
Failure of suspension sensors can lead to warning lights and compromised ride quality.
Interior Trim Wear:
Some interior materials, particularly on high-contact surfaces, may show wear over time.
Infotainment System Glitches:
Occasional electronic glitches with navigation or audio systems, often resolved by software updates or resets.
Cadillac Legacy:
Cadillac, America's premier luxury automotive brand, known for innovation, comfort, and prestige since 1902.
Xlr Concept:
Developed as a spiritual successor to the classic Eldorado and a competitor to European luxury roadsters, heavily influenced by the Chevrolet Corvette (C6 platform).
First Generation:
Launched for the 2004 model year.
2008 Updates:
Minor refinements in features and packaging, continued emphasis on luxury and performance.
Xlr V Variant:
A high-performance supercharged variant (XLR-V) was also available, featuring the 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V8.
Manufacturing Location:
Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
2004-2009
Initial Reception:
Generally praised for its design, performance, and luxury appointments, though some critics noted its high price point and positioning against more established European rivals.
Safety Recognition:
Achieved high safety ratings from NHTSA.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Consumer Reports ratings for this model year typically varied; owners often reported satisfaction with performance and comfort but noted higher-than-average repair costs.
