A roadster (also spider , spyder ) is an open two-seat car with emphasis on sporting appearance or character. Initially an American term for a two-seat car with no weather protection, its usage has spread internationally and has evolved to include two-seat convertibles .
54-451: The Cadillac XLR is a two-passenger roadster manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 2003 to 2009 across a single generation — and noted for its power retractable hardtop , Bulgari designed interior instruments, head-up display , adaptive suspension , rear-mounted transmission and near 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. As Cadillac's flagship model, the XLR was introduced at
108-641: A lap time of 7:59.32 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife , which was the fastest documented time for a production sedan on factory tires —until the Porsche Panamera Turbo clocked a time of 7:56 in July 2009 —thanks to a heavily-tuned "LS9" EATON -supercharged 6.2-liter (380 in ) V8 engine that was borrowed from Corvette. The engine was renamed as "LSA" and it produces 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet (747 N⋅m) of torque. The same "LSA" engine
162-533: A "sporty car." Auto racing began with the first earnest contests in 1894 in Europe , and in 1895 in the United States . Some of the earliest race cars were purpose-built or stripped for the greatest speed, with minimal or no bodywork at all, leading to a body style aptly named 'speedster'. The cut-down speedster body-style really took form in the 1900s. After removing most of the body (and fenders), an empty platform on
216-557: A V-series wagon, and I would be standing in line for one, just ahead of you." GM decided to move forward, introducing a 5-door sport wagon body style to the CTS-V vehicle line at the New York International Auto Show on March 29, 2010. The CTS-V wagon shares the 556 hp (415 kW) engine and six-speed manual or automatic transmission, Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires and
270-479: A V8 with AWD. This statement is not true. The sts in its highest trim came with a north star and awd With the remarkably lightweight Omega Platform , active rear-wheel steering , and all-wheel drive, the CT6-V redefined performance for a vehicle of its size. It was the most agile and nimble full-size luxury sedan in the world. The CT6-V does 0–60 miles per hour (0–97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, just 0.2 seconds more than
324-491: A dual-airflow grille also used in the CTS-V sedan and coupe. The CTS-V coupe debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and entered production in summer 2010 as a 2011 model. It has the same 556 hp (415 kW) engine and transmission choices as the CTS-V sedan. The CTS-V Coupe features unique centered twin exhausts, a larger grille for air intake, and an optional "saffron" interior trim color. Like
378-509: A faster steering ratio , and a stiffer suspension than the standard STS. The second-generation V series was exclusive to the CTS since the STS and XLR were rolled out of production. For 2009, Cadillac introduced the second-generation CTS-V that was built on GM Sigma II Platform . It was a rear-wheel drive , powered by a 6.2-liter (380 in ) LSA EATON -supercharged V8 that was based on LS9 V8 from—what
432-501: A small body and large wooden wheels with thin spokes; they were nicknamed "spiders" because of their appearance; the nickname was transferred to sports cars, although they did not look similar. In 1962, Chevrolet introduced the Monza Spyder , a turbocharged version of its Corvair compact, available as a convertible or coupe. Although not a true 2 passenger vehicle, it featured upgraded suspension and other equipment to classify it as
486-760: A touchscreen GPS navigation radio with an AM/FM radio, CD changer, XM Satellite Radio , full voice control, Bose premium amplified audio system, adaptive cruise control, Bulgari -branded instrument panel cluster, OnStar , High Intensity Discharge (HID) front headlamps, perforated luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces with power-adjustable, heated and cooled bucket seats with a driver's memory system, luxury carpeted floor mats with embroidered 'XLR' logos, premium aluminum-alloy wheels, and wood interior trim. The XLR featured adaptive suspension with magneto-rheological shock absorber fluid for enhanced ride control. The system, marketed as Magnetic Ride Control , used four wheel-to-body displacement sensors to measure wheel motion over
540-410: A unique placement of the engine in a 'lay down' mounting so the cylinders were nearly horizontal instead of vertical as traditional design dictated. This gave a slightly lower center of mass and a lower profile. Roadsters continued to race until the late 1960s, although they became increasingly uncompetitive against the new rear-engined racing cars. The last roadster to complete the full race distance
594-464: Is intended to improve the vehicles' aerodynamic performance as well as differentiate them from their normal production counterparts. Cadillac has also re-entered motorsport competition with their CTS-V.R, a joint venture between GM Performance Division and Pratt & Miller race team, most famous for their role in GM's Le Mans-winning Corvette C5.R program. In 2009, the second-generation CTS-V sedan achieved
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#1732851212173648-607: Is the Mazda MX-5 , which was introduced in 1989. The early style of roadster with minimal weather protection is still in production by several low-volume manufacturers and fabricators, including the windowless Morgan Roadster , the doorless Caterham 7 and the bodyless Ariel Atom . The term roadster was used to describe a style of racing cars competing in the AAA/USAC Championship Cars series (the IndyCar equivalents of
702-448: Is used in the CTS-V coupe and wagon. The V-Series development emerged from the mindset taking over at General Motors back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where Cadillac was struggling against imports from Europe and Japan. GM was eager to bring Cadillac back to its mantra "Standard of the World" and the new 'Art & Science' design language that matured in the late nineties auto shows gave
756-606: The Cadillac V-16 , the Duesenberg Model J and Bugatti Royale . By the 1970s "roadster" could be applied to any two-seater car of sporting appearance or character. In response to market demand they were manufactured as well-equipped as convertibles with side windows that retracted into the doors. Popular models through the 1960s and 1970s were the Alfa Romeo Spider , MGB and Triumph TR4 . The highest selling roadster
810-619: The Chevrolet Corvette (C6) . The XLR-V used a supercharged 4.4-liter (270 in ) Northstar V8 which produced 443 hp (330 kW) and 414 lb·ft (561 N·m). The supercharger and four intercoolers were built into the intake manifold. A six-speed automatic transmission , larger brakes from the Z51 Corvette, and 19-inch wheels were used. The XLR base price was $ 98,000 and by 2008 it reached $ 101,300 making it one of General Motors ' most expensive vehicles to that point. A year after
864-539: The General Motors Performance division for the Cadillac division of General Motors . Models in the V series tend to vary from one generation to the other. It was introduced in 2003. The V series was initially created as part of the 2000s Cadillac rebranding and the new 'Art & Science' design language to compete directly with German rivals such as BMW M and Mercedes-AMG . The first-ever V series model
918-587: The supercharged XLR-V in its Super Bowl commercial, which aired February 6, 2005. Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch was also awarded an XLR. The car was formally introduced at the 2005 New York International Auto Show . The XLR-V used the same supercharged Northstar LC3 V8 as the STS-V , though output was down somewhat. For the XLR-V, the engine produced 443 hp (330 kW) and 414 lb⋅ft (561 N⋅m). The supercharger and four intercooler cores were built into
972-401: The third-generation CTS offered with a Vsport trimline, however with an increased output of 420 horsepower (310 kW). Both of them were the only "V"-badged vehicles of Cadillac until the CTS-V and ATS-V. For the 2016 model year, the trim was rebranded as V-Sport. The V-Sport trim designation was discontinued with the CTS and XTS sedan phase-outs in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The CTS-V
1026-658: The 2003 North American International Auto Show and began production for the 2004 model year — foreshadowed by the 1999 Evoq concept. The Cadillac XLR, although sometimes thought of as a badge-engineered variant of the C6 Chevrolet Corvette , also manufactured at GM's Bowling Green assembly , actually made its debut a year ahead of it. While the two share the GM Y platform , hydroformed perimeter frame, and composite bodywork construction technology, each has distinct engines, bodies, interiors, and suspension settings, with
1080-522: The Bulgari logo) and new wood dashboard trims. XLR production ended on March 31, 2009. The base price of the XLR in the United States went from $ 75,385 ($ 121,547 in 2023 dollars) at launch to $ 86,215 ($ 122,007 in 2023 dollars) by the end of its run in 2009. The Cadillac XLR-V is a high-performance variant of the XLR and part of the first-generation V-Series . Cadillac gave the public its first glimpse of
1134-714: The CT5-V is also found in the CT4-V. The 2022 CT5-V Blackwing was announced in February 2021 to have a 6.2 liter supercharged 668 hp pushrod V-8 engine. The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing was announced at the same time, with a 472 hp twin-turbo 3.6 liter V6. The 2023 CT5-V Blackwing currently has a hand-built 6.2 liter supercharged 668-horsepower V-8 engine, built in The Performance Build Center at General Motors Corvette Bowling Green, Ky Assembly Plant. A high-performance version of
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#17328512121731188-513: The CTS-V sedan, it comes standard with 19-inch aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, and Magnetic Ride Control. Released in China in 2012, the CTS Vday was a special edition commemorating Cadillac's 110th anniversary. The CTS Vday does not have any changes to its 3.0 V6 . The third-generation V series included the sub-brand's flagship, CTS-V and the compact ATS-V. Unlike the first and second generations, where
1242-512: The CTS-V was the biggest update for the V series, the third-generation was the first expansion attempt on the V brand by Cadillac. Typically, the V series served as Cadillac's top-of-the-line trim level, and that mainly was exclusive to the CTS since that's where it all started. However, with such buzz created by the second-generation V series, and the short-lived record for a sedan on a demanding racetrack, Cadillac wanted to build on that success with other models in their lineup. This led them to create
1296-749: The Cadillac family was the CTS , which was built on GM Sigma Platform like the core model but given the GM LS engine from the C5-generation Corvette Z06 , along with its a six-speed Tremec manual transmission . Since the LS was a V8 engine, it required a unique engine cradle distinct from the base CTS V6. Larger anti-roll bars and larger shocks were also added, and the spring rate was significantly increased. The XLR hard-top followed in 2005, sharing its platform with
1350-549: The United States Society of Automobile Engineers defined a roadster as: "an open car seating two or three. It may have additional seats on running boards or in rear deck." Since it has a single row of seats, the main seat for the driver and passenger was usually further back in the chassis than it would have been in a touring car . Roadsters usually had a hooded dashboard . In the United Kingdom, historically,
1404-563: The Vsport, where potential buyers interested in the V series, could purchase a CTS with increased horsepower and sportier handling, can bypass the 'comfort & luxury' trims and get an entry-level 'performance' model for $ 20k less than the full-fledged CTS-V. Starting with XTS , the marque offers a step trim, called Vsport. The Vsport trim is the top of the XTS line, with a 3.6-liter turbocharged engine, producing 410 horsepower (310 kW). The next year,
1458-525: The XLR also featuring a unique power retractable hardtop. The XLR was the first production Cadillac with radar -based adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the first to offer both heated and cooled seats. The XLR was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2004. The XLR was marketed as a luxury roadster and offered numerous features either as standard equipment or as options, including
1512-463: The XLR-V launch and two after the CTS-V, in 2006, Cadillac started producing the STS-V sedan. Its 4.4-liter (270 in ) XLR-V derived Northstar V8 produced 26 more horsepower and 25 more lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a driver-adjustable transmission with two shifting modes, larger Brembo brakes, larger ten-spoke alloy wheels (18 in × 8.5" front, 19 in × 9.5" rear), Pirelli run-flat tires ,
1566-451: The brand an aggressive and edgy leap ahead that looked promising at that time. The team assigned to create the first generation CTS recognized early on that a high-performance variant was necessary, not only to rival competition and display Cadillac's resurgence, but also to pull young and new customers to Cadillac. In 2004, the first-ever Cadillac V-Series was the CTS-V, which appeared in the movie The Matrix . The first V-series model of
1620-459: The flagship CT6-V. Cadillac is also restructuring the V series with this generation. In place of the discontinued V-Sport introduced in the previous generation, Cadillac is repositioning the V models as an entry-level performance variant (with CT6 V-Sport being renamed CT6-V right before launch), and introducing a new top-level V series trim dubbed; V Blackwing (after the engine used in the CT6-V), taking
1674-438: The fourth-generation V series, is the ability to add Cadillac's Platinum package for the first time on a V model. The CT6-V served as a launch platform for Cadillac's hand-built 4.2-liter Blackwing twin-turbo V8 , generating 550 horsepower (410 kW) and 640 pound-feet (870 N⋅m) of torque. The CT6-V also included all-wheel drive, making it the first V series ever to feature AWD, and the first Cadillac sedan ever to feature
Cadillac XLR - Misplaced Pages Continue
1728-673: The full-sized Cadillac Escalade SUV, the Escalade-V, was announced in late January 2022 for the 2023 model year. The Escalade-V is expected to have a supercharged LT4 V-8, also used to power the CT5-V Blackwing sedan, both being hand built in the Performance Build Center at General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green,Ky. More details will be released in the spring of 2022 and the car will start arriving on dealerships in
1782-404: The intake manifold. A six-speed automatic transmission , larger brakes from the Z51 Corvette, and 19-inch wheels were used. The XLR-V could accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.6 seconds according to Car and Driver ' s tests. The magazine also timed it at 11.3 seconds to 100 mph (160 km/h) and recorded a 13.0 second quarter mile at 110 mph (180 km/h). Its top speed
1836-488: The ladder-frame chassis was mounted with one or two seats, a gas tank, and spare tyres. American manufacturers Mercer and Stutz started offering ready-made racing speedsters, intentionally built to be driven to race(-track), raced, and driven back by their owner – essentially the first track day cars . The immediate predecessor to the roadster was the runabout , a body style with a single row of seats and no doors, windshield, or other weather protection. Another predecessor
1890-668: The new GM 10-Speed automatic transmission. The 360hp CT5-V features Magnetic Ride Control and electronic limited-slip differential. On the steering wheel there's a new button called "V-Mode", which activates a driver preset custom settings, such as the engine sounds, steering, suspension, powertrain, and brake response. Taking over the lead from the ATS, the CT4-V features 2.7L dual-volute high-output engine 4-inline turbo engine, generating 325 horsepower (242 kW) and 380 pound-feet (520 N⋅m). The CT4-V includes Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo brakes as standard. The same "V-Mode" button available in
1944-479: The place of the previous generation V models (e.g. the CTS-V being directly replaced by the CT5-V Blackwing). This pushes the V models to serve as a mid-level trim in Cadillac's entire trim levels (even non-performance models) and features smaller engines rather than V8s. The move is aimed to make better use of the V series sub-brand and spread it into a price range of two categories instead of just one. Also new to
1998-521: The preferred terms were "open two-seater" and "two-seat tourer". Since the 1950s, the term "roadster" has also been increasingly used in the United Kingdom. It is noted that the optional 4-seat variant of the Morgan Roadster would not be technically considered a roadster. The term "spider" or "spyder," sometimes used in names for convertible models, is said to come from before the automobile era. Some 19th-century lightweight horse-drawn phaetons had
2052-410: The road surface and responds by adjusting the shock damping almost instantly. The shock absorbers were filled with a fluid containing suspended iron particles responsive to magnetic signals. The system constantly monitored motion and changed the damping forces at all four corners of the vehicle — to modulate body motion for quick maneuvers or uneven road surfaces. Where the Chevrolet Corvette (C6)
2106-428: The same car. Bob Sweikert won the 1955 500 in a Kurtis after Vukovich was killed while leading. A. J. Watson , George Salih and Quinn Epperly were other notable roadster constructors. Watson-built roadsters won in 1956 , 1959 – 1964 though the 1961 and 1963 winners were actually close copies built from Watson designs. The 1957 and 1958 winner was the same car built by Salih with help by Epperly built with
2160-657: The second half of 2022. One of the most notable achievements of the Cadillac V series in motorsports is its dominance in the Pirelli World Challenge series. In 2017, Cadillac won the Manufacturer's Championship in the GT class, while their drivers took the top three spots in the Driver's Championship. With their success in the Pirelli World Challenge, Cadillac has also competed in other high-profile motorsports events. For example,
2214-523: The third-generation CTS growing larger to match the size of the 5-Series, Cadillac armed the ATS-V with the LF4 twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 464 horsepower (346 kW) and 445 pound-feet (603 N⋅m). The ATS-V is the first-ever V series Cadillac to be powered by a V6 rather than a V8. The fourth-generation V series evolves away from "Art & Science" and ushers into Cadillac's new design language, beginning with
Cadillac XLR - Misplaced Pages Continue
2268-412: The third-generation CTS-V. Prior to official production and release, CT6's with the 550hp Blackwing V8 were designated as V-Sport models. Upon official production the model designation was changed to “CT6-V”. CT6's with the 500hp Blackwing V8 were designated as CT6 Platinum. Replacing the CTS and powered by the 405 pound-feet (549 N⋅m) generating 3.0-liter LGY twin-turbo V6 . Sent to the wheels via
2322-563: The time) from 1952 to 1969. The roadster engine and drive shaft are offset from the centerline of the car. This allows the driver to sit lower in the chassis and facilitates a weight offset which is beneficial on oval tracks. One story of why this type of racing car is referred to as a "roadster" is that a team was preparing a new car for the Indianapolis 500. They had it covered in a corner of their shop. If they were asked about their car they would try and obscure its importance by saying that it
2376-486: The traditional Cadillac, silver-painted upper "Egg Crate" (XLR) or chrome wire mesh (XLR-V) front grille , which had a similar appearance to gravel shields commonly installed on cars during the 1930s. For the 2009 model year, the XLR added a new front fascia, new rear fascia, and chrome side fender vents. Inside, Alcantara - a suede-like microfiber material - was added for the headliner. The interior added new instrument cluster trim rings with revised graphics, (removal of
2430-415: Was able to do 0–60 miles per hour (0–97 km/h) at 3.6 seconds. The top speed is 200 miles per hour (320 km/h), earning the third-generation CTS-V the unofficial nickname four-door Corvette. The Cadillac ATS-V sedan and coupe fill the gap left by the second-generation CTS-V. Cadillac made the first and second generation CTS smaller than BMW's 5-Series and larger than the 3-Series . However, with
2484-579: Was also a style of racing car driven in United States Auto Club (USAC) Championship Racing, including the Indianapolis 500 , in the 1950s and 1960s. This type of racing car was superseded by rear-mid-engine cars. The term "roadster" originates in the United States, where it was used in the 19th century to describe a horse suitable for travelling. By the end of the century, the definition had expanded to include bicycles and tricycles. In 1916,
2538-406: Was electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h). The base price of the XLR-V in the United States went from $ 97,485 ($ 147,338 in 2023 dollars) at launch to $ 104,215 ($ 147,480 in 2023 dollars) by the end of its run in 2009. The XLR had sales projections of 5,000 to 7,000 per year. A total of 15,460 were produced over its nine-year model run. Roadster (automobile) The roadster
2592-499: Was in 1965 , when Gordon Johncock finished fifth in the Wienberger Homes Watson car. The last roadster to make the race was built and driven by Jim Hurtubise in the 1968 race and dropped out early. Some pavement midget roadsters were built and raced into the early 1970s but never were dominant. Cadillac V series The Cadillac V series (stylized as V-Series ) is a line of high-performance vehicles tuned by
2646-425: Was just their (hot rod) "roadster". After the Indianapolis racer was made public, the "roadster" name was still attached to it. Frank Kurtis built the first roadster to race and entered it in the 1952 Indianapolis 500 . It was driven by Bill Vukovich who led for most of the race until a steering failure eliminated him. The Howard Keck owned team with Vukovich driving went on to win the 1953 and 1954 contests with
2700-574: Was powered by a 6.0L GM LS2 V8 engine and offered with a six-speed manual transmission, the XLR featured Cadillac 's 4.6L Northstar V8 (supercharged in the XLR-V) and either a five-speed 5L50 automatic transmission, or a six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission. It produced 320 hp (239 kW) and 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) of torque in the standard trim. Optional XLR equipment included polished aluminum-alloy wheels, exterior and interior color options, and different interior trim options. The XLR featured
2754-552: Was powered by a supercharged version of the Corvette (C7) 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine found on the Z06. It generated 640 horsepower (480 kW), 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) less than the Z06, making the third-generation CTS-V the most powerful Cadillac ever produced up until 2022 with the release of the CT5-V Blackwing, and 630 pound-feet (850 N⋅m). Weighing 4,145 pounds (1,880 kg), the CTS-V equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission
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#17328512121732808-542: Was the 2004 Cadillac CTS-V which became a successful seller and steered Cadillac in the new direction for the following decade. The letter "V" was chosen as a salute dedicated to post-WWII Cadillacs that featured a V-shape ornament below the crowned wreath logo, the shape itself was never recognized as a letter back then. Most V series Cadillac cars traditionally include high-performance V8 engines , transmissions, revised suspension systems ( MagneRide Control ), revised interiors, aerodynamics, and more aggressive bodywork which
2862-511: Was the touring car , similar in body style to the modern roadster except for its multiple rows of seats. By the 1920s roadsters were appointed similarly to touring cars, with doors, windshields, simple folding tops, and side curtains. Roadster bodies were offered on automobiles of all sizes and classes, from mass-produced cars like the Ford Model T and the Austin 7 to extremely expensive cars like
2916-474: Was then—recently released Corvette ZR1 . The engine generates 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. The second-generation CTS-V broke a Nürburgring lap-record which made it the then fastest production sedan. When asked in 2009 about the possibility of a CTS-V wagon, the GM Vice Chairman at that time, Bob Lutz, replied, "... should sufficient demand materialize, there is no reason why we couldn't do
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