Cadillac XLR Kicks It
The XLR is meant to be a competitive threat against the well established European and Japanese luxury cars. The sporty XLR is what Cadillac wants people to think of, when envisioning this namebadge. Don’t be confused – even though the XLR has the same platform as the Corvette, the XLR isn’t a Corvette in disguise. It’s more of a grand touring machine than a hard-edged sports car. This Caddy is not swift in the response, so the ride is a bit smoother. 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.
Since the XLR uses aircraft-light parts, it isn’t heavy and logy like some might suspect. The super-duper Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension system does a great job of automatically adjusting the suspension for ride smoothness. This ensures generally smooth and responsive maneuvers. The mash-up of the cutting exterior and bold interior with catching accents do make for a compelling presence. Further, the XLR’s power retractable hardtop roof allows the comfort and security of a coupe when the top is raised. If going top-down, then you should arm yourself with a Cadillac windscreen.
This Cadillac XLR does indeed turn heads, but it’s not worthy all of the hype GM is giving it – far from it. 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. If you’re looking at the XLR, then you might as well be looking at the Corvette, which costs $20K less and provides 116 more horse power.
The XLR certainly have plenty of speed, but the top-end may still come out short for some enthusiasts. Acceleration, though certainly quick, is not as forceful as its corporate cousin. 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 Cadillac windscreen.
——————————-
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