2007 Cadillac XLR Review

The 2007 XLR and XLR-V remain Cadillac's high-end performance cars. Introduced in 2005 and using the Corvette as a point of inspiration, the XLR offers style and performance with generous amounts of leather and wood trim. It also has a softer suspension setup than many two-seaters with more than 300 horsepower, which makes it much easier to live with day in and out than many of its rivals.

The XLR is equipped with a 320-horsepower 4.8L V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission. It features four-wheel traction control and GM's magnetic ride control, a system that, through magnetic-reactive fluid, allows the suspension firmness to be adjusted multiple times a second.

The standard features list is extensive, as one might expect from the Cadillac nameplate. The XLR rides on 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and has steering-reactive HID headlights and LED taillights. The interior is furnished with eight-way power leather heated and cooled front seats, a tire pressure monitor, keyless access, and dual-zone climate control are also standard. A heads-up display that indicates speed, gear position, audio player information, and fuel level onto the inside of the windshield is standard as well. The XLR also includes such helpful electronic aides as ultrasonic rear parking assist and adaptive cruise control.

Passion Red Limited Edition is new for 2007. It's a low-production package with a unique Passion Red paint, ebony leather interior and seven-spoke aluminum wheels for $2,320.

Also available in 2007, the Platinum Edition, which includes a unique liquid amethyst paint, chrome grille, leather interior trim, and an Ultra Suede headliner for $5,825

The XLR-V is the ultra-high performance variant of the XLR. The engine becomes a 4.4L V8 with an Eaton-Roots supercharger that makes 443 horsepower, and it teams up with a six-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control. The magnetic ride control settings are firmer and the suspension gets tweaked with larger stabilizer bars and stiffer bushings for more precise handling. The XLR-V also adopts larger brakes, and bigger wheels and tires. The result is race car performance with Cadillac comfort. There are no available options for the 2007 XLR-V.
Cadillac introduced the XLR in 2004, and has changed little moving into 2007. A new ultra-luxury Platinum trim package is available, as is a low-production Passion Red special edition package that includes an exclusive paint and unique leather seats. see less