2005 Cadillac XLRDeclining Cadillac sales in the 1990s forced General Motors to take a hard look at its luxury division and that marque's model offerings. New models were soon...
2005 Cadillac XLR
Declining Cadillac sales in the 1990s forced General Motors to take a hard look at its luxury division and that marque's model offerings. New models were soon conceived including an Evoq concept, a two-door roadster that made its debut at a 1999 Detroit auto show. Five years later the Cadillac XLR was introduced, a model underpinned by the same platform used by the Chevrolet Corvette.
For consignment Cadillac's venture into the sports car market. A 2-seater, retractable hardtop sports sedan, with a Northstar 4.6 Liter V8 SFI coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission, loaded with the typical Cadillac amenities. This 46,548 mile car presents with its factory Steel Blue exterior paint, and Shale leather interior trimmings.
Exterior
Looking much like it was carved with a knife on a wedge, angles surfaces deflect the wind over the rearward raked front aftermarket mesh grille, past the long pony style hood, and over the low profile windshield and roof. Ultra-wide doors are fitting snugly between a long front quarter fender, and an angle sculpted rear quarter. More angled taillights frame the edges of the rear quarters and make their way around the outward V shaped trunk deck and lid then a large same angled neoprene bumper is below. Quad oval exhaust tips peek out from underneath. The hardtop fascinatingly disappears into the trunk area all automatically and does so flawlessly and with the flick of a switch. All panels are bathed in Steel Blue still the factory paint, with just a few faults throughout which is typical for factory paint. Big 18-inch aluminum wheels are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Shale interior trim is inside and there is plenty of leather coverings in this color as well as wood appliqué veneers and stitched surfaces. Nice comfortable buckets with high backs draped in shale leather are inside. These have several electrical adjustment switches, memory buttons, and built in speakers. Between these seats is a spacious central console glovebox and panel with more wood appliqué and brushed stainless which houses the shift lever, and hard top toggle up and down switch. A deluxe steering wheel fronts analog backlit and a digital odometer. In the center is a large information screen and just below a premium stereo.
Drivetrain
4.6 liters of Northstar V8 power with SFI is very clean and well maintained. On back is a 5-speed automatic transmission (5L50-E) and a 2.93 rear axle.
Undercarriage
All clean with plenty of lightweight aluminum castings, suspension ride handling system, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes in disc form, independent coil springs upfront and transverse leaf springs for the rear. No rust, not even a hint of road dirt, nice and black with the corrosion free castings.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth runner, this car has nice acceleration, good handling, and plenty of driver and passenger convenience options. The Cadillac sports car ride nice and was solid but smooth. All interior functions were in full working order.
A well preserved example of this one run car. It was successful because it combined comfort with sportiness and created a high end market.
VIN DECODE
1G6YV34A155600290
1-USA
G-General Motors
6-Cadillac
YV-XLR
3-2 Door Convertible
4-Manual Belts, Front & Sides Airbags
A-4.6L 320hp Northstar V8
1-Check Digit
5-2005
5-Bowling Green, KY Assy Plant
600290-Sequential Unit Number