Logbook: Mile Markers: Cadillac XLR-V
February 1, 2008
The Cadillac XLR-V, whose odometer currently shows
20,689 miles thanks to several 500-miles-per-day trips throughout the local
tri-state area (California, Arizona, and Nevada), currently resides in Phoenix,
Ariz., with senior correspondent Paul Dean.
18,250—The beige interior has started to look unkempt and
scuffed and beyond its years. Only the most expensive treatment at the local
detailing shop serves to bring the suede upholstery back to presentable.
18,775—The exterior continues to impress the younger set.
They applaud the sharp angles and edges of the XLR-V’s styling,
admiring it as an exciting departure for Cadillac, a company previously seen as
somewhat stodgy.
19,000—In all departments, save for interior styling, the
car comes close to matching the élan, desirability, performance numbers and
equipment of Jaguar’s XKR and the Mercedes SL55 AMG. The weight (close to two
tons of it), broad rubber (Pirelli Euforias on 19-inch wheels) and reduced
ground clearance keep the car low, sticky, and unexpectedly well balanced.
19,360—"After a cell phone ran dry in the middle of the
Mohave Desert and then the Garmin Street Pilot went darker than a garage sale
TV," says Dean, "I realized that the auxiliary power unit—once known as the
cigarette lighter—had died."
19,520—"The 6-speed automatic is quick, precise and spaced remarkably
well," adds Dean, "but I can only hope that there will be a paddle override
system somewhere in the car’s evolution."
2007 Cadillac XLR-V
Price As Tested: $100,000
Engine: 4.4-liter supercharged V-8
Power: 443 hp at 6,400 rpm
Torque: 414 ft lbs at 3,900 rpm
Odometer: 20,689 miles
