With few updates since its introduction in 2004, the Cadillac XLR roadster desperately needed a pick-me-up. The 2009 version gets it, with a facelift based on the CTS sports sedan and a few new standard features. Starting with the front fascia, the rear-wheel-drive sports convertible borrows the wider “Arts and Science” grille from the CTS, gets new foglights, and adds chrome fender vents along with matching side vents. The sculpted bulging hood comes from the XLR-V. In the back, the rear fascia sports larger exhaust tips. The update gives the XLR a more modern, streamlined, haughty profile.
The 2009 Cadillac XLR keeps its 4.6-liter, 320-hp Northstar V8 engine and 6-speed shiftable hydramatic. It packs plenty of power and driving excitement, hitting 0-60 in just under 6 seconds, but noticeably lags behind the power plant in the comparable Mercedes Benz SL550 and the Chevrolet Corvette, with which it shares a platform. With a more expensive pricetag than the Corvette, drivers might wish for a little more oomph and might want to look at the more performane-oriented XLR-V. Handling matches the superior quality in the rest of the Cadillac lineup, thanks to standard traction control and StabiliTrak, Cadillac's own Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension, and an electronic throttle and adaptive transmission that provide smooth, quiet shifting.
The two-passenger convertible gets a new Alcantara headliner and hand-stitched leather trim on the instrument panel, which carries revised gauges. The hardtop convertible retracts in less than 30 seconds at the touch of a button, sliding easily into the trunk. This feature provides one of the few complaints about the 2009 XLR. The already small trunk (11.6 cubic feet) shrinks down to a useless 4.4 cubic feet with the top down. Bluetooth joins the long list of upscale and technologically advanced amenities this year. Keyless start, heated and cooled seats and steering wheel, a navigation system, and a DVD player provide all the necessary creature comforts for the open road. One hopes the DVD player in a two-person car is intended only for the passenger.
Along with the standard ABS brakes, dual front-side airbags, parking sensors, and 18-inch wheels, the 2009 XLR boasts advanced technology, some of which was first introduced in previous versions of the convertible. Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance between cars and Adaptive Lighting synchronizes the direction of the lights with the steering wheel. Though the XLR might not match the acceleration power of some of its counterparts, and drivers do report a general vagueness to the steering, it delivers satisfying, smooth, and confident open-air performance.
I recently purchased a 2009 Cad XLR Platinum manufactured in March 2009 as shown on the ID. The vin# ends in 600785, I would like to know how near the end of production my XLR was made? I understand the production ended in March 31, 2009.
I purchased a vehicle from Dean Volvo and wish to rate the dealer
I have placed an ad for my 2009 cadillac XLR and I would like to add additional comments
Trunk lid goes up fine but will not stay open
car dissapeared in 1 hour off of site
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.73
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: transverse leaf springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent