Rumor has it that GM has decided to cease production of the XLR and XLR-V roadsters this spring. This is the latest in a series of cost-cutting measures.

The XLR has never been a great seller, though it did bring Cadillac’s new Art & Science design theme, first shown on the Evoq concept, to production form. It and it’s supercharged, V sibling both served as halos for the Cadillac brand.

We would have loved to see what a second generation XLR would have been like – though with the recent delay of the C7 Corvette on which the XLR is based, it would have been several years of potentially ever decreasing sales.

Categories: News, XLR, V-Series
1 Comment »

The good folks over at LLN are reporting that the current freshening of the XLR might be the end of the line for the top Cadillac.

Built as a production version of Cadillac’s Evoq concept car (the concept that debuted Cadillac’s current styling language) and to compete against the Mercedes SL, the XLR has never lived up to Cadillac’s expectations. This could be attributed to an interior that never lived up to the car’s price tag as well as debuting at a time when Cadillac was unwilling to spend the money required to truly compete with the big dogs in the industry.

The XLR’s platform-mate, the Chevy Corvette, is due to be re-designed as a 2012 model – the XLR is not expected to come along for the ride. This suggests that 2011 may be the last year for the XLR.

Here’s hoping that Cadillac gets its head out of its rear and brings the same magic and focus to its redesign that gave us the new CTS and re-designs the XLR as a true SL competitor and a car worthy of its high pricetag.

Read more at:

Leftlane News: Insiders: Second-generation Cadillac XLR unlikely

Categories: News, XLR
No Comments »

With rising gas prices and increases in CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards set to take effect in the coming decade, the future of Cadillac’s products is in doubt.

Rumors are swirling that the STS/DTS replacement (both cars were to be replaced with a single uber-model to compete against BMW’s 7-series and Mercedes S-Class), expected to be built on a premium version of GM’s new Zeta rear-drive chassis, has been canceled. The next Escalade is up in the air. Smaller products are being considered that might never have been before.

This casts doubt onto the direction Cadillac might take in the future. Will they continue on their quest to go toe-to-toe with the luxury industry heavyweights model for model (and with the new regulatory climate, what does that mean)? Will they dial back their ambition and compete with the second tier of the luxury market? Will they find their own, distinctive, path?

Let’s take a look at what will and might happen at Cadillac in the near future:

Show me more… »

Categories: News, Commentary, BLS, CTS, STS / SLS, SRX, DTS, XLR, Escalade, V-Series, Rumored Models
2 Comments »

UPDATED: Galleries of the new XLR and XLR-V now posted in our image galleries.

We knew (and largely had already seen) the facelift to the XLR roadster.

Now, Cadillac has put out at least one teaser image showing the CTS-inspired front end, fender vents, and fancy new wheels.

Details we didn’t have before include that the XLR will keep its current Northstar engines. Interior changes seem to be limited to trim and materials changes.

Technology improvements include the new Bluetooth system that we should see on most Cadillacs for 2009.

More pics and details as they become available.

Read the official press release below:

Show me more… »

Categories: News, XLR
4 Comments »

Do you get the feeling the XLR development team isn’t trying that hard?

Earlier, we brought you pictures from LLN showing the standard XLR sporting its new CTS-inspired face, dual exhaust tips, and Jaguar-esque fender vents…

Today, LLN has snagged undisguised pics of the XLR-V. This time with the V-Series mesh grills.

Of note, the hood bulge seems to have been lowered and the exhaust tips are either blacked-out or are not in final production form on this test car.

No interior shots, unfortunately, and still no word on powertrains.

With this amount of sloppiness on Cadillacs part with regard to protecting what these cars will look like – I wouldn’t be surprised if an official debut is days away.

Check out all the pics at:

LeftlaneNews.com: 2009 Cadillac XLR-V spied with no disguise

Categories: News, XLR, V-Series, Spy photos
No Comments »