What Is Body Material Makeup Of Cadillac Xlr?
The Car Connection Expert Review
Editorial Managing director
July 22, 2008
Likes
- Exciting dispatch
- More buttoned-downwardly than standard XLR
- Subtle outside cues
- Effective keyless entry and starting
- Easy-to-master technology
Dislikes
- Unique styling cues maybe too subtle
- Not as refined as information technology could be
- Tiny trunk
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-5 marries a folding convertible height with Corvette-style performance--what's not to love?
The sportscar experts at TheCarConnection.com researched road tests on the 2008 Cadillac XLR to produce this definitive review. Editors from TheCarConnection.com likewise drove the supercharged Cadillac XLR-5, and they offer opinions and details on this unique American sportscar where they help better inform yous of the XLR-Five'south operation, styling, comfort, and safety. This review also compares the 2008 Cadillac XLR-Five with other vehicles in its class to give yous the best advice even when other reviews present alien opinions.
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V is a sporty two-seat retractable hardtop roadster, one based on the Chevrolet Corvette, but defined past its ain sharp-edged styling, exclusive interior, and unique suspension tuning. This Chevy-based platform gives the XLR-5 a strong foundation from which to launch--and wrapped in Cadillac's creased arrange, the XLR-5 is a striking-looking motorcar, though its interior could use a little more refinement.
And launch it does--compared to the standard 2008 Cadillac XLR, the XLR-V jettisons the base 320-horsepower V-8 for a slightly smaller but supercharged V-viii. The four.4-liter Northstar dual-overhead-camshaft engine packs a 443-horsepower dial. The powerplant is hand-built by experienced craftsmen, one piston at a time. The gearbox is upgraded from the standard XLR's 5-speed to a six-speed automatic. Brakes are enlarged to handle the engine's added power.
A sharp middle will quickly spot some of the 5-Serial'due south unique pattern cues. The hood has a more sculpted await, the power dome wrapping around the supercharger. There are the 5-Series badges, every bit well as the wire mesh grille that has become an industry-wide signature for operation editions.
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Inside, the visual tweaks are modest, with a bit more Zingana wood detail carved into the car's middle stack and new Ultrasuede inserts added to doors and seats, where they have the functional benefit of providing more grip in hard turns--and that's something this new Caddy can do. On the route, the V-Series payoff is noticeable. While the standard XLR provides a good, solid ride, y'all'd be more likely to draw information technology equally sporty, rather than a true sportscar. Not so the 2008 XLR-V--this Cadillac is a rocket that handles with precision.
Since its introduction as a 2004 model, the Cadillac XLR has aged pretty well. The XLR is due for a light exterior refresh for the 2009 model twelvemonth. Limited updates, including a heated steering bicycle and a retuned version of Magnetic Ride Control, were made to all XLR editions for the 2008 model year.
Equally an automotive skilful with nearly 30 years in the business, it seems kind of funny to write that 443 horsepower isn't too impressive these days, especially when y'all're talking about cars that cost six figures. Case in point, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers iii models that kicking out more than 500 horsepower. BMW's G edition of its 6-Series packs a V-ten wallop of 500-plus horsepower. These cars are all products of special production units developed by their manufacturers, and the results are impressive and hugely expensive.
Perhaps compared only on toll, the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V could be considered a contender, simply those who play in this sandbox aren't looking for value. They're shopping for status and bragging rights. On these two counts, the XLR-5 can't compete--except with the beautiful Jaguar XKR, a stunning kitten that runs with 420 horsepower.
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-5 has edgy styling in its corner and Zingana wood to liven up its interior.
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V is the hottest version of the brand's two-seat retractable-hardtop roadster. Information technology's derived in office from the Chevrolet Corvette, but the XLR-V has a supercharged V-8 engine and straight-edge fashion all its own.
The Detroit News calls the XLR-5 a "sharply chiseled two-seater," while Cars.com points out "stealth fighters inspired [the XLR]," adding that information technology'due south "a gimmicky expression of Cadillac's heritage of landmark design and avant-garde technology." Kelley Blue Book says the "edgy styling stands out from the crowd," while Edmunds predicts its shape "will entreatment to those looking to roll up to the valet in something different from the condition quo." Equally a "V" version of a Cadillac vehicle, the XLR-V gets special "design features [which] include polished wire-mesh upper and lower grilles, a sculpted hood and 4 stainless-steel exhaust tips," Cars.com points out.
The interior is definitely a stride above the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V'due south picayune brother, the XLR; Cars.com reports that "the interior has Zingana woods trim and aluminum accents on the wheel," while the Detroit News raves that it'southward "trimmed in rich-looking ebony leather with French stitching and matching perforated-suede inserts, every bit well as aluminum accents on the steering wheel and instrument panel." On the other manus, Edmunds is not such a fan of the interior of the Cadillac XLR-Five 2008: "abundant wood and metal accents are a expert commencement, but aesthetics ultimately miss the mark, thanks to generic-looking switchgear and unspectacular leather. For a car that costs a pilus short of $100,000, this is a profound disappointment."
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The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V turns in stunning performance, just European sportscars have marginally ameliorate handling.
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V surpasses the stock XLR in straight-line speed, and its handling is tighter without treading on Corvette territory.
"The operation-packed [Cadillac XLR-5 2008] is fitted with a supercharged four.4-liter V-8 that develops 443 hp at 6,400 rpm and 414 pounds-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm," praises Cars.com. The "special motor" is "a supercharged, 4.4-liter version of the highly regarded Northstar DOHC Five-eight," the Detroit News adds. They also note it "delivers an aplenty 443 horsepower and 414 pounds-anxiety of torque -- plenty to rocket this sled from rest to 60 in about 4.9 seconds."
Edmunds reports this 2008 Cadillac as existence "viciously quick...courtesy of this Cadillac's supercharged V8, which will send you hurtling from zero to 60 in less than 5 seconds." This source notes that like the engines of sure BMW models, "Cadillac has given each V8 a personal touch on, with each being built from kickoff to finish by a single craftsman," making it "responsive and quick, eager to leap to attention at the slightest tap of the throttle." Car and Driver says information technology's "able to purr around at lower engine speeds as befits a luxury marque, then snarl to the redline with almost shocking ferocity."
According to Cars.com, the "six-speed automated transmission incorporates Performance Algorithm Shifting and Operation Algorithm Liftfoot systems, along with Driver Shift Control for manually selected gear changes." The Detroit News reports that the Cadillac XLR-V 2008'due south engine "drives the rear wheels through a new Hydra-matic half-dozen-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability." The transmission "provides almost intuitive response to a driver's inputs," Automobile and Driver says.
The EPA estimates fuel consumption in the XLR-V at fifteen mpg in urban center driving and 22 mpg on the open road.
Cars.com notes that the XLR-V has "a rear stabilizer bar and a larger front end stabilizer bar" than the XLR. Edmunds reports a "memorable and engaging ride," merely suggests that "you'll observe more refined and engaging driving dynamics in its European contest...quite simply, you tin can do much better when spending this much money." This is despite the "magnetic ride control, which automatically adjusts the pause to compensate for issues like pavement conditions and vehicle speed" as telegraphed past the Detroit News. Automobile gets a chuckle when it says the XLR-V'due south steering is "like a belatedly-in-life Marlon Brando having a root canal: weighty simply numb." Nevertheless, MyRide.com asserts the 2008 Cadillac XLR-5 offers "tenacious grip in the corners, excellent brakes [with a] standard StabiliTrak stability control organisation [that] keeps things in proper alignment." This source remarks "disabling StabiliTrak might have upped the level of excitement." Car and Commuter says "the ride is still considerably amend than that of the Corvette with which this auto shares and so much platform architecture."
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Storage and cargo capability aboard the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V are limited, but for short trips, it offers good comfort and a heady dose of luxury.
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V provides good comfort levels, but falls short on storage and cargo space.
TheCarConnection.com notes that Cadillac XLR-5 2008 interior space is a bit cozy. The Detroit News complains almost "ergonomics in the cabin, which feels more cramped than the cockpit of the SL." Edmunds warns that "cabin dimensions in this [2008 Cadillac] convertible are likewise tight, resulting in a cramped environment for taller drivers...At that place's also not a whole lot of room available. The vertically gifted will find getting comfortable in the driver seat a challenge." By fashion of apology, MyRide.com explains that the "narrow foot well [is] necessitated by the wide powertrain tunnel." ConsumerGuide tempers its praise of this 2008 Cadillac somewhat: "non expansive, merely equally roomy as whatsoever rival," stating that the "comfortable, supportive seats set low, so entry/exit requires small-scale effort." Cars.com counters this: "high sills need some twisting to go within."
If passenger and driver space are tight, cargo and storage space are fifty-fifty tighter; the Detroit News suggests that the Cadillac XLR-V 2008 "isn't the ideal vacation vehicle, unless you pack light -- very light...with the retractable hardtop stowed in the trunk, the XLR-V has a razor-thin 4.4 cubic feet of luggage space, which is about enough room to stash 2 soft duffle numberless -- forget the picnic basket and golf clubs. And there's barely enough room in the two-seat cabin to stow an iPod, let solitary a laptop reckoner." With the Cadillac XLR-5 2008 top up, MyRide.com reports that the "long but shallow body provides 11.6 cubic-feet of cargo room," calculation that it "fails to impress in terms of cargo capacity."
When it comes to materials, the Detroit News is highly complimentary, calling 2008 Cadillac materials "really top drawer -- just near the nicest that GM offers on any of its interiors in North America." Edmunds is more disquisitional, however, reporting "middling interior quality unsuited to half dozen-figure price," and that "some materials are appropriately rich, yet others seem quite average."
Edmunds likewise feels that 2008 Cadillac XLR-V noise levels are a mixed bag: "wind buffeting tin get somewhat intrusive with the peak down, merely the XLR-V is whisper-repose with its top up."
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The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V hasn't been crash-tested yet, but comes with a long list of standard safety equipment.
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V has non been crash-tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Assistants (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
"Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are all standard," according to Edmunds, which too reports that the Cadillac XLR-V has "side airbags inflate to protect both the head and body." MyRide.com suggests "both [2008 Cadillac XLR-Five] occupants will do good from front and seat-mounted side airbags."
Cars.com notes that Cadillac XLR-V 2008 "seat belts have powered pretensioners," while "four-channel all-disc antilock brakes, traction control and a stability system" are standard.
Disturbingly, MyRide.com reports that this 2008 Cadillac has "high rear body line that results in limited visibility."
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V is handsomely optioned for its $100,000 cost tag.
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-Five has no optional equipment, because as is the case with its smaller brother the XLR, all equipment is standard.
Kelley Bluish Volume reports, "Just about everything a luxury-operation fan could enjoy is included" in the list cost of the 2008 Cadillac, though they note that "none of the features are unique or particularly dramatic."
Edmunds states "merely one [Cadillac XLR-Five 2008] trim is bachelor, but -- as befits the car'southward nearly half-dozen-figure toll tag -- it's fully loaded. Perks like Bluetooth phone connectivity, heated leather seats and adaptive prowl control (which automatically maintains a preset distance between the roadster and the car ahead of it) are all standard."
The Detroit News asserts "Cadillac lavishes plenty loftier-tech features on the car to rival Federal republic of germany'southward best, but without the unnecessarily complicated controls...standard features include adaptive headlamps, radar cruise control, an ultrasonic reverse sensing arrangement, rain-sensing wipers, a DVD navigation system with touch-screen."
Because this 2008 Cadillac is fully loaded, the very term "optional equipment" is meaningless here. Edmunds adds that the Cadillac XLR-V 2008'south "comprehensive equipment listing leaves room for only a pair of options: the Alpine White Edition (which features its namesake's exterior hue along with chrome wheels) and chrome wheels."
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Source: https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/cadillac_xlr_2008
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