LacyLongstreet137

Clearly influenced by the styling the Mercedes-Benz SLK, the newest Cadillac XLR shares the squared off look of other recent Cadillacs. It does not look bad whatsoever, even though headlamps look as though they have been squeezed to match alongside the wide grille. The performance puts up inside the supercar class.

Top speed is restricted to 155 mph, and it can reach 60 mph in approximately 5.7 seconds - that's slightly quicker than the Jaguar XK, due to the larger engine. Other competitors are the Mercedes-Benz SL and Porsche 911.

Looks could be deceiving. The vehicle is wide and low, and appearance big. Actually, it is extremely compact, just 177.5 inches long and 72.2 inches wide. The automobile looks pretty good, particularly in the side. And also you obtain a very practical SLK-lookalike opening roof. I suppose most convertibles is going to be 'metal' convertibles soon, as well as the rag tops will disappear - perhaps not on all supercars. To save lots of weight, the roof with the XLR is aluminum and magnesium.

Good power output

Also, the XLR has lots of power: 326 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 312 lb ft (423 Nm)at 4,400 rpm from GM's Northstar 4.6 liter V-8, which could work somewhat harder - 350-360 bhp, which may not rare to find out of this engine, would make things more interesting.

Since it is, it's enough to get the car a serious shove, and as the Northstar posseses an aluminum block and head with dohc and four valves per cylinder, it revs well. Variable valve timing improves the spread of power, too.

The engine is coupled to some rear mounted five-speed automatic transmission - 5 speeds input it at a disadvantage from the European supercars which mostly have six-speed automatics, but it's built to give sporty shifts. Because the box is rear-mounted and also the engine is fairly well back, front/rear weight distribution is 50/50.

New frame concept

Depending on GM's new platform for sporty cars shared with the Corvette, the XLR includes a fairly light frame of hydro-formed steel tubes. Hydroforming changes the shape quite dramatically, investing in bends, changing the section with a rectangle and so on, making a lightweight frame. The passenger compartment is aluminum, and the entire body panels are composite plastics. This can be a structure that can contend with many a supercar.

This is a fairly light structure, and regardless of the higher level of apparatus, the automobile weighs a healthy 3,643 lb (1,654 kg) which can be just 130 lb a lot more than the newest lightweight Jaguar XK, not to mention a lot greater than the Corvette that features a lower spec but bigger engine.

Double wishbone suspension

Suspension may be the familiar Corvette design of double wishbones back and front with transverse leaf springs. The result is a straightforward, lightweight system that gives more roll stiffness - resistance to roll - than coil springs. Also, the spring rate is progressive, so it irons out big bumps inside the road nearly as easily only a small amount ones. Additionally there is a front anti-roll bar.

To save weight, the double wishbones front and back are aluminum; needless to say, the composite leaf springs are light, too. Leaf springs with this type - only one leaf - are actually quite advanced technology since they don't locate the wheels, and possess some clever manufacturing techniques.

The dampers are the new continuously variable electro-magnetic type, and the steering is speed sensitive, so that you acquire more assistance at low speed.

Because this is a Cadillac, it arrives with a high specification. For Europe, navigation, and heated/cooled seats are standard as are adaptive speed control along with a head-up display. The interior, using its wood, leather and aluminum trim is fairly pleasant

On the highway

Built in the identical plant and also to the identical concept since the Corvette, the Cadillac XLR is better thought of a softened up Corvette meant for those who need a better ride.

Visibility is great because of slim pillars inside the opening roof, and the almost flat hood. Such as the Corvette the instruments and driving position are fantastic. Additionally there is a head-up display which shows just the speed and which gear you have, and you also don't seem able to shut off. Pity. I didn't find it useful.

The steering isn't bad in any way, and the XLR turns in well, as you'd expect with this weight distribution, however when you start pressing, you start to feel just a little understeer coming in, which isn't a bad thing for the market this can be directed at - more the luxurious sports vehicle that the hard charging supercar driver. However the car does not corner as quickly as you might with increased neutral steering.

The automated is good. In D, the performance just isn't bad at all, and the kick-down is fairly aggressive. Gleam manual mode. Push the lever across on the left, then nudge it forward for up, and back for down. This works very well, and also is really a manual. After all, some of these actually shift up whenever you hit peak revs. Not that one; it just enables you to stay there till you're all set.