Cadillac XLR – Hits and Misses
Yet another entry from Cadillac to show the world it’s serious about competing with the top European and Japanese luxury brands. The two-seat Cadillac XLR roadster is the company’s flagship vehicle. Don’t be confused – even though the XLR has the same platform as the Corvette, the XLR isn’t a Corvette in disguise. This caddy is more like a land yacht than a nimble little sports car. This is a bit of an old-man caddy, with a softer and more agreeable ride. The XLR puts under the hood a softer 4/6-liter, 320-horsepower V8 engine rather than the Vette’s edgier 6/2-liter, 436-hp V8 power generator.
The use of lightweight components like aluminum suspension pieces and composite body panels keeps the Cadillac XLR from being a bloated luxury two-seater. In addition, the standard Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension system automatically firms up or softens the suspension based on driving conditions. Adding this up provide smooth and responsive maneuvers. The combination of bold, angular styling outside and distinctive eucalyptus-wood cockpit accents gives the XLR a sophisticated presence. Further, the XLR’s power retractable hardtop roof allows the comfort and security of a coupe when the top is raised. Whenever you pull back the hard top, then you should have a windscreen.
The Cadillac XLR is a good-to-great car, but it’s not the “standard of the world” as GM likes to proclaim it as. Though its styling and Cadillac badge will appeal to those looking to roll up to the valet in something different from the status quo, the XLR comes up short in terms of maximum performance. The interior is especially disappointing when compared to its similarly priced rivals from Germany and Great Britain. The Corvette is a better car, which is $20K less in the price tag, and the engine delivers more ponies.
Even though the XLR is pretty zippy, this still isn’t a true sport car – you better look elsewhere. The acceleration is good, but it doesn’t feel like you’re blasting off from a rocket, like it should. The XLR isn’t notable on the chassis, which rolls to heavily into curves and pitches to far down when breaking fast. Even with its adaptive suspension’s split-second response, the Cadillac XLR still feels less willing to tackle turns than the more athletic European contenders. The XLR is best on the open highway, when it can really stretch its legs and unwind. If putting the top down, then don’t go without a windscreen.
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Tags: Cadillac XLR, Convertible, Top Down, windscreen