2005 Cadillac Xlr V Review

Finally a Real Contender for Mercedes SL55 AMG

To me, one of the most exciting North American made cars currently available is Cadillacs 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-Benzs 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 shouldnt be forgotten that the XLR benefits wholly from much of the componentry which makes Americas 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.

While XLR buyers probably arent expatriate Corvette owners, or at least there hasnt 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 Cadillacs 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.

If you know your Cadillac V-models youll realize that the numbers correlate almost exactly to the previously released STS-V, and like the large sedan the XLR-V features a supercharged version of the celebrated 4.4-liter Northstar V8, now dubbed Northstar-SC. And as far as propelling the welterweight (well at least compared to the 4,232 lb SL55) XLR-V forward with any greater momentum than the stock model, the positive displacement intercooled supercharger adds a 120-horsepower and 115 lb-ft advantage, which should make for some rather quick 0 to 60 mph time trials - Cadillac is boasting less than five seconds. Whats more, the XLR-V delivers 90 percent of its peak torque between 2,200 and 6,000 rpm resulting in an extremely consistent and controlled release of power.

When you consider the efficiently packaged Cadillac V8 is more than a litre smaller than the equivalent M-B AMG mill, allowing it bragging rights to the rarified 100-horsepower-per-liter club and in so doing making it among the worlds highest specific output production V8 engines, the XLR-Vs performance is even more impressive.

Mercedes-Benzs AMG team uses superchargers to pump up output too, called kompressors in Germany,

But the XLR-V, like its Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz competitors, is not all about straightway speed or even cornering adhesion. More so, the car is a rolling showcase for Cadillacs various advanced technologies, such as its variable-flow exhaust system that optimizes the flow rate of spent gases at higher engine speeds, while producing a more robust exhaust note.

Cadillac is also showing off its new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed rear-mounted automatic gearbox, that has been optimized for smooth gear changes by retarding power between shift increments, plus adding larger stabilizer bars, plus drawing greater attention to a sport-tuned version of its impressive Magnetic Ride Control suspension system. The brands Adaptive Corner Lighting system, which swivels the xenon HID headlamps up to 15-degrees in order to improve visibility around corners, also makes its debut on this top-tier Cadillac.

GMs flagship division didnt need to do much with the XLRs styling to prepare it for “V” duties, but the addition of new ten-spoke 19-inch alloy rims, black-painted brake calipers and special badging increase the desirability factor, as does a new hood scoop, polished wire-mesh grille and more aggressive stainless steel exhaust tips.

How about on the inside? The XLRs luxurious cabin acquires unique stitching on the front buckets and exclusive ebony wood and aluminum accents on the dash, centre stack and door panels.

Of course, the steroid enhanced XLR still features that wonderfully functional retractable hardtop that makes the base Cadillac roadster such a dream to live with, as well as the ultra-cool push-button actuated electric door releases, ideal for wowing your friends.

So how much will all of this fast-paced luxury cost? When the XLR debuted, I criticized GM for being too bold with its pricing. Since this time the price has dropped significantly, with a 2005 XLR now available for $75,835. No doubt, bucking up for Cadillacs XLR-V will set you back a great deal more than the standard XLR, but that in mind it will cost a lot less than a similarly equipped Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG would, current starting at $123,300. Expect pricing to be somewhere in the $90,000 to $100,000 range, which would slide it into Jaguar XKR territory but still well below its M-B rival.

And to me, having had the opportunity to test the hopped-up Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz models on the street, and regularly-tuned SL500 and XLR back-to-back at the racetrack, deciding which one to re-mortgage the farm for would be a tough decision. Resale values aside, Id probably opt for the XLR. I like its minimalist yet edgy styling better, the best example of Cadillacs art and science design language, making the lovely SL look almost dated when both cars are sitting side-by-side, and the Cadillacs nimble balance, even in wet or icy conditions, is truly remarkable.

And maybe more important, when day-to-day commuting is in consideration, the GM divisions reliability record, that must make the execs at Mercedes-Benz who have read the most recent J. D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) shrink in embarrassment, might just be the deal maker, or breaker depending which logo hangs outside the dealership in question.

The XLRs drop-top might not be as masterfully engineered, but to Cadillacs credit its interior incorporates higher quality plastic surfaces, if you can believe that, and slightly more room, while its handy remote start feature is beyond practical in colder climates.

And on that note, Ive got to sit down and rethink the world as I once knew it. After all, if youd asked me ten years ago if I would ever consider purchasing a Cadillac over a Mercedes-Benz I would have laughed you out of the room. What a difference a decade makes.