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If the USA's stealth fighter planes had wing mirrors, then they would probably look like those on the Cadillac XLR: it would be difficult to give a car any more sharp corners and straight edges. Unfortunately, unlike military flight craft, the US-Roadster is not invisible from enemy radar, a perhaps desirable trait when considering that the car has a top speed of 250 km/h and a solid road holding even on bends.
Despite having front and back plate springs (like the Corvette), thanks to new seamless magnetic shock absorbers you do not get the feeling of being in a rocking chair during fast load-cycle changes, as one would stereotypically expect from American test sledges. On the contrary however, the convertible is not completely light-footed and sporty, something that would supposedly not bother the somewhat older target group of buyers.
Yet the Caddy draws upon another cliché, namely that of being something different. Those in this class, who do not wish to resort to a Mercedes SL, Jaguar XK8 or Lexus SC430, find in the XLR an alternative, that at a price of 109,500 Euros lies in between the heavy, 180 kilogram Mercedes and the weaker Lexus.
From the extent of the optional equipment available, it can be said that this luxury American car leaves no wish open. Almost all of the mechanisms, from the tailgate to the door openers, are electronic. The Bose Sound System, with its nine speakers and 6-disc-CD-changer, comes as standard, as does the information display that can be superimposed on the windscreen, the navigation system and the automatic system that monitors distance from the car in front. Open and stowed away in 29 seconds, the convertible roof is made of magnesium.
On the minus list: For no apparent reason there is no wind deflector for the Luxury Cabriolet. Also, the sun shields are far too big. They not only appear very clumsy, but are also just simply in the way on large bends during driving.
The Engine
Northstar 4.6-Litre V8
Eight Cylinders in V 90 degrees, four valves per cylinder, aluminium construction, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4565 ccm, 239 kW/325 HP at 6400 RPM, 420 Nm at 4000 RPM, 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, Top speed 250 km/h, fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/mixed: 18,2/9,0/13,2 litres, 95 octane.
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