NielsenArbogast611
Clearly relying on the styling the Mercedes-Benz SLK, the newest Cadillac XLR shares the squared off look of other recent Cadillacs. It doesn't look bad whatsoever, even though the headlamps look as if they've been squeezed to match alongside the wide grille. The performance puts it up inside the supercar class.
Top speed is limited to 155 mph, and it can get to 60 mph within 5.7 seconds - that's slightly quicker compared to Jaguar XK, because of the larger engine. Other competitors include the Mercedes-Benz SL and Porsche 911.
Looks can be deceiving. The car is wide and low, and looks big. In reality, it's very compact, just 177.5 inches long and 72.2 inches wide. The car looks very good, particularly from your side. And you also obtain a very practical SLK-lookalike opening roof. I suppose most convertibles will probably be 'metal' convertibles soon, and also the rag tops will appear reduced - maybe not on all supercars. In order to save weight, the rooftop from the XLR is aluminum and magnesium.
Good output
Also, the XLR has a great deal of power: 326 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 312 lb ft (423 Nm)at 4,400 rpm from GM's Northstar 4.6 liter V-8, which could work somewhat harder - 350-360 bhp, which will 't be nearly impossible to find using this engine, will make things more interesting.
Because it is, it really is enough to own car a significant shove, and because the Northstar comes with an aluminum block and head with dohc and 4 valves per cylinder, it revs well. Variable valve timing improves the spread of power, too.
The engine is coupled to a rear mounted five-speed automatic transmission - 5 speeds put it at a disadvantage against the European supercars which mostly have six-speed automatics, but it's built to give sporty shifts. Because the box is rear-mounted and also the engine is rather well back, front/rear weight distribution is 50/50.
New frame concept
Depending on GM's new platform for sporty cars given to the Corvette, the XLR includes a fairly light frame of hydro-formed steel tubes. Hydroforming changes the design quite dramatically, setting up bends, changing the section to a rectangle etc, making a lightweight frame. The passenger compartment is aluminum, and the entire body panels are composite plastics. This can be a structure that will contend with many a supercar.
This is a fairly light structure, and regardless of the high level of apparatus, the automobile weighs a wholesome 3,643 lb (1,654 kg) which can be just 130 lb a lot more than the newest lightweight Jaguar XK, not to mention a great deal greater than the Corvette which has a lower spec but bigger engine.
Double wishbone suspension
Suspension is the familiar Corvette design of double wishbones front and rear with transverse leaf springs. The result is a simple, lightweight system that offers more roll stiffness - resistance to roll - than coil springs. Also, the spring rate is progressive, so it irons out big bumps within the road nearly as easily as little ones. There's also a front anti-roll bar.
To save lots of weight, the double wishbones back and front are aluminum; obviously, the composite leaf springs are light, too. Leaf springs of this type - just one leaf - are in reality quite advanced technology since they don't locate the wheels, and possess some clever manufacturing techniques.
The dampers will be the new continuously variable electro-magnetic type, as well as the steering is speed sensitive, so you acquire more assistance at low speed.
Because a Cadillac, they come in a high specification. For Europe, navigation, and heated/cooled seats are standard as are adaptive speed control along with a head-up display. The inside, using its wood, leather and aluminum trim is fairly pleasant
Traveling
Built-in the identical plant also to the identical concept because the Corvette, the Cadillac XLR is most beneficial considered a softened up Corvette meant for those who need a better ride.
Visibility is good thanks to slim pillars in the opening roof, and the almost flat hood. Like the Corvette both the instruments and driving position are fantastic. There is also a head-up display which shows just the speed and which gear you're in, and you don't appear in a position to switch off. Pity. I didn't find it useful.
The steering just isn't bad in any way, as well as the XLR turns in well, as you'd expect with this weight distribution, but once you start pressing, you begin to feel just a little understeer coming in, that isn't bad for the market this really is aimed at - more the luxury sports car the hard charging supercar driver. Nevertheless the car will not corner as quickly as you might with additional neutral steering.
The automatic is good. In D, the performance just isn't bad at all, and the kick-down is very aggressive. Gleam manual mode. Push the lever across to the left, after which nudge it forward for up, and back for down. This works very well, and also is really a manual. After all, many of these actually shift up whenever you hit peak revs. Not that one; it simply lets you live there till you're all ready.
