Finally a Real Contender for Mercedes' SL55 AMG

The XLR-V ups power and torque considerably over the standard roadster, to an estimated 440-horsepower and 425 lb-ft. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

To me, one of the most exciting North American made cars currently available is Cadillac's XLR. Its stunning design, exceptional performance and superb quality put it in an elite group of premium roadsters.

Of course, the obvious benchmark target is Mercedes-Benz's phenomenal new SL500, and as far as facing off with the legendary European goes, Cadillac has done an amiable job for a first outing. This said it shouldn't be forgotten that the XLR benefits wholly from much of the componentry which makes America's sports car sweetheart, the Corvette, one of the best handling cars in its class.

Yet the XLR offers a dignified ride compared to its muscle-bound donor car, a much more refined interior, equally if not more stylish plastic body panels, and a more sophisticated albeit less powerful V8 engine.

Cadillac is boasting less than five seconds for 0 to 100 km/h time trials. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

While XLR buyers probably aren't expatriate Corvette owners, or at least there hasn't been an influx of C5 owners trading up to the pricy Caddy, the crested wreath brand plans to remedy the engine output shortage just the same, but more to elevate Cadillac's premium stature against its Mercedes-Benz competitor rather than any concerns about rivaling 'Vette fans.

The XLR-V, following a naming pattern started with the Audi S4, BMW M3, and Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG fighting CTS-V sedan, and more recently by the unveiling of the new STS-V at the Detroit auto show, ups power and torque considerably over the more domesticated standard roadster, to an estimated 440-horsepower at 6400 rpm and 425 lb-ft at 3600 rpm respectively.

The XLR-V is a rolling showcase for Cadillac's various advanced technologies. (Photo: General Motorsof Canada)

If you know your Cadillac V-models you'll realize that the numbers correlate almost exactly to the previously released STS-V, and like the large sedan the XLR-V features a supercharged version of the celebrated 4.4-litre Northstar V8, now dubbed Northstar-SC. And as far as propelling the welterweight (well at least compared to the 1,920 kilo/4,232 lb SL55) XLR-V forward with any greater momentum than the stock model, the positive displacement intercooled supercharger adds a 120-horsepower and 115 lb-ft advantage, which should make for some rather quick 0 to 100 km/h time trials - Cadillac is boasting less than five seconds. What's more, the XLR-V delivers 90 percent of its peak torque between 2,200 and 6,000 rpm resulting in an extremely consistent and controlled release of power.

When you consider the efficiently packaged Cadillac V8 is more than a litre smaller than the equivalent M-B AMG mill, allowing it bragging rights

The efficiently packaged Cadillac motor is among the world'shighest specific output production V8 engines. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

to the rarified 100-horsepower-per-liter club and in so doing making it among the world's highest specific output production V8 engines, the XLR-V's performance is even more impressive.

Mercedes-Benz's AMG team uses superchargers to pump up output too, called kompressors in Germany,

But the XLR-V, like its Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz competitors, is not all about straightway speed or even cornering adhesion. More so, the car is a rolling showcase for Cadillac's various advanced technologies, such as its variable-flow exhaust system that optimizes the flow rate of spent gases at higher engine speeds, while producing a more robust exhaust note.

Cadillac's Adaptive Corner Lighting system makes its debut on the new XLR-V. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Cadillac is also showing off its new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed rear-mounted automatic gearbox, that has been optimized for smooth gear changes by retarding power between shift increments, plus adding larger stabilizer bars, plus drawing greater attention to a sport-tuned version of its impressive Magnetic Ride Control suspension system. The brand's Adaptive Corner Lighting system, which swivels the xenon HID headlamps up to 15-degrees in order to improve visibility around corners, also makes its debut on this top-tier Cadillac.

GM's flagship division didn't need to do much with the XLR's styling to prepare it for "V" duties, but the addition of new ten-spoke 19-inch alloy rims, black-painted brake calipers and special badging increase the desirability factor, as does a new hood scoop, polished wire-mesh grille and more aggressive stainless steel exhaust tips.

The XLR-V acquires unique stitching on the front buckets and exclusive ebony wood and aluminum accents throughout the cabin. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

How about on the inside? The XLR's luxurious cabin acquires unique stitching on the front buckets and exclusive ebony wood and aluminum accents on the dash, centre stack and door panels.

Of course, the steroid enhanced XLR still features that wonderfully functional retractable hardtop that makes the base Cadillac roadster such a dream to live with, as well as the ultra-cool push-button actuated electric door releases, ideal for wowing your friends.

So how much will all of this fast-paced luxury cost? When the XLR debuted with a $110,000 window sticker, I criticized GM for being too bold with its pricing. Since this time the price has dropped significantly, with a 2005 XLR now available for $103,400. No doubt, bucking up for Cadillac's XLR-V will set you back a great deal more than the standard XLR, but that in mind it will cost a lot less than a similarly equipped Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG would, current starting at $173,900. Expect pricing to be somewhere in the $120,000 to $130,000 range, which would slide it into Jaguar XKR territory but still well below its M-B rival.

The GM division's reliability record in the most recent J. D. Power and Associates study must make the execs at Mercedes-Benz shrink in embarrassment. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

And to me, having had the opportunity to test the hopped-up Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz models on the street, and regularly-tuned SL500 and XLR back-to-back at the racetrack, deciding which one to re-mortgage the farm for would be a tough decision. Resale values aside, I'd probably opt for the XLR. I like its minimalist yet edgy styling better, the best example of Cadillac's art and science design language, making the lovely SL look almost dated when both cars are sitting side-by-side, and the Cadillac's nimble balance, even in wet or icy conditions, is truly remarkable.

And maybe more important, when day-to-day commuting is in consideration, the GM division's reliability record, that must make the execs at Mercedes-Benz who have read the most recent J. D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) shrink in embarrassment, might just be the deal maker, or breaker depending which logo hangs outside the dealership in question.

The XLR's drop-top might not be as masterfully engineered, but to Cadillac's credit its interior incorporates higher quality plastic surfaces, if you can believe that, and slightly more room, while its handy remote start feature is beyond practical in colder climates.

And on that note, I've got to sit down and rethink the world as I once knew it. After all, if you'd asked me ten years ago if I would ever consider purchasing a Cadillac over a Mercedes-Benz I would have laughed you out of the room. What a difference a decade makes.

Specifications:

Price Range (estimated MSRP): $120,000 - $130,000
Body Type: 2-door convertible, composite body panels
Layout: front engine, RWD
Engine: 440 hp, 425 lb-ft of torque, 4.4L, 32-valve, DOHC supercharged V8
Transmission: 6-spd auto with manual mode
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Acceleration (estimated 0-100 km/h): 4.9 seconds
Cargo Volume (trunk): 328 L (11.6 cu ft)
Curb Weight: 3,804 kg (1,726 lbs)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
Direct Competitors: Jaguar XKR Convertible, Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
Web Site:www.gmcanada.com