Cadillac XLR Basics
This XLR is one more attempt to take on the mega-luxury brands coming out of Europe and Japan. The XLR is a flashy car, what Cadillac wants to build up. Dija know that both the XLR and Corvette are built on top of the same platform, even though the Corvette does a better job with it. This caddy is more like a land yacht than a nimble little sports car. The Caddy’s responses are softer and comfortably refined. The XLR also uses a tamer 4/6-liter, 320-horsepower V8 engine rather than the Vette’s edgier 6/2-liter, 436-hp V8 engine.
The XLR makes good use of lightweight parts, such as aluminum suspension pieces, that keeps the XLR’s weight pretty reasonable. Also, the standard Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension system thinks for you, adjusting ride smoothness automatically. Adding this up provide smooth and responsive maneuvers. The mash-up of the cutting exterior and bold interior with catching accents do make for a compelling presence. The XLR’s hard top is retractable, providing the best between the secure hard top and cruising with the top down. If going top-down, then you should arm yourself with a Cadillac 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. . The Corvette looks pretty good against the XLR in comparison, which is $20K less expensive and provides more power.
The XLR is certainly a fast car, but, well, it’s just not sports car fast. The take-off from the line is quick, but not as quick as the Corvette. The XLR has a soft underpining, causing the vehicle to roll in curves and nosedive under fast breaking. 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 you ever want to talk on your cell phone, then you better get a Cadillac windscreen.
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When the author isn’t driving her XLR around town, she’s a fan of psychic reviews, the Seattle HCG Diet Center, and the Cadillac XLR windscreen windblocker wind deflector.
Tags: Cadillac XLR, Convertible, Top Down, windscreen