2005 Cadillac XLR Luxury Roadster

Susan Frissell

Applause goes to Cadillac for bringing this innovative looking roadster to market. Resembling the concept vehicle, the XLR is Cadillac's second chance to woe the public. The first time was with the Italian-influenced Allante with its retractable hardtop and Northstar engine.

When driving the XLR be prepared to turn heads. This is a very exotic looking vehicle and although it's easily identified as a Cadillac (if one looks head on), it is one-of-a-kind in the roadster arena. There is a lot that's high tech on the XLR, including the keyless access with push-button start. What's more unnerving for a passenger then handing him/her the key while you start the engine!

SPECS
MSRP	$75,835; total vehicle price $75,835; destination $815
Engine	4.6-liter Northstar V8 VVT, 320 horsepower
Transmission	5-speed automatic Hydra-Matic
Body style	2-door, hardtop convertible, rear-wheel-drive
Wheelbase	105.7 in.
Height	50.4 in.
Width	72.3 in.
Length	177.7 in.
Curb Weight	3,647 lbs.
Tires	Michelin ZP Extended Mobility P235/50R18 Runflat tires with tire pressure monitor
Wheels	spun-cast aluminum, 18 inch x 8 inch.
EPA Fuel Economy	17/25 mpg.
Warranty	4-year/50,000-mile limited

Head-up display seems kind of out-of-place here (wasn't it designed for the 65-and over group?), but comes in handy as it's easy to climb upwards of 80 mph when on the straight-away. Stabilitrak and all-speed traction control give the XLR superb handling and grip which are also aided by the 18-inch tires and wheels.

Standard on the XLR are the power retractable hardtop-which luckily for us went up in just seconds as a storm was fast approaching,  5-speed automatic transmission, 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine, adaptive cruise control (which allows for the proper spacing between vehicles), Eucalyptus wood trim, Bose AM/FM/6-Disc CD changer, fog lamps, theft deterrent system, Onstar, DVD navigation and voice recognition, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, HID headlamps, and ultrasonic park assist.

Leather interior is only the finest: Shale, and was chosen especially for the XLR. The exterior Light Platinum color lends itself well to this stand-out vehicle. New for 2005 are Light or Dark Eucalyptus wood interior, and Blue Steele exterior paint replaces Thunder Gray.

Competitors to the XLR include the Mercedes-Benz SL500, Lexus SC430 and Jaguar XK8.