Cadillac XLR is Way Cool
This XLR is one more attempt to take on the mega-luxury brands coming out of Europe and Japan. 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. This caddy is more like a land yacht than a nimble little sports car. This Caddy is a bit of a candy-ass with a softer and more comfortable ride. The XLR places a mellower 4/6-liter, 320-horsepower V8 engine rather than the Vette’s edgier 6/2-liter, 436-hp V8 power plant.
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. This ensures generally smooth and responsive maneuvers. The combination of bold, angular styling outside and distinctive eucalyptus-wood cockpit accents gives the XLR a sophisticated presence. The XLR’s retractable hard top provides a great trade off between hard top and open top. If going top down, then you really should get a Cadillac XLR windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.
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. 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 is certainly a fast car, but, well, it’s just not sports car fast. The acceleration is good, but it doesn’t feel like you’re blasting off from a rocket, like it should. The XLR’s softer suspension tuning results in noticeable body roll during hard cornering and plenty of nosedive under heavy braking. Even though this car is fitted with adaptive suspension with split-second control, the XLR is still not up to the handling performance of its European and Japanese rivals. The XLR does its best performance on the highway, where the car can practically drive itself. If you ever want to talk on your cell phone, then you better get a Cadillac XLR windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.
