What’s New?
Not much changes on Cadillac’s flagship car for 2007. The XLR will offer an Ultra-luxury Platinum model or a Passion Red Special Edition version, of which only 200 will be made for 2007, like the Star Black special-edition XLR was for 2006. A new 6-speed automatic replaces the 5-speed transmission, and the key fob has been redesigned—as it will be for all future Cadillacs. Also, a Cashmere interior color replaces Shale.

Overview
The XLR is what the brand calls “a contemporary expression of Cadillac’s heritage of landmark design and advanced technology.” In layman’s terms, that means it looks good and has performance to match. The XLR shares its platform with the Chevrolet Corvette. What the XLR offers that the Corvette does not is a retractable hardtop that lowers in less than 30 seconds. Inside, the XLR is as stunning as the exterior design. A choice of light or dark eucalyptus wood complements the aluminum trim pieces, and the instruments were designed by noted Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. Additionally, the Passion Red Special Edition XLR will get a chrome grille, 10-inch chrome wheels, and a numbered sill plate. Production of the Passion Red Special Edition will be limited to only 200.

Under the hood of the sleek XLR is a Northstar 4.6-liter V-8 with 320 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared to some midsize, mid-priced sedans, those numbers seems mild, but consider that the XLR also offers a V-Series variant, which is Cadillac’s performance moniker. The XLR-V carries a supercharged version of the Northstar engine with 443 hp and 414 lb.-ft. of torque, with 90 percent of that peak torque spooling up between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm. This results in a 0-60 mph time of less than five seconds.

Besides the bump in engine power, the XLR-V ups the performance quotient as well, with larger brakes, a thicker front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear lower control arm bushings, larger wheels and tires, a power-steering fluid cooler, and a higher-capacity fuel pump, all making it evident that the V-Series model was tuned specifically for performance. The XLR-V is, according to General Motors, the quickest and most agile Cadillac ever offered.

The Competition
The Cadillac XLR competes in the Midsize Premium Sporty segment, which consists of seven models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, exterior styling, and quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM were the Chevrolet Corvette (36,518 units sold), Porsche 911 (12,045), and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (8,462). The Cadillac XLR sold 3,203 units in 2006, a decrease of 14.1 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Premium Sporty segment include the Lexus SC-Series, Dodge Viper, and Maserati Coupe/Spyder.