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The 2008 Cadillac Convertible XLR Roadster is a luxury two-door, two-seater sports car based on the Corvette. XLR has a retractable hardtop roof, and it has looks to kill. So let’s take a look at it – from both inside and outside.
The styling of the Convertible XLR is angular and bold. The wheels are 18” alloy with tires that are run-flat. XLR has adaptive xenon HID headlights and they come in both the Platinum as well as the Passion Red variants.
The retractable hardtop roof allows you to raise the roof and experience the comfort of a coupe. Inside, the feel of luxury is unbeatable. XLR has heated, luxurious leather seats and the interior is an elegant eucalyptus wood and aluminum combination.
The Cadillac controls are incredible: a navigation system, keyless startup, dual-zone automatic climate control and a Bose audio system which comes with a satellite radio and a CD changer. It has a head-up display where vital information is displayed – the fuel level, speed, audio status.
The Convertible XLR has suspension that is magnetic-fluid-based and this means that it can adapt to whatever road conditions prevail. This is called the Magnetic Ride Control system and it ensures that the suspension firms up or softens automatically depending on the road conditions.
A 50-50 weight ratio is maintained thanks to the six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode being rear-mounted. What keeps the Convertible XLR light is the fact that the suspension pieces are made of aluminum and so are the composite body panels. The cruise control maintains a steady speed that is set by the driver.
What give the Cadillac XLR Roadster its powers it is the 4.6-liter, 320-horsepower Northstar V8 engine. The 6-speed transmission means 310 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. It’s got great pick-up, going from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, cruising at high speed with ease and offers a smooth, quiet ride for its passengers.
The standard safety products included are: anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, run-flat tires, a tire-pressure monitor, head and torso side-impact airbags and rear parking sensors. The price is anywhere from $78,760 to $84,160, depending on what options you order.
The Cadillac Convertible XLR get decent fuel economy for a car its size, 17 mpg in-city and 27 mpg on the highway. It will also retain its value, so when you sell, you can expect a high resale value.
Is it a true-blue sports car? Well, maybe not. There could be a bit of body roll at tough turns and a bit of a nosedive during sudden braking.
But give the 2008 Cadillac Convertible XLR Roadster an open road and you can look forward to miles and miles of sheer driving pleasure.