Finally a Real Contender for Mercedes' SL55 AMG | |
| The XLR-V ups power and torque considerably over the standard roadster, to an estimated 440-horsepower and 425 lb-ft. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
To me, one of the most exciting North American made cars currently available is Cadillac's XLR. Its stunning design, exceptional performance and superb quality put it in an elite group of premium roadsters. Of course, the obvious benchmark target is Mercedes-Benz's phenomenal new SL500, and as far as facing off with the legendary European goes, Cadillac has done an amiable job for a first outing. This said it shouldn't be forgotten that the XLR benefits wholly from much of the componentry which makes America's sports car sweetheart, the Corvette, one of the best handling cars in its class. Yet the XLR offers a dignified ride compared to its muscle-bound donor car, a much more refined interior, equally if not more stylish plastic body panels, and a more sophisticated albeit less powerful V8 engine.
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| Cadillac is boasting less than five seconds for 0 to 100 km/h time trials. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
While XLR buyers probably aren't expatriate Corvette owners, or at least there hasn't been an influx of C5 owners trading up to the pricy Caddy, the crested wreath brand plans to remedy the engine output shortage just the same, but more to elevate Cadillac's premium stature against its Mercedes-Benz competitor rather than any concerns about rivaling 'Vette fans. The XLR-V, following a naming pattern started with the Audi S4, BMW M3, and Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG fighting CTS-V sedan, and more recently by the unveiling of the new STS-V at the Detroit auto show, ups power and torque considerably over the more domesticated standard roadster, to an estimated 440-horsepower at 6400 rpm and 425 lb-ft at 3600 rpm respectively.