The Cadillac XLR was a rear wheel drive, two seat roadster from 2004-2009. Although sales projections fell short, the XLR has the capability to become a future collectible based on being a unique offering from the brand, derived from sleek, futuristic looks, with sports car performance to match.
The XLR began as the 1999 Cadillac Evoq concept, which was a look into Cadillac’s “Art and Science” Design Era at the turn of the century. The Evoq resembled a longer, more aggressive XLR, but presaged other upcoming models like the CTS and SRX.
In 2003 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the XLR debuted on GM’s Y Platform, featuring a NorthStar V8 Engine specifically designed for use in a rear drive platform. As Cadillac’s flagship model, it was the first to feature magnetic ride control, 50/50 weight distribution, and a rear mounted transmission. The XLR would be released for the 2004 model year, and be produced, as well as share components with the C6 Corvette. However, the powertrain between the two would differ, with a 4.6L NorthStar V8 engine powering the Caddy, while the well-known 6.0L LS powers the Corvette.
While the XLR, a luxury coupe, outweighed the Corvette by over 500 pounds, it featured many high-end features, like Adaptive Cruise Control, heated and cooled seats, Touchscreen GPS Navigation, and Bose Premium Audio. While not as fast as the Vette, the 4.6L V8 could still put out 320 Horsepower and hustle to 60 in less than 6 seconds. The performance variant XLR-V featured the same 4.6L NorthStar fitted with an Eaton Supercharger, which put out a staggering 443 Horsepower with a 0-60 time in nearly 4.5 seconds.
Even though the technology, styling, and performance set the XLR apart from its German competitors, the XLR never really caught up to its full potential. Only about 15,000 were ever built, while Cadillac projected more than triple to be sold throughout its run. Because of this, the XLR has the potential to become a collector’s item, and a unique luxury cruiser for years to come.