What Changed for 2008:

• 2008 Alpine White Limited Edition XLR


• XLR Platinum series with six interior/exterior color combinations


• New heated steering wheel


• Improved Magnetic Ride Control system


• Adaptive Forward Lighting


• Head-up display


• Heated and cooled leather seats


• Keyless access with push-button start

Overview
Cadillac’s XLR is the top of the brand’s range, according to GM, and was first introduced for the 2004 model year. The hardtop roadster shares its platform with the Chevrolet Corvette, but its design and powertains are all its own. The XLR is mostly carryover for 2008, but for exclusivity, there’s the 2008 Alpine White Limited Edition XLR. Also, Cadillac returns its exclusive XLR Platinum series.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Cadillac XLR Roadster comes in two models: the XLR with a 320-hp, 4.6-liter, Northstar V-8 engine and the XLR-V high-performance model with its 443-hp, 4.4-liter, Northstar V-8 engine. The 2-seater from Cadillac is loaded with standard equipment, including the V-8 engine; Magnetic Ride Control; electronic stability control; all-speed traction control; 18-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels; power retractable roof; keyless access; adaptive cruise control; and memory settings. The interior features a Bvlgari-designed instrument cluster; eucalyptus wood trim; cooled and heated 8-way power bucket French-seamed perforated leather seats with dual-zone lumbar controls and comprehensive memory settings; and four integrated Bose audio speakers mounted into the head restraints. Available as an option: 18-inch, 7-spoke chrome aluminum wheels for XLR, and 19-inch chrome wheels for the XLR-V.

Cadillac again adds a dash of exclusivity to its halo roadster lineup with the 2008 Alpine White Limited Edition XLR model, featuring 18-inch chrome wheels and a chrome grille. The Alpine White model will have a short production run (December 2007 through February 2008). Cadillac’s 2007 Passion Red XLR quickly sold out.

The brand continues its exclusive XLR Platinum series, with luxury touches that include handcrafted leather interior and six interior/exterior color combinations.

Powertrain
A 4.6-liter, Northstar V-8 engine with variable valve timing powers the 2008 Cadillac XLR, producing 320 hp at 6400 rpm and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. The XLR-V high-performance engine is a supercharged and intercooled 4.4-liter Northstar V-8 that pumps out 443 hp at 6400 rpm and 414 lb.-ft. of torque at 3900 rpm. According to Cadillac, it’s “the quickest and most agile Cadillac ever offered.” Both engines transfer power to the wheels with a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and electronically controlled shifts with Driver Shift Control. The rear-wheel-drive XLR features all-speed traction control. EPA fuel economy for the XLR is estimated at 15 mpg city/24 mpg highway. For the XLR-V, the EPA estimates are 14 mpg city/21 mpg highway. Standard on every 2008 Cadillac is a 5-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain limited warranty with no deductible, 24/7 roadside assistance and courtesy transportation.

Safety
Safety features abound in the 2008 Cadillac XLR, including driver and passenger front and side air bags; all-speed traction control; 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system; electric brake proportioning in rear; brake analog sensor; magnetically controlled, speed-sensitive steering; computer-controlled 4-channel electronic stability control system; and Magnetic Ride Control (computer-controlled active system with computer-controlled shock absorbers). The Cadillac XLR has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)for frontal, side-impact or rollover protection.

Technology
A 6.5-inch diagonal, liquid crystal diode (LCD) touch-screen color display and console houses the XLR’s 6-disc, in-dash CD changer, Bose sound system with 9 speakers, and AudioPilot noise-compensation technology with built-in microphone to continuously monitor the car’s overall sound level. Also included are DVD navigation, and DVD movie playback capability (while the transmission is in Park only), and voice-recognition technology for hands-free entertainment and navigation system operation. Three free months of XM satellite radio are included, along with one year OnStar Directions & Connections plan and Turn-by-Turn Navigation.