The Corvette-based XLR was supposed to be Cadillac's flagship. So how come we'd rather have the new CTS-V, and why did Eli choose the upcoming Escalade Hybrid as his Super Bowl MVP prize? If the rumors are to be believed, Cadillac hopes to correct that with an updated version of the top-of-the-line roadster this summer.
The production XLR made quite a splash with its EVOQ-ative, edgy styling at the 2003 Detroit show, and it's been on the road essentially unchanged since its introduction in 2004, which would make it just about due for a facelift. We'd expect a revised XLR – and accompanying facelift for the supercharged XLR-V (above) – to get a bigger mouth as the most prominent of the styling updates.
Photos Copyright ©2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: GM Inside News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Jordan @ Feb 12th 2008 8:19PM
Two weeks ago I visited the Corvette Bowling Green Assembly Plant (where they also make the XLR)
While touring through the XLR area I noticed something that caught my eye. A black XLR that had chrome side vents (ala Jaguar XKR) and projector style fog lights.
I knew this wasn't what the 08 XLR featured (especially since I saw them being built feet away)
Could it be that I saw the 09 XLR?
SilverAero @ Feb 12th 2008 8:35PM
Its probably to much to ask them to fix the interior up a bit. I hope this isn't the first and final generation, when can we expect a second.
paul34 @ Feb 12th 2008 8:58PM
Agreed. It looks like they are committing the same errors this time around, judging from the pictures. Just look at those pitiful gauges.
Also, I hope they fixed the driving problems of the past, as well. Extremely loose and ill defined steering, and overall poor throttle response and lacking brake feel as well.
It truly felt like a rebadged, murdered Corvette. Pretty much everything you would NOT want in a Vette.
I still don't know why anyone would buy this. It really has the feel of an old person's car - which I think is what Caddy has been trying to get away from this whole time.
Any Corvette is a FAR better buy than this, no doubt about it.
wrussi @ Feb 12th 2008 8:42PM
i never really understood this car.
other than being a very expensive corvette, it competes with cars that beat it in every way
i've seen under 10 xlr's on the road i dont think this car sells that much
this is a car that GM should dump
DIRETTORE @ Feb 12th 2008 8:44PM
* So when will we get the XL-ZR1-V? :D
'This ain't your fathers Cadillac'.
Make it a standard with the 6 speed & I'll take 3!
ben @ Feb 12th 2008 8:45PM
i think that this revised XLR needs to get a hold of some DNA from the Cien concept. i think that's the only way to make it a true flagship.
PJ @ Feb 12th 2008 10:06PM
Photos are of the '07 XLR ;-)
why not the LS2LS7? @ Feb 12th 2008 11:33PM
The pics are of an 07 XLR, not the new one.
And a friend has an XLR, the interior is pretty good. It's not $85K good, but it's not disgraceful, and it's definitely fancier than the Vette interior.
paul34 @ Feb 12th 2008 11:50PM
Well then, my mistake.
Hike15 @ Feb 12th 2008 9:08PM
Leave a lot of the corvette sportiness but add the luxury, looks, and hardtop convenience that makes it unique
Gooch @ Feb 12th 2008 9:20PM
Uhhh... Paul34, what are you talking about? The photos are of the 07 XLR.
The style is fine. I would hope Caddy will make it look more like the Evoq, which was pure sex on wheels. And add more luxury to the interior. It's okay, but you can tell they didn't go all the way with it.
FingerSled @ Feb 12th 2008 9:27PM
Has anyone ever actually seen a pre-2009 XLR being driven on the road? I knew they existed but had forgotten all about them until this Autoblog post.
Alex Nunez @ Feb 12th 2008 9:29PM
I see them semi-regularly when it's not winter, actually.
icu812ru469 @ Feb 12th 2008 9:35PM
Cadillac, although doing well now, needs to really look long terms in terms of design. Although the wedge looking shape is doing fine, the CTS is in it's second generation with basically the same look... if they don't "evolve" into a good style soon, they could find themselves with new, but very dated looking, vehicles and lose momentum.
tourian @ Feb 12th 2008 9:40PM
This car needs more then just a freshning, but hopefully it will work wonders for sales as the midcycle update for the STS has worked well for it. I hope its more then just sticking the vents on the front fenders. I suppose its too much to ask to get a new interior like the SRX did.
I don't understand what Eli not picking one has anything to do with this though.
JMC 3 @ Feb 12th 2008 9:49PM
XLR is too costly.they need to do a retractable hardtop CTS based roadster and scrap the XLR.
Tragedy @ Feb 12th 2008 10:38PM
Another irrelevant car from an irrelavent car company.
HotRodzNKustoms @ Feb 12th 2008 10:49PM
Somebody should photoshop a new STS front and rear on the XLR... I think that's what a facelift will look like.
RealityCheck @ Feb 12th 2008 11:09PM
From another irrelevant poster!
s2000 @ Feb 12th 2008 11:23PM
Why on earth would anyone pay $100 grand for this crap?