There are a few lucky car shoppers out there who can afford the very best the automotive world has to offer. For those hoping to go really fast and be coddled while doing it, Cadillac created the XLR-V convertible. The V at the end of the car's moniker indicates that it's a performance variant of Cadillac's XLR, but it could easily stand for viciously quick and very luxurious.
Viciously quick comes courtesy of this Cadillac's supercharged V8, which will send you hurtling from zero to 60 in less than 5 seconds. You won't find any assembly lines at the Wixom, Michigan, facility in which the high-performance engine is made. Taking a cue from European ultraluxury manufacturers, Cadillac has given each V8 a personal touch, with each being built from start to finish by a single craftsman. Very luxurious is the end result of the wealth of standard features offered by the Cadillac XLR-V roadster. Adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, head-up display and a voice-activated navigation system are all part of the lineup.
The XLR-V's features list brims with opulence, but unfortunately, the same can't be said for its cabin. Abundant wood and metallic accents are a good start, but aesthetics ultimately miss the mark, thanks to generic-looking switchgear and unspectacular leather. For a car that costs a hair short of $100,000, this is a profound disappointment. Cabin dimensions in this convertible are also tight, resulting in a cramped environment for taller drivers. Another shortcoming is the car's lack of cargo room.
It should also be said that while the Cadillac XLR-V offers a memorable and engaging ride, you'll find more refined and engaging driving dynamics in its European competition. Quite simply, you can do much better when spending this much money.
