Test Drive:
2004 Cadillac XLR
by Greg Wilson
The Corvette of Cadillacs?
If there was a Corvette for old guys, the Cadillac XLR would be it. Why? The XLR is essentially a kinder, gentler, quieter and better-equipped version of the Corvette with Cadillac's edgy styling and a Northstar V8 under the hood. Built in the same Bowling Green, Kentucky factory as the 2004 Corvette (not the 2005 one), the XLR has a slightly modified Corvette chassis and suspension, and composite body panels - but the XLR has a quieter 320 horsepower 4.6 litre Northstar V8 engine (vs the Corvette's 350 horsepower 5.7 litre V8),
Click image to enlarge
At night, the XLR's standard HID headlamps provide excellent low beam lighting with a wide, bright coverage and a sharp upper cut-off, while the high beams add distance and height. These are very good headlamps.
Competitors
Primary competitors for the XLR would be the Mercedes-Benz SL500 ($127,500), Jaguar XK8 convertible ($104,950), and Lexus SC430 ($86,800).
Verdict
A halo car for Cadillac, the XLR sports car is based on the Corvette, but is quieter, more refined and better equipped - and offers a convertible hardtop. Great performance and many features, but the interior is rather plain.
Technical Data: 2004 Cadillac XLR
Base price $110,000
Freight $1,050
A/C tax $100
Price as tested $111,150
Type 2-door, mid-size sports car
Layout longitudinal front engine/rear-wheel-drive
Engine 4.6 litre V8, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, four-cam continuously variable valve timing
Horsepower 320 @ 6400
Torque 310 lb-ft @ 4400
Transmission 5-speed automatic with manual mode
Tires Michelin ZP Extended Mobility run-flat P235/50R-18 inch
Curb weight 1654 kg (3647 lb.)
Wheelbase 2685 mm (105.7 in.)
Length 4513 mm (177.7 in.)
Width 183 mm (72.3 in.)
Height 1279 mm (50.4 in.)
Cargo Volume Top up: 328 litres (11.6 cu. ft.)
Top down: 125 litres (4.4 cu. ft.)
Fuel consumption City: 14.2 l/100 km (20 mpg)
Hwy: 8.6 l/100 km (32 mpg)
Recommended fuel Unleaded premium
Warranty 4 years/80,000 km
Greg Wilson is a Vancouver-based automotive journalist and editor of CanadianDriver