2004 Cadillac XLR

The Catera-replacement '02 CTS has been highly successful despite some early controversy over its looks. XLR comes next, followed closely by the '04 SRX crossover and a strong challenger to Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus SUVs. An all-new STS sedan follows for 2005.

XLR's interior may be GM's modern best: surprisingly roomy and elegant with its eucalyptus wood and aluminum trim.

To our eyes, this XLR is exciting art. Its impressive list of high-tech features certainly qualifies it as science. And, in this writer's opinion, you won't find a more satisfying luxo-roadster experience anywhere at any price.


Compared to the Mercedes-Benz SL500, Jaguar XK8 and Lexus SC 430, it has the longest wheelbase, widest track, lowest height and highest horsepower. Due to a "patented performance car architecture"—enclosed structural tunnel, hydroformed steel perimeter frame rails, aluminum cockpit structure and balsa-cored composite floors—it is also the lightest of the four at a surprisingly svelte 3,647 lbs. (compared to 4,045, 3,980 and 3,840 lbs., respectively).


Logically, with less weight and more power, it should also be the quickest. At just under six seconds 0-60, the XLR is about a second quicker than the Mercedes, a half-second better than the Jag and essentially tied with the Lexus. Its new 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve Northstar rear-drive aluminum V-8 boasts continuously variable valve timing (VVT), a highly rigid block for smoothness and quietness and a healthy 320 hp vs. the Mercedes' 302, the Lexus' 300 and the Jag's 298. Despite its higher power, Cadillac claims it also delivers 23 mpg EPA "combined" economy vs. the Lexus' 20, the Jaguar's 19.6 and the Mercedes' 18.3.


It drives through a 5-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, rear-mounted for nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution for outstanding handling balance. With features such as tap-shift control, shifting and performance algorithm "liftfoot," GM calls this transmission "the most technically advanced on any highway or autobahn in the industry."