Automotive News / Industry / Future Vehicle Discussion Automotive news and discussion about upcoming vehicles

A Cadillac XLR can be yours for only.........

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-14-2003 | 03:06 PM
  #1  
formula79's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,698
From: USA
A Cadillac XLR can be yours for only.........

I really think charging almost $30K more for this car yet it has less power than a base C5 is a crime. GM needs for Cadillac to be "The standard of the world"....how can it be when the build a better performing car on the same chassis? Most people plunking $80,000+ on a two seater would probaly want one that could beat even a Mustang Cobra....GM nead an XLR-v, but i can see a V12 running $125K

Cadillac Announces 2004 XLR Luxury Roadster Pricing


DETROIT - Cadillac today announced pricing for its new 2004 XLR two-seat luxury roadster scheduled to hit dealerships this summer. The $76,200 MSRP includes standard equipment such as power retractable hardtop, keyless access with push button start, StabiliTrak, Magnetic Ride Control, adaptive cruise control and much more.

The Cadillac XLR is priced between a comparably equipped Mercedes Benz SL500 and Lexus SC430 and is priced competitively with the Jaguar XK8. The XLR price includes all equipment except XM Satellite Radio, which is available to customers for an additional fee.

"The XLR will bring a striking new presence to this exclusive class of vehicles and will help Cadillac continue its legacy of design leadership," said Jay Spenchian, XLR marketing director. "Its stunning design is matched with impressive dynamic performance and a host of advanced technologies."

2004 Cadillac XLR Highlights:


Two-door, hardtop convertible/rear-wheel drive

Next generation 4.6L Northstar V-8 with variable valve timing

320-hp at 6400 rpm and 310 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm

Hydra-Matic five-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control

Adaptive cruise control -- uses a radar sensor mounted at the front of the car to detect objects in its path and adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a constant following distance, set by the driver.

StabiliTrak -- state-of-the-art active handling system with the highest level of integration between the braking, traction control, steering and suspension systems helps driver control the car, without 'over-governing.'

Magnetic Ride Control - world's fastest reacting suspensions system that uses magneto-rheological real-time damping to provide exceptional responsiveness and increased wheel contact with the road surface.

Magnasteer -- variable-effort steering affords drivers unparalleled control on the highway and effortless low-speed maneuverability for parking in an exceptionally smooth power steering system

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) -- four-channel system includes dynamic electronic brake distribution across the rear axle for optimum braking and control under the most demanding conditions.
Other features offered on the Cadillac XLR include head-up display, heated and cooled seats, DVD navigation and entertainment, and a Bose audio system with six-CD in-dash changer.
Old 04-14-2003 | 03:09 PM
  #2  
Darth Xed's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,504
From: Ohio
I think it all has to do with target market....

I love the XLR, but I'll probably never be able to buy one... but then again, I am not the target market on this.

It's kind of odd thinking of a car as 'being cheapified' by being related to Corvette of all things! lol.

But, ya, I see your point.

I still hope it is successful, and think it will be.
Old 04-14-2003 | 03:20 PM
  #3  
guionM's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,711
From: The Golden State
On one hand, I know the XLR isn't about speed. I also am aware that it will soon have a supercharger, and will be much quicker. But $76,000 even for a Mercedes or BMW gets you some extremely quick machinery for the money.

IMHO, XLR should have went in one of 2 directions. Either a competitor for the droptop T-bird (even at $10K more than the bird , it still would have been very competitive), or it should have came with the supercharger from the start at the $76K price.

XLR is more about style and Mercedes-like class, and on the surface, it does it well. But when you realize that what you are getting is a $48,000 Cadillac powered Corvette (right down to the plastic body) with a retractable roof, it doesn't seem that good of an idea to me. It ranks up there right behind Ford's decision to jack the V8 LS up to $45,000...from $37K.... for just tuning the suspension & granting an 18 hp boost.

Last edited by guionM; 04-14-2003 at 03:22 PM.
Old 04-14-2003 | 04:51 PM
  #4  
Darth Xed's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,504
From: Ohio
Some interesting facts, and a smart marketing strategy by Cadillac... an interesting way to push the XLR!

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=06796688
Old 04-14-2003 | 09:56 PM
  #5  
redzed's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,954
Ok, maybe you could plug the XLR as a "bargain" alternative to the Mercedes SL500, but in this market, price isn't that big a concern. When your prestige roadster is being paid for by a corporate lease, who cares! In my way of thinking, the $50,000 difference between the lukewarm XLR and the storming SL55 AMG is well worth it - especially if you're a bigwig who doesn't have to pay the bill.

The original supercharged Evoq concept had potential. Sure, it looked like a real Cadillac, but it also looked really stunning. The watered down XLR is just an uglied up, slowed down Corvette. There might be a marketplace for such a car, despite being overpriced by a good $20-25K. However, I might have said the same thing about the Allante, at least after it got the Northstar.

My advice to exectutive nitwits with the ability to pilfer $75-grand from the corporate coffers: get a Mercedes E55 AMG and lay a patch. Forget your silly dreams of Cadillac convertible glory.

Last edited by redzed; 04-14-2003 at 10:04 PM.
Old 04-14-2003 | 10:38 PM
  #6  
Chuck!'s Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,612
From: Cincinnati, OH
Oh because you've driven the XLR, right redzed?

Lol we dont even know many specifics on the C6 platform in general yet. Lets some stuff come out of the GM camp and then we can start blastin this car if needed.

And lets this about it this way...

Is the XLR overpriced, or is the Corvette underpriced for the car you're getting?
Old 04-14-2003 | 11:26 PM
  #7  
redzed's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,954
Originally posted by Chuck!
Oh because you've driven the XLR, right redzed?

Lol we dont even know many specifics on the C6 platform in general yet. Lets some stuff come out of the GM camp and then we can start blastin this car if needed.

And lets this about it this way...

Is the XLR overpriced, or is the Corvette underpriced for the car you're getting?
Let's see, the XLR is 3-times the original purchase price of my Z28. With the not-to- torquey Northstar it definately won't be as quick. On the other hand, I have the prestige of the nameplate. After all, new Cadillacs are the favored rides of retired Floridians who live in exclusive"mobile home" communities.

This car is so obviously an attempt to compete with the Mercedes SL. It also is less of a sports car than the Corvette, way less. My guess is that most wealth types will gladly lay down the extra $10-large for a three-pointed star. The current SL is a good looking car, and certainly has a higher quality image. Of course, Mercedes aren't what they used to be...

While no $40-50,000+ car can be described as "underpriced," the Corvette comes pretty close. I can say with certainty that the XLR is way overprice. When you consider that you could buy two lame Thunderbird roasters for the price of one flip-top Cadillac, the value equation becomes clear.

Of course I forgot that the XLR will be dent-proof, just like a Saturn Ion. Yipee!
Old 04-14-2003 | 11:40 PM
  #8  
Chuck!'s Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,612
From: Cincinnati, OH
Never relate a price of an fbody to a Corvette again. Thats the largest cop out excuse ever.

Your stereotype of Cadillac owners is finally becoming false, too. 2 years ago I wouldnt have bought a new Caddy, but Id throw myself infront of cars for the money to buy a CTSv. This, I can say, is a theme that's common amoung 18-22 year olds too, which I find really cool. A real good friend of mine drives a IS300 and her dad is a big BMW guy. Both of them want a CTS more than their current cars. Even my roommate, a Ford guy, loves it.

And you state the reason you can buy two thunderbirds for the price of an XLR, they're "lame." If they werent you couldnt purchase two for that price.
Old 04-15-2003 | 01:27 AM
  #9  
INTENSS's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 147
From: Atlanta, GA
Mobile home communities in this part of Florida dont' contain too many retired northerners. The retired Floridians down here driving Cadillacs are living in beachside condos and big houses on private lots from about a quarter million on up to over a million. Believe me....I live in a big "private community" with alot of them...and they have the money to pick and choose. Meanwhile I annoy the hell out of all of them with my SS's.

-Rich
Old 04-15-2003 | 04:18 PM
  #10  
99SilverSS's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,463
From: SoCal
I wonder if I can get GMO or GMS pricing on that?>?

I heard for some time that the XLR pricetag will be as stunning as the car, too bad its true. It will keep the car exclusive for sure. I had hoped Cadillac and GM would've come to their sences on this one due to the economy and global outlook for ultra expensive cars, guess not.
Old 04-15-2003 | 05:19 PM
  #11  
Z28x's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Compared to other cars in it's class the XLR is priced right, The car will have more high tech/lux stuff in it than almost any other car in the world.

Isn't the XLR-v going to have a twin turbo Nothstar V8? I thought they already said the V12 would not fit.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
brothaslide
2016+ Camaro News, Sightings, Pictures, and General Discussion
6
01-09-2016 01:11 PM
PFYC
Supporting Vendor Group Purchases and Sales
0
07-17-2015 03:47 PM
guionM
Automotive News / Industry / Future Vehicle Discussion
40
01-18-2004 01:26 AM
RiceEating5.0
Automotive News / Industry / Future Vehicle Discussion
18
12-29-2002 09:00 PM
ReznorZ28
Automotive News / Industry / Future Vehicle Discussion
3
10-07-2002 06:37 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:52 PM.