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| 2003-09-08 | ||
September 2003
Frankfurt. Following a successful launch in the USA the Cadillac XLR is now celebrating its German premiere at the IAA. The best news of all is that the sporty two-seater is scheduled to arrive at European showrooms next spring. Measuring a compact 4.51 meters by 1.84 meters, the XLR is based on the Evoq study premiered in 1999 and was developed in parallel with the next generation of the Corvette. As such, it also features crucial technical innovations and design enhancements that the concept car did not have. Among the most important new features is the retractable roof, which is lowered in under 30 seconds at the touch of a button. The high-tech hardtop was designed by Germany's renowned Car Top Systems, who work for some of the world's leading convertible manufacturers. An electric motor in the XLR drives a total of eight hydraulic cylinders, whose pistons lift or retract the roof via hydrostatic pressure. The roof itself, which features a heated glass rear window, comprises aluminum and magnesium, the side paneling being made of composite materials. The roof is assembled as a complete module, which benefits the torsional stiffness of the vehicle. The Cadillac XLR is based on General Motors' latest platform generation, specially developed for open-top high-performance sportscars. Hydroformed steel, super-light composite materials and the aluminum passenger compartment give the construction an extremely high degree of stiffness together with low weight. The rear wheels of the Cadillac XLR are powered by an enhanced version of the famous Northstar V8 engine. Its key specifications: 4.6-liter displacement, four overhead camshafts, 320 hp/239 kW at 6400 rpm, 420 Nm at 4400 rpm, 0 to 100 kph in 5.9 seconds. The electronically controlled five-speed automatic gearbox shifts effortlessly. The standard-fitted Magnasteer power steering is speed-sensitive. A further technical highlight is the continuously variable shock absorbers working in the "Magnetic Ride Control" suspension. The interior of the XLR is marked by an unconventional mix of eucalyptus wood, aluminum and leather. In addition, gauges jointly created with Italian designer brand Bvlgari add that special something. Further exclusive features include the keyless driver verification system with start button, the voice-activated DVD-based navigation system and seats with heating and cooling settings. An internal fan blows air via a thermoelectric ceramic disc. The stream of air can be warmed up or cooled as desired. The Cadillac system is extremely effective compared to other systems; the temperature can be lowered by up to 15° Celsius in just a few minutes. A further technological highlight is the automatic "Adaptive Cruise Control" (ACC), which, combined with the head-up display, represents a crucial contribution to active safety. A radar sensor at the front of the Cadillac XLR constantly monitors the traffic ahead. If the coast is clear, the Cadillac accelerates as in regular cruise control mode to the preset speed. If, however, the radar beam detects another vehicle in the same lane, the roadster is automatically slowed down and maintains the headway preconfigured by the driver. If there is a stationary object ahead, the ACC system sounds an alarm and displays a warning signal for the driver in the windshield. | ||
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