I don't think this qualifies as an editorial or even an article; it's one man's opinion based on four sentences skewed to reinforce his pre-conceived notion. No facts were presented.
Yes, the XLR was way overpriced, regardless of the year in which it was built.
Yes, it was compared to similar type European vehicles with a much longer build history, and while maybe not as refined, it had innovative features the competition lacked (Mag Shocks) for one, a more powerful engine, and styling the others lacked. It takes several generations of a vehicle to dethrone a top competitor. Case in point. The third gen CTS is on par with its BMW counterparts. The XLR received very minimal upgrades throughout it's very short lifespan. It competed against itself.
The XLR is as attractive today as when it first arrived. I am constantly asked (even this morning) what it is. Corvettes are nice looking, but they're a dime a dozen. Because of its clean design, it will be a head-turner for a long time to come. There aren't many cars built in the last twenty years that can claim that distinction.
The XLR came out before the C5, so saying it was based on the C5 is not accurate. It was never marketed against the C5, so comparisons are meaningless.
The XLR was built for one reason: to turn heads and reinforce the point that Cadillac was making a resurgence with its Art & Science theme. It was so well received as a concept car that GM decided to build it with minor. exterior changes. When was the last time you saw Cadillac do that?! I have yet to see a Sixteen, Cien, or Ciel hit the pavement as production vehicles.
The XLR was always meant to be built in small numbers. The declining American economy only hastened its inevitable demise. You need big production/sales numbers to subsidize improvements over the production life of any product. The XLR filled its niche admirably; it and the vehicles that followed saved Cadillac as a brand, at a time when it's existence was being questioned. The Art & Science theme saved Cadillac from going the way of Oldsmobile, Pontiac, & Saturn. The XLR played a starring role in making potential customers sit up and take notice of the Cadillac brand.
For every XLR owner, there are more drivers who wish they were. We drive rolling showcases of style, performance, and automotive innovation. There are lots of cool cars out there. The XLR is one of them.
CC
