I received a call from someone surveying me about my XLR last night. In my case, I've got an '07 XLR-V. The surveyor said she was doing the survey for Cadillac. There were a number of interesting questions. The ones that piqued my interest were the ones that related to what I thought were the necessary, nice or unneeded features in future XLRs. That made me think that part of the results of the survey might actually go toward defining the features for the next generation XLR. Of course, one of the other questions was what I would have purchased had I not bought the XLR. In my case, I answered a Z06 Corvette. The surveyor indicated that she had spoken to 4 XLR owners that evening and 3 out of 4 had said that the Z06 Corvette would have been their choice had they not bought an XLR. At any rate, that made me wonder about whether it would make sense for GM to continue with the XLR. Sounds like, based on that small sample, they'd still sell 75% of the number of XLRs they're selling now except people would be buying Z06 Corvettes instead. So, why bother with all of the hassle of having another vehicle if you're going to be able to retain most of the sales from the XLR in a Z06 Corvette. Anyway, the questions were interesting. Anyone else been surveyed? What did you think?
Ernie

Hello Earnie,

Thanks for your interesting comments. My first thought is to ask for amplification on that mini-survey ........... were those four other XLR owners, owners of XLRVs, or were they base model owners? I'm thinking that 'V' owners would probably consider the Z06 if XLRVs were not available since they are looking for powerful wheels.

On the other hand, I don't think the base XLR buyer would necessarily go for a Vette if the XLR didn't exist. They might be driving an SLK or SC430. I know that I would.

We all know that GM created the XLR brand for the sole purpose of elevating the Cadillac image to be superior to other luxury brands. They needed something that was beautiful, coddling in a Cadillac way, and swift. They suceeded, and attracted thousands of buyers that are looking for that something new that is totally 'Cadillac'.

I know that when I'm driving that fantastic sled called an XLR, it's a downright special event, every time.

Las Vegas Dave

I just love the looks I get at a light, at the mall, driving slowly by a bunch of kids that are screaming..............Hit it.

Elvis is my idol and was King and still is, but I feel like a king when I drive my Ichiban.(for those that don't know........Number one) or my favorite other name............My gorilla in a tuxedo.
Hey, how about my "Ichiban gorilla in a a tuxedo"


Hello Earnie,

Thanks for your interesting comments. My first thought is to ask for amplification on that mini-survey ........... were those four other XLR owners, owners of XLRVs, or were they base model owners? I'm thinking that 'V' owners would probably consider the Z06 if XLRVs were not available since they are looking for powerful wheels.

On the other hand, I don't think the base XLR buyer would necessarily go for a Vette if the XLR didn't exist. They might be driving an SLK or SC430. I know that I would.

We all know that GM created the XLR brand for the sole purpose of elevating the Cadillac image to be superior to other luxury brands. They needed something that was beautiful, coddling in a Cadillac way, and swift. They suceeded, and attracted thousands of buyers that are looking for that something new that is totally 'Cadillac'.

I know that when I'm driving that fantastic sled called an XLR, it's a downright special event, every time.

Las Vegas Dave

I got the same call last nite! Sounds like I had a lot of the same questions. Between the mail and the phone calls, I bet I've had a half a dozon surveys! I've bought new cars before, but I never have had as many surveys as I've had with this car!

Chad

I just love the looks I get at a light, at the mall, driving slowly by a bunch of kids that are screaming..............Hit it.

Elvis is my idol and was King and still is, but I feel like a king when I drive my Ichiban.(for those that don't know........Number one) or my favorite other name............My gorilla in a tuxedo.
Hey, how about my "Ichiban gorilla in a a tuxedo"

I'm with you 100%, Bob, I feel like I wrote your comments and you just signed it!

Floyd

FLoyd, what are you doing up this early? Getting ready for the date with your XLR buddies? :party

For me the contender was the 500SL. Heck , when we were given the keys to the X for a 24+ hr test drive, the first thing we did was drive it to the Mercedes dealership in Tampa and I parked the bad boy next to a same colored AMG. I wanted to compare the looks, so I took dozens of pictures and we test drove it, let's just say, it beat out the X in speed, but I was in love with the X from the moment it was created. So, as soon as we got home, I compared the pictures, and I gotta say, The Mercedes was my attainable street dream car in the 90's and early 2000. But there is no question which car looks cooler and more unique. Which is rare to find. I see the 500SL all over the place, the X, hardly anywhere. Well there are about 6 in our small city, surprisingly, but in November, there were fewer. Mea

Yeah, up early as usual, just trying to decide which tank top to wear. . . :lol

Think we'll buy a house or two today???

Floyd

Hopefully, Auctioneer said the Jessica one is really nice! :seeya it will be held there for both houses. I was wondering how we would run from one to the other at the same time? hehe :jester J.K. (Just Kidding)
M

Mea, My wife has a 500SL sport and I have a 04 XLR, so I am aware of the comparison on a daily basis. We changed the wheels (two were bent) & tires on the SL so it is a quieter and somewhat softer ride than before. The only things the SL has are more trunk room with the top down, and the most stable road handling available. On the rest, the XLR has heads up display (I love it), MUCH simpler,more understandable, and usable controls on everything: radio, navigation, A/C, engine & mileage info, etc. Seating comfort similar. XLR suspension gives smoother ride, (even with runflat tires.) Similar acceleration, fewer problems and much less expensive to fix ! And the SL cost $23M more in 04.
Rex32

Hello Earnie,

On the other hand, I don't think the base XLR buyer would necessarily go for a Vette if the XLR didn't exist. They might be driving an SLK or SC430. I know that I would.

Las Vegas Dave

I agree with this -- If the XLR were not available I would not have purchased a Corvette. To me, the XLR is in a different class than a Corvette in terms of convenience and ride comfort.

I agree with you guys, the vette is in an all together very different category! I enjoy the luxury and the sporty sexy uniqueness of the XLR. It has so much more amenities. You would have to replace it with another LUXURY type vehicle.
I agree with this -- If the XLR were not available I would not have purchased a Corvette. To me, the XLR is in a different class than a Corvette in terms of convenience and ride comfort.

:iagree I agree with you guys, the vette is in an all together very different category! I enjoy the luxury and the sporty sexy uniqueness of the XLR. It has so much more amenities. You would have to replace it with another LUXURY type vehicle.

:yesnod :iagree :yesnod

I agree with you guys, the vette is in an all together very different category! I enjoy the luxury and the sporty sexy uniqueness of the XLR. It has so much more amenities. You would have to replace it with another LUXURY type vehicle.

I have to agree with you on your opinion of the differences between the 2 Luxury Roadsters. In my mind these two vehicles are close competition! Both are hard top converts. Very unique right there!
Both utmost luxury in a high performance car. Incredible looking 5 stars for both! I do prefer the colors of the Cadillacs by far as well as its unique style & look. Love the HUD!!! Except when I wear my polarized sunglasses. Unfortunately the seats of the 500SL are more comfortable, due to its adjustable headrest!! I agree with you on the useability of the features in the X are much nicer. The only other thing I envy from the 500SL is the little cubby space behind the seats. The ladies have somewhere to put their purses and many other things instead of between their legs in the X if they are the passenger!! The seats also recline further. And of course the price tag! Last 500SL I fell for was $115K..ouch. I can have 2 used XLR's for that!:thumbs
However, if the XLR would disappear, you can bet I would get a 500SL in a heartbeat!!!! Let's just hope they never do away with them!:o I LOVE MY BABY BOY! Mea


Mea, My wife has a 500SL sport and I have a 04 XLR, so I am aware of the comparison on a daily basis. We changed the wheels (two were bent) & tires on the SL so it is a quieter and somewhat softer ride than before. The only things the SL has are more trunk room with the top down, and the most stable road handling available. On the rest, the XLR has heads up display (I love it), MUCH simpler,more understandable, and usable controls on everything: radio, navigation, A/C, engine & mileage info, etc. Seating comfort similar. XLR suspension gives smoother ride, (even with runflat tires.) Similar acceleration, fewer problems and much less expensive to fix ! And the SL cost $23M more in 04.
Rex32

Awwwwwwwww. . .

I have to agree with you on your opinion of the differences between the 2 Luxury Roadsters. In my mind these two vehicles are close competition! Both are hard top converts. Very unique right there!
Both utmost luxury in a high performance car. Incredible looking 5 stars for both! I do prefer the colors of the Cadillacs by far as well as its unique style & look. Love the HUD!!! Except when I wear my polarized sunglasses. Unfortunately the seats of the 500SL are more comfortable, due to its adjustable headrest!! I agree with you on the useability of the features in the X are much nicer. The only other thing I envy from the 500SL is the little cubby space behind the seats. The ladies have somewhere to put their purses and many other things instead of between their legs in the X if they are the passenger!! The seats also recline further. And of course the price tag! Last 500SL I fell for was $115K..ouch. I can have 2 used XLR's for that!:thumbs
However, if the XLR would disappear, you can bet I would get a 500SL in a heartbeat!!!! Let's just hope they never do away with them!:o I LOVE MY BABY BOY! Mea

Very Nice Wheels :yesnod :yesnod

Mea, My wife has a 500SL sport and I have a 04 XLR, so I am aware of the comparison on a daily basis. We changed the wheels (two were bent) & tires on the SL so it is a quieter and somewhat softer ride than before. The only things the SL has are more trunk room with the top down, and the most stable road handling available. On the rest, the XLR has heads up display (I love it), MUCH simpler,more understandable, and usable controls on everything: radio, navigation, A/C, engine & mileage info, etc. Seating comfort similar. XLR suspension gives smoother ride, (even with runflat tires.) Similar acceleration, fewer problems and much less expensive to fix ! And the SL cost $23M more in 04.
Rex32

These pictures were taken in 2002 @ Nurburgring test track.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee212/wzlr/XLRvsSL500_2.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee212/wzlr/XLRvsSL500.jpg

Enjoy

Thanks! Oh and great pictures!!! Ya wanna see mine? Mea

Thanks! Oh and great pictures!!! Ya wanna see mine? Mea

Absolutely :yesnod :cheers

Thanks! Oh and great pictures!!! Ya wanna see mine? Mea

One more picture of the XLR and SL500 in Austria (2002).
That XLR was a prototype.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee212/wzlr/XLRvsSL500_3.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_XLRvsMerc06.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/XLRvsMerc06.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_XLRvs-3.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/XLRvs-3.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_XLRvs-2.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/XLRvs-2.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_XLRvs-1.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/XLRvs-1.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_XLRvs.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/XLRvs.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_XLRvsMerc03.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/XLRvsMerc03.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_xlrvsMerc02.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/xlrvsMerc02.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_XLRvsMerc09.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/XLRvsMerc09.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_XLRvsmerc08.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/XLRvsmerc08.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_xlrvsMerc01.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/xlrvsMerc01.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_Rearangleview.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/Rearangleview.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_Paultopdown.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/Paultopdown.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_licplate.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/licplate.jpg)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/th_FrontviewMea.jpg (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/tflak/FrontviewMea.jpg)

Very nice pictures. Congrats to you and your husband. Both of you own very nice automobiles.

We do not own the 500SL , I just took the XLR to the Mercedes dealership the day they loaned it to us to test drive for a few days. I just thought I would literally put it side by side to compare. Similar colors, both reek gorgeousness...(is that a word?) hehe...
It just confirmed my decision with the photos. XLR!!! Much more rare in style and of course better $$$ too. Plus, I wanted a car that you don't see many of on the road. Mea

I love your pictures WZLR, I am from Hungary, we used to go to Austria on some weekends when I was young. Nice cars too :) Mea

Mea,

I see your original plate wasn't XLRAT.

Floyd

It was what ever the dealership ordered. Then we ordered the vanity plate since Paul did not let me use my old one from either vehicles: Timea or Mea's Toy!