Test Cadillac XLR-V - An Exclusive Recital

Exotic, unusual, Cadillac XLR challenges passersby.
Especially in this "V", and even rarer
performance version

Not exotic enough XLR? So here is the "V" doped compressor. A gentle monster 448 hp, which sends you into the stratosphere with delight ... and you debt over twenty years.

Cross XLR, this original roadster, rival the Mercedes SL and other Lexus SC430 is a rare occurrence.
So, if you see an XLR-V, made an outright vow Cadillac does matter a hundred in Europe! That said, it takes a keen eye to notice the grille "honeycomb" and the discreet rear spoiler, specific to the "V". Inside, the changes are too light, and the strange ergonomics as perfectible finish XLR recall that this is the country of Uncle Sam Nevertheless, despite its four years, the Cadillac is very desirable. Even here, with the Northstar V8 boosted by a compressor, which increased the power to 448 hp.

U.S. are incorrigible: even when they venture into
the most prestigious European court, they do not
quite care for their finish

Benefits
    Outsized performance
    Retractable hardtop
    Ease of use
Pitfalls of
    Surprising ergonomics
    Light finish
    Biting little braking
    Heavy steering performance driving

What spice drive, even if it is far from expected monster. The sweet six-speed automatic transmission never locks and staging surprise: in manual mode, the first climb at 85 km / h meter and the second reached 150 km / h! At home on the wide avenues, at least in the narrow streets, including the lack of large-diameter circle (11.9 m between curbs), the XLR-V makes sense when the horizon clears. The compressor has beautiful stifle somewhat manly sound of the V8, it releases as a couple (561 Nm) each acceleration glue you to the seat. The powerful thrust, so aircraft on takeoff, seems to never want to stop.

Cadillac of all the history of the brand, born in 1903
is the XLR-V that accelerates harder

However, if the fine is like a fish in water highway, it requires concentration on departmental, let alone winding and degraded. This XL-R is not a trap, but between poor motor skills, the little bite braking and steering that weighs in turns, it does not have the means to exploit the punch of its V8 . Better décapoter and enjoy the serene atmosphere offered by a proper comfort and availability of automated 448 hp. Finally, the "V" turns a rational rather unconventional choice when considering a "banal" Mercedes SL 500 Roadster is displayed at higher rates.