Motor Authority - blog Category: XLR

The ongoing economic recession continues to impact the car industry and General Motors with reduced revenue and the need to cut production. Reducing production means cutting back on labor, resulting in today's announcement of 2,000 jobs to be cut.

Along with the lost jobs, GM will be cutting back on output of specific models and doing away with the Cadillac XLR altogether. The Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 will both see their numbers reduced as 800 jobs leave the Lordstown plant where they are built, reports Automotive News.

Heavier losses of 1,200 jobs at the Delta Township plant where the Buick Enclanve, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook... The ongoing economic recession continues to impact the car industry and General Motors with reduced revenue and the need to cut production. Reducing production means cutting back on labor, resulting in today's announcement of 2,000 jobs to be cut. Along with the lost jobs, GM will be cutting back on output of specific models and doing away with the Cadillac XLR altogether. The Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 will both see their numbers reduced as 800 jobs leave the Lordstown plant where they are built, reports Automotive News. Heavier losses of 1,200 jobs at the Delta Township plant where the Buick Enclanve, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook are built will mean a significant reduction in output of those models as well. The lack of available consumer credit, instability in the economy, and rising unemployment have conspired to drive down demand to very low levels. GM characterizes its production cuts as merely responsive to that drop in demand, returning the market to alignment. GM will also be instituting intermittent production halts at ten other plants in North America, nine of which are in the U.S. The halts will come during the first half of the year, and will last for several weeks. In a separate report, the Bowling Green Daily News has revealed some of the production cuts will also come from GM's Bowling Green plant, where the Cadillac XLR is built. The reductions will bring an end to XLR production. Only about 40 employees at the plant will be affected, since the XLR is a low-volume product. Despite its very niche status - only about 1,250 of the cars were sold last year - the XLR was perceived by many as a sort of halo-car for Cadillac, and the loss of the car is being felt keenly by fans. Because of its relatively high $85,000-$100,000 price point and flagging demand, however, continued production simply can't be justified from a business perspective. The reductions and cancellations aren't unexpected. Earlier today GM announced it would be delaying the Cadillac CTS Coupe until mid-2010, itself a car that is expected to slot into a similarly narrow niche as the XLR. The plant also builds Corvettes, and though 154 workers from both lines will be laid off indefinitely as of March 1, the impact on Corvette production isn't expected to be significant. Read More

There was a time when aftermarket tuners would rarely even consider modifying something like a Cadillac. The brand was largely associated with retirees and boring business execs, hardly the type of buyers looking for aggressive bodykits and insane power mods. Then came the sharply styled CTS sedan and all of a sudden Cadillac was cool again. Now there are a number of tuners like California’s D3 Research and Design that offer a range of performance and styling mods for Cadillac’s new generation of ‘Art and Science’ designed vehicles.

We’ve previously reported on D3’s kit for the new CTS sedan, and now the... There was a time when aftermarket tuners would rarely even consider modifying something like a Cadillac. The brand was largely associated with retirees and boring business execs, hardly the type of buyers looking for aggressive bodykits and insane power mods. Then came the sharply styled CTS sedan and all of a sudden Cadillac was cool again. Now there are a number of tuners like California’s D3 Research and Design that offer a range of performance and styling mods for Cadillac’s new generation of ‘Art and Science’ designed vehicles. We’ve previously reported on D3’s kit for the new CTS sedan, and now the tuner has revealed an upgraded package for the XLR and performance XLR-V. Working with the top-of-the-range 443hp (330kW) XLR-V, D3 engineers add a new air-intake system, reflash the ECU, add performance spark plugs and a high-flow exhaust system, with the end result being a boost in power to more than 525hp (392kW). For those seeking more power, D3 also offers second and third stage kits, with the resulting outputs standing at 575hp (429kW) and 600hp (450kW) respectively. These upgrades require some serious performance modifications including complete engine rebuilds and ‘highly’ recommended brake upgrades. To set the cars apart from their stock siblings, D3 offers several styling enhancements including a new chrome grille, custom 18 and 19in alloys, and Corsa muffler tips. Owners of the standard XLR need not worry as many of the upgrades are applicable for this car as well. Read More

Porsche’s new 911 Carrera wasn’t the only facelifted model announced today. Cadillac, too, has revealed details about the 2009 mid-cycle update for its XLR Roadster, which benefits from a range of more powerful engines and refreshed styling both inside and out. For the 2009 model year, Cadillac will only sell the top end XLR Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V.

The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320hp (239kW) 4.6L Northstar V8, while a more powerful but smaller supercharged 4.4L Northstar V8 with 443hp (330kW) reserved for the XLR-V.

The updated car also includes a new front fascia, new rear fascia and new side fender... Porsche’s new 911 Carrera wasn’t the only facelifted model announced today. Cadillac, too, has revealed details about the 2009 mid-cycle update for its XLR Roadster, which benefits from a range of more powerful engines and refreshed styling both inside and out. For the 2009 model year, Cadillac will only sell the top end XLR Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V. The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320hp (239kW) 4.6L Northstar V8, while a more powerful but smaller supercharged 4.4L Northstar V8 with 443hp (330kW) reserved for the XLR-V. The updated car also includes a new front fascia, new rear fascia and new side fender vents. The revised design is inspired by the CTS sport sedan and gives the roadster a more aggressive appearance than the outgoing model. The front fascia includes new fog lamps and specific upper and lower grilles for the Platinum and V-Series models. Other features include new chrome exhaust tips and unique 18in wheels. Inside, the cars get Alcantara trim in either an ebony or cashmere finish. Also new is leather trim on top of the dash and an updated instrument panel. A long list of standard safety features are also available on the 2009 XLR, including magnetic ride suspension, a head-up-display, adaptive head lights with auto dimming and adaptive cruise control. Read More

Cadillac will be launching its new limited edition Platinum Series range of cars at this week's L.A. Auto Show, with cars that feature even more luxury and quality than the label's regular models. Just as Cadillac’s V-series extended the brand's credentials into the performance arena, the Platinum Series aims to do the same in the luxury direction and promote Caddy's return to hand-crafted interiors.

The Platinum models feature premium details such as chrome accents, authentic wood and luxurious upholstery, as well as Cadillac's build process that has its craftsmen cut, wrap and sew cabin components individually.

The three cars that... Cadillac will be launching its new limited edition Platinum Series range of cars at this week's L.A. Auto Show, with cars that feature even more luxury and quality than the label's regular models. Just as Cadillac’s V-series extended the brand's credentials into the performance arena, the Platinum Series aims to do the same in the luxury direction and promote Caddy's return to hand-crafted interiors. The Platinum models feature premium details such as chrome accents, authentic wood and luxurious upholstery, as well as Cadillac's build process that has its craftsmen cut, wrap and sew cabin components individually. The three cars that get the Platinum touch are the XLR roadster, STS and DTS sedans. The roadster gets its own 15-spoke, 18in wheels, a brighter chrome grille, an exclusive Liquid Amethyst paint-job and olive ash burl wood and Alcantara trim inside. The cars will be available in showrooms sometime in the first quarter of next year. Click ahead for our high-res gallery and the official press release. PRESS RELEASE: THE PLATINUM SERIES: CADILLAC EXTENDS ITS LUXURY TRADITION WITH LIMITED-EDITION VERSIONS OF XLR ROADSTER, AND STS, DTS SEDANS LOS ANGELES – An elegant tradition of hand-crafted luxury is being redefined for a new generation, as Cadillac today introduces the Platinum Series for the XLR roadster and STS and DTS sedans. The Platinum Series is a limited-edition collection of vehicles including additional elegant design touches, and continues Cadillac's reinvention of its interior styling and appointments. Cadillac's landmark V-series extended the brand's credentials into the elite-level performance arena. Now the Platinum Series aims to do the same in the luxury direction. The vehicles were inspired by the very popular Escalade ESV Platinum that was offered between the 2004 and 2006 model years and introduced many new luxury features to the luxury SUV marketplace. "The Platinum Series is a natural addition to the Cadillac brand, extending the luxury appeal of our products," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. "Platinum also joins the new 2007 SRX and our V-Series cars as examples of Cadillac's return to hand-crafted interiors, an important addition to the ongoing renaissance of the brand." Cadillac's limited-edition Platinum models feature ultra-premium details such as a generous use of chrome, authentic wood and luxurious upholstery, as well as Cadillac's precision hand-crafted interiors, executed by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew cabin components individually. Here's a look at Cadillac's 2007 Platinum portfolio: XLR Platinum The XLR roadster has taken a starring role in Cadillac's new emphasis on dramatic styling and serious performance. Now the XLR Platinum maximizes the elegance of Cadillac's entry into the elite club of luxury roadsters. XLR Platinum features exclusive 15-spoke, 18-inch wheels, with a brighter chrome finish for the grille and an exclusive Liquid Amethyst exterior color and exclusive Platinum badge. Inside, the XLR Platinum features appointments such as authentic olive ash burl wood and a Cashmere interior color. The instrument panel "upper," and door trim feature hand cut, sewn and wrapped leather. Other cabin appointments include olive ash burl wood inserts on the steering wheel and luxurious Alcantara suede headliner, visors and pillars, and additional Platinum badging on the sill plate. The Cadillac XLR Platinum will be available in the first quarter of 2007. STS Platinum The STS Platinum sedan extends the luxurious look and feel of the STS with elements such as 18-inch chrome-finish wheels; a brighter chrome-finish grille; a Glacier Gold exterior finish; bright chrome inserts on the exterior door handles and Platinum badging. On the inside, STS Platinum features hand-cut, sewn and wrapped instrument panel, door trim and center console areas. The seats are fully leather, a semi-aniline variety called Tuscany . Luxury touches include chrome accents on the instrument panel and doors, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, olive ash burl wood accents with a saddle-stained shade, premium floor mats and a Platinum badge of the door sill. STS Platinum comes in either a Cocoa over Cashmere or an Ebony interior color scheme. The Cadillac STS Platinum will be available in the first quarter of 2007, in either the V-6 or Northstar V-8-powered versions of the car. DTS Platinum The Cadillac DTS Platinum goes to dramatic new lengths with 18-inch wheels, bright chrome grille and chrome inserts on the exterior door handles, as well as a Platinum badge, all of which highlight the Ebony exterior finish. A unique Light Linen over Cocoa interior is distinguished by olive ash burl wood with decorative inlay; semi-aniline-dyed Tuscany leather upholstery and hand-cut-and-sewn leather on the instrument panel, console and door trim. A handcrafted, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with authentic olive ash burl wood and chrome appointments; suede headliner and visors; and an illuminated Platinum badge on the door sill plate complete the package. The Cadillac DTS Platinum will be available in August of 2007. Cadillac (www.cadillac.com) is a division of General Motors (NYSE: GM). GM, the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM has manufacturing operations in 33 countries . In 2005, GM sold 9.17 million cars and trucks globally, under the following brand names: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.comPlatinum Series Cadillac XLR, STS and DTS Read More