2004 Cadillac XLR

The XLR's 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.

Suspension is double wishbones and transverse composite leaf springs front and rear, aided by GM's marvelous Magnetic Ride Control, which uses electronically controlled, magnetic-fluid-based real-time damping to adjust shock damping at speeds approaching one millisecond—five times faster than previous "real-time" systems. Magnasteer variable-effort steering and Stabilitrak stability enhancement complete the XLR's dynamic technology. It feels fantastic on the road at any speed and can generate an impressive 0.9 g's on a skidpad on Michelin ZP high-performance run-flat tires (no spare).


XLR's interior may be GM's modern best. Not only is it surprisingly roomy due to the rear-mounted transmission, its eucalyptus wood and aluminum trim is drop-dead gorgeous. The plush leather multi-adjustable seats are heated and cooled in their backs and cushions. A 7-inch color touch screen provides DVD navigation and (with the transmission in Park) DVD entertainment, plus convenient access to a premium Bose audio system boasting no fewer than nine speakers (4.5 per occupant) and optional XM Satellite radio.


XLR is also a completely keyless car. With the fob in your purse or pocket, you can open doors and trunk via touch pads and start the engine with a button on the dash. Without it, you can't. Once underway, adaptive cruise control (ACC) maintains a driver-established interval behind the vehicle ahead and warns of stationary or too-slow objects in your lane. Set by conventional stalk controls, it's monitored through a graphic in the head-up display.


The retractable hard top is also a modern marvel. Push and hold the button, and in 29 seconds it unlatches and separates into multiple sections that perform a complex mechanical ballet above your head before reorganizing and folding neatly under a hard cover behind your head. Push and hold again, and the ballet reverses. It's neater, quieter, more attractive and far more entertaining than any canvas top. Just be sure the red light you're waiting at is at least 29 seconds long should you decide to retract the roof in traffic—because you can't move until it's done.


As lavishly equipped and delightful to drive as anything on the planet, Cadillac's bold new XLR luxury roadster is competitively priced at $76,200, strategically positioned between a comparably equipped Mercedes-Benz SL500 and Lexus SC 430 and roughly equal to the Jaguar XK8. Everything we've reviewed and more comes standard except the XM Satellite radio. (www.cadillac.com)