Yet another entry from Cadillac
to show the world it's serious about competing with the top European
and Japanese luxury brands, the two-seat Cadillac XLR roadster is the
company's flagship vehicle. Though it shares the same platform as the
current Corvette, the XLR variant is not a simple case of corporate
badge engineering. It's more of a grand touring machine than a
hard-edged sports car, as the Caddy's responses are softer and
comfortably refined. It also uses a more subdued 4.6-liter,
320-horsepower V8 engine rather than the Vette's edgier 6.0-liter,
400-hp V8 power plant.
2008 Cadillac XLR Convertible
The use of lightweight components like aluminum suspension pieces and
composite body panels keeps the Cadillac XLR from being a bloated luxury
two-seater. In addition, the standard Magnetic Ride Control adaptive
suspension system automatically firms up or softens the suspension based
on driving conditions, ensuring generally smooth and responsive
maneuvers. The combination of bold, angular styling outside and
distinctive eucalyptus-wood cockpit accents gives the XLR a
sophisticated presence. Further, the XLR's power retractable hardtop
roof allows the comfort and security of a coupe when the top is raised.
As impressive as it is, the Cadillac XLR roadster is not quite the
"standard of the world" just yet. Though its styling and Cadillac badge
will appeal to those looking to roll up to the valet in something
different from the status quo, the XLR comes up short in terms of
maximum performance and interior detailing when compared to its German
rivals. But if those qualities aren't your top priority, and you're not
overly impressed with the rest of the XLR's competition, this Cadillac
convertible is worth considering.
Current Cadillac XLR
The Cadillac
XLR is a two-seat luxury roadster featuring a retractable hardtop
roof. The standard XLR comes with just about all of the luxury features
you'd expect, including 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires,
adaptive xenon HID headlights, heated leather seats with plenty of
power adjustments, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless
startup, a head-up display, a navigation system and a Bose audio system
with satellite radio and a CD changer. There are also a couple special
variants, the Passion Red Limited Edition XLR and the Platinum Edition
XLR, that feature unique exterior paint and other minor trim
enhancements.
A refined yet muscular 4.6-liter V8 powers the XLR, and a six-speed
automanual transmission transmits the Northstar V8's 320 horsepower and
310 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. We've found the XLR to be a
spirited performer, with 0-60-mph sprints taking less than 6 seconds
and high-speed cruising that's generally hushed and effortless.
Full-throttle shifts result in little hesitation, and the sound of the
engine at speed is as good as or better than any V8 in its class.
Antilock disc brakes are standard safety items, as are run-flat tires, a
tire-pressure monitor, stability control, head/torso side-impact
airbags and rear parking sensors.
Inside, the Cadillac XLR boasts an upscale cabin complete with rich
eucalyptus wood trim and aluminum accents in addition to comfortable
leather seating -- altogether clean-looking, modern and warm.
State-of-the-art technologies abound, too: A head-up display shows vital
information such as speed, fuel level and audio status on the
windshield, adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a preset
distance between the XLR and the car in front, and a large touchscreen
mounted high in the center stack helps keep the dash free of numerous
single-use buttons. Our editors found fit and finish to be excellent,
save for a few pieces of metallic trim that seem tacked-on rather than
cleanly integrated.
As fast as the XLR is when pushed, those expecting a true Cadillac
sports car will be disappointed. Acceleration, though certainly quick,
is not as forceful as its corporate cousin, and the XLR's softer
suspension tuning results in noticeable body roll during hard cornering
and plenty of nosedive under heavy braking. Even with its adaptive
suspension's split-second response, the Cadillac
XLR still feels less willing to tackle turns than the more athletic
European contenders. On the open highway, the roadster hits its stride,
delivering an undisturbed ride with effortless tracking.
Through the Juke-R, Nissan has proven ability to implement these ideas as unrealistic thought.
However, according to Nissan Europe, temporary Juke-R is still a special concept car and allowed to run on the street. Expected, the only true 2-R Nissan Juke is produced with right hand drive and convenient.
Through the official images provided by Nissan, Juke-R jacket over his "wings" series matte black and aerodynamic accessories. Overall, the Juke-R design is inspired by the GT-R supercar 
