(All pics shown are of the XLR-V)
Cadillac’s XLR is an expensive, high-class roadster, but it has never been as popular as the BMWs and Benzes in the same price range. This is mostly due to the fact that Cadillac has the same image as Buick, that is, made for an older generation. Well, Cadillac blew that image out the window with its new CTS, which is a sophisticated, elegant, and sharp car. For 2009, Cadillac is hoping to change what people think of the XLR as well.
First, some background info on the XLR.
It started life as the Evoq concept, but the production car didn’t look as good. The XLR also has a V-series model, and it is the current most expensive, fastest, and most powerful car Cadillac has made. Though it isn’t as popular as the BMWs and Benzes, it is the overall best in terms of its balance of style, performance, and comfort.
For 2009 the XLR will only be offered in the priciest Platinum Trim and the high-powered V-Series. Both the XLR and the XLR-V went through a mild facelift, which was supposedly inspired by the new CTS. Both models have new front fascias with model specific grilles and redesigned foglamps. The normal XLR now has the same hood with the upraised section that was previously exclusive to the XLR-V.
The back of both models have been adjusted, most notably the more pronounced exhaust tips. They both get model specific 18 inch wheels, and getting them chromed on the V is an option.
But the best thing about the facelift, I think, are the new side vents. They extend the whole height of the fender, and the chrome finish gets them noticed rather quickly. They also make the XLR (and V) seem sportier and more upscale/expensive. Breaking up the long side slabs is a welcome addition as well.
However, I’m still disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, the facelift is great, but I still keep on expecting thinner, more aggressive headlights and tailights, a more exotic shape, basically, I want the XLR to be the Cadillac Cien. Unfortunately, though, the Cien is one Caddy that will never get to show the world its potential.
For 2009 the interior gets jazzed up as well, with a revised instrument cluster, graphics, and better materials. Alcantara will make up the roof liner (seems like everyone’s using Alcantara nowadays), and hand-cut leather adorn the upper instrument panel. New wood and metal trims spruce up the cabin.
As for performance, everything remains the same. I was kinda disappointed with the XLR, especially when compared to the ZR1 and the CTS-V, but I guess the XLR’s engine isn’t all that bad. Of course, it could be a hell of a lot better. It will have the 4.6 liter V-8, which produces 320 horsepower and lb-ft. torque. The XLR-V gets the 4.4 liter supercharged V-8 with 443 horses and 414 lb-ft. of torque. Now, that’s not too bad, but first of all, it isn’t as good as you would expect in a car that costs $100,000 (for the V, around $80 K for the Platinum) and second of all, who in their right mind would get an XLR-V when they could get a CTS-V, which looks better, has 556 horsepower, and costs about $40,000 less?
Overall, though, the XLR isn’t a bad deal, instead, it is a rather good one. Sure it’s got a steep price, but no other competitor offers the same sense of refined balance between performance, looks, and comfort. May the next generation, however, be as fast, refined, and respectable as this generation should have been.
Specs
(Only XLR-V Specs are shown)
Price: $100,000
Engine: 4.4 liter supercharged V-8
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Horsepower: 443
Torque: 414 lb-ft.
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Mileage (mpg): 14 city, 21 highway
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