[rkhare]

from http://www.autoextremist.com/page7.shtml#wordgirl

Worldgirl by Janice J. Putman

I'm not really here this week - I'm on "special assignment" like the note says...but I can't resist penning a few words about the Cadillac XLR-V. (As WordGirl, I also can't resist playing around with ideas for personalized license plates.) Now, first off, I'm a sucker for power, and a 443hp supercharged V8 is perfectly fine with me. Next, I'm lazy when it comes to the idea of working convertible tops, so a push-button power top (not only that, but a push-button hardtop that gives way to a convertible) is a true engineering marvel. We took a mini road trip in the XLR-V last weekend (four hours total - I know, that equals some people's daily commutes), and I found it to be exceptionally comfortable and most important, a tireless performer. This car just wants to go - in much the same way that a V8 Mercedes does. The XLR-V offers that somewhat elusive combination of power and luxury - it is sleek and elegant (and much more spacious than you would think), and it has power to spare. The biggest leap of faith here is the one that continues to plague Detroit - not really a leap of faith but a truly nagging problem - when you're spending this kind of money for a car (the XLR-V came in at $100,000.00 - I love that!), you're buying more than a way to get to Morton's and Costco and this weekend's fireworks show - you're wearing your brains and your heart and your wallet on your sleeve. Are you ready to abandon Mercedes and BMW and Porsche for Cadillac? Personally, I can't shake Mercedes. No question, the brand is not what it used to be, but they still have me seduced. On paper, it makes no sense - unless you're talking about the SL55 AMG, there is no comparison between the 'regular' SL550 and the XLR-V. But this isn't about numbers - it's about heart and soul. And when it comes to that, I'm still in the Mercedes camp. After a weekend in the XLR-V, however, I've decided to leave the tent partially unzipped.

 

[jlmartin99]

from http://www.autoextremist.com/page7.shtml#wordgirl

Worldgirl by Janice J. Putman

I'm not really here this week - I'm on "special assignment" like the note says...but I can't resist penning a few words about the Cadillac XLR-V. (As WordGirl, I also can't resist playing around with ideas for personalized license plates.) Now, first off, I'm a sucker for power, and a 443hp supercharged V8 is perfectly fine with me. Next, I'm lazy when it comes to the idea of working convertible tops, so a push-button power top (not only that, but a push-button hardtop that gives way to a convertible) is a true engineering marvel. We took a mini road trip in the XLR-V last weekend (four hours total - I know, that equals some people's daily commutes), and I found it to be exceptionally comfortable and most important, a tireless performer. This car just wants to go - in much the same way that a V8 Mercedes does. The XLR-V offers that somewhat elusive combination of power and luxury - it is sleek and elegant (and much more spacious than you would think), and it has power to spare. The biggest leap of faith here is the one that continues to plague Detroit - not really a leap of faith but a truly nagging problem - when you're spending this kind of money for a car (the XLR-V came in at $100,000.00 - I love that!), you're buying more than a way to get to Morton's and Costco and this weekend's fireworks show - you're wearing your brains and your heart and your wallet on your sleeve. Are you ready to abandon Mercedes and BMW and Porsche for Cadillac? Personally, I can't shake Mercedes. No question, the brand is not what it used to be, but they still have me seduced. On paper, it makes no sense - unless you're talking about the SL55 AMG, there is no comparison between the 'regular' SL550 and the XLR-V. But this isn't about numbers - it's about heart and soul. And when it comes to that, I'm still in the Mercedes camp. After a weekend in the XLR-V, however, I've decided to leave the tent partially unzipped.

Greetings Janice,

I am thinking about Cadillac,'s XLR-V. A note I prepared in reponse to a online discussion regarding my review of luxury performance roadsters.

A little background on my preference for Cadillac’s XRL. I purchased a 2005 Light Platinum XLR and for my taste, I would not change a thing on this car from a style perspective. I rank the XLR one of the top three performance luxury roadsters/coupes on the planet. My ranking overall is Cadillac XLR, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Mercedes-Benz SL550. The Cadillac XLR exhibits the most exotic styling of the group, with the best integrated high tech interior. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the most richly styled exterior/interior of the group, but weakest in technology integration. And the Mercedes-Benz is the most racy styled of the group with the best features by far and I would say the best crafted, but for me little emotional connection to its style/design. Any of the cars would be a charm to own, but when you must pick one, my choice would be the XLR for its overall style, design, performance and systems integration of its high featured technologies.

Much of this simply comes down to personal preference in what these cars translate to you. For me, there is an emotional connection with Cadillac’s XLR and Aston Martin V8 Vantage style/design. The styling of these two cars are (exterior/interior) breathtaking, but different in their design approach. The XLR is the most contemporary styled, even futuristic with an expression of the cleanest lines in its exterior design, that communicates an uncompromised purity, as to say door handles and key lock impressions are not welcomed. The interior of the XLR is almost a math equation in line design that visually connects and intersects with its exterior lines. There is a simplicity and complexity about its interior design that ultimately brings about a calming effect within the driving environment. This modern interior design calls for minimal buttons which extends the integration of voice recognition and LCD information touch screen technologies. A design implemented with a relationship to its technologies and features that results in a easy to use driver interface. Cadillac’s XLR on balance is one of the best designed performance luxury, high technology integrated roadsters available. If your requirements define an exotic, highly styled, powerful, high technology integrated, contemporary designed luxury roadster, Cadillac’s XLR is your first choice. Add the V badge to the XLR, and it transforms to a high performance luxury roadster racing to the edge of sports car refinement. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, but for my requirements in a best in class luxury roadster, the XLR is in the lead position.

John

 

[jhiller]

Great posts !
I was an SL55 owner who has switched to a XLR-v. I did so thinking it would represent a sacrifice. It isn't . It is a change laterally not a step down in any sense. I believe that Cadillac has given us a lovely and potent touring car with style and cojones aplenty.

I also own a new Corvette convert and a BMW Z8 and prefer the XLR-v over all of them.

The SL 55 was great but I had many quality issues with mine. Granted it was one of the first but there were problems.
I have come to believe that for many of us a car is not only a badge but a preconceived notion. We expect Mercede's to be better. Currently the finest car I own is my 06 Cadillac sts-4. It damn close to perfect in every respect for me and that is the only qualifier .Others may need something else but that's OK so long as we have the choice its all good.
Jim

 

[harrysxlr]

Great posts !
I was an SL55 owner who has switched to a XLR-v. I did so thinking it would represent a sacrifice. It isn't . It is a change laterally not a step down in any sense. I believe that Cadillac has given us a lovely and potent touring car with style and cojones aplenty.

I also own a new Corvette convert and a BMW Z8 and prefer the XLR-v over all of them.

The SL 55 was great but I had many quality issues with mine. Granted it was one of the first but there were problems.
I have come to believe that for many of us a car is not only a badge but a preconceived notion. We expect Mercede's to be better. Currently the finest car I own is my 06 Cadillac sts-4. It damn close to perfect in every respect for me and that is the only qualifier .Others may need something else but that's OK so long as we have the choice its all good.
Jim

After this 2000 mile ride in Bob`s XLR V I know my next car is gona be this one!!!

Here in Germany I hope it will be available by the end of 2006 or spring 07.

Jim, I think you like the cars I drive here in Germany, XLR and DTS.:thumbs :thumbs

Hans

 

[jlmartin99]

Great posts !
I was an SL55 owner who has switched to a XLR-v. I did so thinking it would represent a sacrifice. It isn't . It is a change laterally not a step down in any sense. I believe that Cadillac has given us a lovely and potent touring car with style and cojones aplenty.

I also own a new Corvette convert and a BMW Z8 and prefer the XLR-v over all of them.

The SL 55 was great but I had many quality issues with mine. Granted it was one of the first but there were problems.
I have come to believe that for many of us a car is not only a badge but a preconceived notion. We expect Mercede's to be better. Currently the finest car I own is my 06 Cadillac sts-4. It damn close to perfect in every respect for me and that is the only qualifier .Others may need something else but that's OK so long as we have the choice its all good.
Jim

Greetings Jim,

I must agree with your comments regarding Cadillac's STS. I have a 2005 STS V8 and it is simply wonderful. In fact it was my first purchase from Cadillac and the XLR was the second. I was so impressed with the STS, the XLR was considered with great interest and finally was the sports car of choice. A year later and the XLR remains at the top of my list of luxury roadsters.

JLM

 

[jlmartin99]

After this 2000 mile ride in Bob`s XLR V I know my next car is gona be this one!!!

Here in Germany I hope it will be available by the end of 2006 or spring 07.

Jim, I think you like the cars I drive here in Germany, XLR and DTS.:thumbs :thumbs

Hans

Greetins Hans,

I know you will have an XLR-V before I will, considering you have driven one. If I test drive one, I would think it would be all over for me and I would have to have one. My strategy is working, I have not test driven one yet

John

 

[harrysxlr]

Greetins Hans,

I know you will have an XLR-V before I will, considering you have driven one. If I test drive one, I would think it would be all over for me and I would have to have one. My strategy is working, I have not test driven one yet

John

John, too bad I don`t know your dealership, so I would call them and tell them to invite you for a test drive with the V. I`m pretty sure you would love the V the same as I do only you can buy one right now - I don`t.

Your strategy is working but how long:lol

On our drive back from ABQ to LA we made an avg. speed of 90.8 mph and our fuel consumtion was 18-19 mpg, what a surprise for me, it`s about the same my XLR not SC needs.

Have a nice holiday

Hans

 

[jlmartin99]

John, too bad I don`t know your dealership, so I would call them and tell them to invite you for a test drive with the V. I`m pretty sure you would love the V the same as I do only you can buy one right now - I don`t.

Your strategy is working but how long:lol

On our drive back from ABQ to LA we made an avg. speed of 90.8 mph and our fuel consumtion was 18-19 mpg, what a surprise for me, it`s about the same my XLR not SC needs.

Have a nice holiday

Hans

Hans,

Mmmmm, I am not sure if this is proper question, but are you married? I am and I have what most people would be considered a wonderful situation. The real story behind the purchase of the XLR is really due to my wife wanting to look at it. I was all set to purchase a new Corvette. And now she is asking about the XLR-V as I talk about the reviews. Her favorite phrase is "Are going to surprise me with a new Cadillac V? Mmmm, I remember praying for her to get into cars and you know what they say, carefull what you pray for.:angel I am so happy with the XLR and I am sure that would increase with a XLR-V, but for the moment I will just have to live through others and soon to be you. Best to you.

John

 

[harrysxlr]

Hans,

Mmmmm, I am not sure if this is proper question, but are you married? I am and I have what most people would be considered a wonderful situation. The real story behind the purchase of the XLR is really due to my wife wanting to look at it. I was all set to purchase a new Corvette. And now she is asking about the XLR-V as I talk about the reviews. Her favorite phrase is "Are going to surprise me with a new Cadillac V? Mmmm, I remember praying for her to get into cars and you know what they say, carefull what you pray for.:angel I am so happy with the XLR and I am sure that would increase with a XLR-V, but for the moment I will just have to live through others and soon to be you. Best to you.

John

Yes John, I`m married with two kids, well big kids daughter 20, son 16 and I think I´m also in a very good situation.

Maybe you drive a new V before I do because GM-Europe cannot give me a delivery-date for the export-models here in Germany. Could be soonest by the end of 06 but they expect more spring 07

The look of mine is almost as the V beside the raised hood so I can life with that over the next months.

Best to you too.

Hans

 

[jlmartin99]

Yes John, I`m married with two kids, well big kids daughter 20, son 16 and I think I´m also in a very good situation.

Maybe you drive a new V before I do because GM-Europe cannot give me a delivery-date for the export-models here in Germany. Could be soonest by the end of 06 but they expect more spring 07

The look of mine is almost as the V beside the raised hood so I can life with that over the next months.

Best to you too.

Hans

Hans,

I hope to review the XLR-V this time next year and maybe consider a 2008 model year. If your son has been able to drive the XLR, how wonderful is that! But just having one in the family is a wonderful thing. I will continue to watch for reviews, and having first hand experience with my current XLR, following up with and XLR-V seems an easy decision.

JLM

 

[harrysxlr]

Hans,

I hope to review the XLR-V this time next year and maybe consider a 2008 model year. If your son has been able to drive the XLR, how wonderful is that! But just having one in the family is a wonderful thing. I will continue to watch for reviews, and having first hand experience with my current XLR, following up with and XLR-V seems an easy decision.

JLM

John,

my daughter already asked me if she can have my XLR when I get me a V - she loves the XLR. She drives right now a little Peugeot with an retactable hardtop too but she said - no more french car!!!!! - She wants a US car:flag

Hans

 

[jlmartin99]

John,

my daughter already asked me if she can have my XLR when I get me a V - she loves the XLR. She drives right now a little Peugeot with an retactable hardtop too but she said - no more french car!!!!! - She wants a US car:flag

Hans

Hans,

Your daughter is very fortunate if you go along with this proposal. Another question for you. Are there other XLR owners that you are aware of. I understand that, only by rumor mind you. XLR's are a collectors car. and many of the puchased XLR are not being driven but garaged. When I heard this, I thought this is not the reason I purchased this beautiful car. Anyway, I hope your daughter is able to close the deal with you. What a wonderful thought, two Cadillac XLRs in the family, WOW! We have two Cadillacs in the family and we think we are very fortunate to experience this. Well the best you and your family.

John

 

[Guest]

John,
Are you going to put the switch in?
Bob

 

[harrysxlr]

John,
Are you going to put the switch in?
Bob

Bob, John got the standard XLR as I do but we both might have a V next year.

I for sure will put the switch in mine but I don`t have to tell you:lol

Hans

 

[harrysxlr]

Bob, John got the standard XLR as I do but we both might have a V next year.

I for sure will put the switch in mine but I don`t have to tell you:lol

Hans

Here`s a picture of my standard X L R

Hans

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/harrysxlr/P4300006.jpg

 

[jlmartin99]

John,
Are you going to put the switch in?
Bob

Greetings Standby,

Maybe next year. I very much enjoy my current XLR and I will make a decision this time next year.

John