XLR-V Overpriced at a $100K MSRP

[Nocturn]

Thats an assumption, there could easily be an aftermarket, but there just needs time for it to develop.

The SL55 has a 600 LBS difference between it and the base XLR...600 LBS is more than enough to overcome the >50 HP difference.

yes it will probably make more low end, but it also has the weight holding it down which effects it every moment be it low or high.

[MCaesar]

I don't know where you guys are getting your figures from. There is not a 600lb difference between the two cars. It is more like 460.

Second, you are ignoring the power below peak. The blown 5.4 from Mercedes has tremendous boost right off idle. That is what allows it to generate such obscene acceleration. Motor Trend recently ran an E55 Wagon to 12.3 in the 1/4 mile! The SL55 I have seen at 12.6 and 12.7. The SL600 has consistently run 12.5 and the SL65s are into the 11s.

Lastly, how many non-Cadillac people will rate the XLR-V higher on styling and image?

[Vrocks]

I'm not just a Cadillac guy, and I think the XLR-V is better looking than the SL55.

The prestige argument is pointless. MB quality has been crap for a long time now, and I don't care about the cars they made 20, 30, 40, or 50 years ago. Just like I don't care about what GM made in the 30's, 40's... and I don't care about some of the garbage they made in the 70's, 80's and most of the 90's, all I care about is what they're making today. Forunately, it's by far the best they've ever made.

[AsAkAs]

Originally Posted by Vrocks

Forunately, it's by far the best they've ever made.

Amen to that!

[Nocturn]

Originally Posted by MCaesar

I don't know where you guys are getting your figures from. There is not a 600lb difference between the two cars. It is more like 460.

Second, you are ignoring the power below peak. The blown 5.4 from Mercedes has tremendous boost right off idle. That is what allows it to generate such obscene acceleration. Motor Trend recently ran an E55 Wagon to 12.3 in the 1/4 mile! The SL55 I have seen at 12.6 and 12.7. The SL600 has consistently run 12.5 and the SL65s are into the 11s.

Lastly, how many non-Cadillac people will rate the XLR-V higher on styling and image?

And CTSV's have run 12.9 before, add 50HP, and stubtract 2-300 LBS and its easy to hit mid 12s. An E55 weighs in at 4087 LBS, a SL55 is 4280 LBS.
A XLRV is 3804 LBS...476 LBS. With only 53 less HP, and 91 less TQ.

Now the TQ is an issue, but so is the weight. Small import cars are a testiment that even if you dont have as much low end (The Northstar makes peak torque at 3600 RPM...hardly a lack of low end) you can make up for it in less weight as weight effects EVERY SPEED...not just low end/high end. 400 LBS for example is the difference between a Cobalt SS S/C and a Malibu SS. Between a Camaro and an Impala..its a BIG difference.

[Crozier]

Originally Posted by MCaesar

Lastly, how many non-Cadillac people will rate the XLR-V higher on styling and image?

Pretty much everybody that sees my brother's XLR goes 'ga-ga' over it. The MB is good looking, the XLR and V are Gorgeous!

[davesdeville]

^^Damn straight, I was following an XLR for maybe 4 miles last week and I was amazed at how many heads were turning.

[harryctsv]

Originally Posted by Crozier

Pretty much everybody that sees my brother's XLR goes 'ga-ga' over it. The MB is good looking, the XLR and V are Gorgeous!

Hi crozier,
imagine my XLR here in Germany. Most don`t know what car I drive but anybody loves the look of it!

Harry

[NIK]

"Look at how dealers are discounting CTS-Vs like mad whereas Chrysler is still getting over sticker for their SRT8s."

Another bit of mis-information ....... SRT-8's are also being sold for under sticker. Go make them an offer and you'll see!

[Stoneage_Caddy]

Originally Posted by davesdeville

^^Damn straight, I was following an XLR for maybe 4 miles last week and I was amazed at how many heads were turning.

try driveing it ......i felt like a frickin rockstar

[repo man]

Originally Posted by Stoneage_Caddy

try driveing it ......i felt like a frickin rockstar

Stoney, man, you are a rock star.

[Stoneage_Caddy]

without the whole money/singing thing .....

coarse brittney couldnt sing either ....you may be onto something ....or im on something

[bcbraem]

I bought one of the first -V's in Florida in 02/06. I love it. One of the finest cars I've ever driven (I'm 54 y/o). I'm trying to set a personal record for not putting the top up. When I lived in Key West ('81 - '84) I had a Triumph TR-250 which had a tonneau cover but no top.

If you think the car is overpriced, don't buy one, otherwise shut up.

[Rachane]

Since the regular XLR is relatively affordably priced and has plenty of performance & power for just about anyone's reasonable/rational driving, the XLR-V is really sort of an "exclusive collector's item" - as one could say about high-$ exotics generally. The pricetag just "identifies" this. In that context it is at what might be called the "bottom edge of unreasonableness" at $100K. You pop that money just because you want the car for its exclusivity & statement, really. So saying that it should/be $10K cheaper is beside the point. Why should a Ferrari 430 or a Lambo Gallardo not be $50K cheaper than their MSRPs?

IMHO The XLR-V is actually a "bargain" in the exotic league, since it is a much better car in every regard than everything that costs $50-100K+ more. Spend some time with one, then testdrive some of the much-higher$ alternatives and see how, despite their hood ornaments, they simply aren't as good.

Cadillac aced it with the XLR, and the XLR-V is just something that Arnold needs to "borrow" in the next Terminator movie.

[V-Smooth]

After driving the XLR-V, it's not overpriced, great ride and power bolted to an automatic. The wow-factor is what makes it worth it.

However, I would not buy one over a Z06. I'd take the extra $10k (roughly) and buy a Maggie for the Z06. Plus I like a manual tranny.

Overall I love the XLR(V)'s chizzled look and stance. Very sharp styling! Mad props!