GM released a press release this morning about the 2009 XLR. You'd think they would have released more pics with it!

http://xlr-net.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2559

I love the new look! I wish they had shown some pictures of the interior though.

Here's some more discussion on it...

As Cadillac continues to update its lineup, it’s the XLR that takes its turn under the knife for 2009. Following the complete redesign of the 2008 CTS and the refreshed STS, the automaker is now turning its attention to a car that’s been neglected since its 2004 introduction and giving it some much needed enhancements.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2009_cadillac_xlr_car_news

I was at a party over the weekend and spoke with a GM designer about the XLR. I told him we had an 08 and said that I had seen the photos of the 09. I went on to say that I hated the side vents. Told him that I thought they broke up the flow of the design and that they looked like a needless add on. I then went on to say that I hoped he did not create this accent. He said funny I should mention all of this as he was involved in it. He said that the entire design team did not like it except for his boss that happened to create it and demanded that I make it to production. There were other designs offered including one that everyone liked. Since the car has a long nose raked vents as MB has done on the SL work better. The design that everyone liked the best include vents placed further back on the car low on the body but the boss demanded his design go into production. After much discussion even the higher ups gave in and allowed it. Now the designer is no longer working for the company but his design lives on.

Mark

I think the side vents look kinda neat. I prefer the one the CTS/STS/Escalade has though. Also saw pictures of the interior and the gauges look so much better, along with the new dash padding. Very much improved.