Creased and folded with edges and angles, the Cadillac XLR convertible was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, for the 2004 model year. Heavily resembling the 1999 Cadillac Evoq concept car, the XLR largely forged the way for Cadillac’s Art and Science design language that would define Cadillac in the coming years, along with the CTS and SRX, to name a couple. Featuring a true two-seat interior shod with world class materials and styling, the XLR also brought about a retractable hardtop. Built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, along side the Corvette, the XLR and the radical new styling seemed to be a breath of fresh air for the brand, although the design language was vastly expensive overall. Regardless, it was a success and continues to be, with Cadillac entertaining a number of new customers, many of them younger than average. To spice up the mix a bit, the XLR-V was introduced for the 2006 model year with a modified displacement 4.4L Northstar V-8 topped by a supercharger and backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission. With the new setup rated at 443 HP and 414 lb-ft of torque, magazines of the day found substantial performance levels from 0-60 MPH in the mid 4-second range to quarter-mile times of about 13 seconds and a top speed that was electronically limited at 155 MPH. Needless to say, it was a stunning performer, and it was also very luxurious, with heightened materials and amenities. The last year for XLR-V was 2009, and only 239 were built. This is one of them. Having covered just 11,471 miles from new, it presents exquisitely. The polished aluminum wheels, mesh grille and other brightwork glisten easily against the Raven Black paint. The interior is covered in Cashmere-colored leather and suede, with a matching Alcantara headliner and sun visors finishing off the look. Accents such as Black Olive Ash wood and Bermuda Metal further the luxuriously sporty look and feel of the XLR-V. A technological knockout, the XLR-V comes with keyless entry, pushbutton start, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, head-up display, DVD, satellite radio, navigation and Bose speakers, among other details.
