The Bose audio system puts out decent sound though, with almost overwhelming bass response brought about by its powerful subwoofer. Higher pitched sounds come via door mounted speakers and a set integrated into the headrests, optimizing the 6-disc in-dash CD changer. Is it as good as the SC's Mark Levinson system? I remember being more impressed with the Lexus stereo, but this is a sports car after all; the ripping exhaust note on the Cadillac more than makes up for any subtleties lost in audio performance.
So, is the XLR worth the money? At $110,000 that will have to be a personal question. There most likely won't be too many pulling up at the dinner club valet service, so the initial excitement over the car should linger on for years. There's no argument the SL500 offers more prestige, as well as some other benefits previously mentioned, but along with that comes a $17,500 increase to the bottom line. That's an economy car for the college student in the family. But if we're talking pure dollar value, the Lexus wins with no contest. At $86,800 the SC 430 carves $23,200 off of the XLR, while offering more refinement and better expected reliability. There's just that styling issue to get over. While some love it, more don't. Again, styling doesn't seem to be a problem form the XLR.
When it comes time to decide, choosing a premium roadster is not as easy as tallying up the sum of the respective parts. Truly, each car has its strengths and weaknesses, with the XLR measuring up well in the contest overall. In the end Cadillac has produced most sporting of the bunch, which after all is what roadsters are supposed to be all about.
Specifications:
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| Cadillac has produced the sportiest premium open-top two-seater on the market; sport after all being what roadsters are supposed to be all about. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
When it comes time to decide, choosing a premium roadster is not as easy as tallying up the sum of the respective parts. Truly, each car has its strengths and weaknesses, with the XLR measuring up well in the contest overall. In the end Cadillac has produced most sporting of the bunch, which after all is what roadsters are supposed to be all about.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP):$110,000 - $111,095
- Body Type: 2-door convertible, composite body panels
- Layout: front engine, RWD
- Engine: 320 hp, 310 lb ft torque, 4.6-L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
- Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Performance (0-100 km/h): 6.5 seconds
- Cargo Cap (trunk): 328 L (11.6 cu ft)
- Curb Weight: 1,636 kg (3,607 lbs)
- Fuel Economy (est city/hwy): 13.8 / 9.4 L/100 km (17 / 25 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Lexus SC 430, Mercedes-Benz SL
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
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