Cadillac XLR | Northstar V8 {Detroits Answer to BMW and Mercedes?)

[DiscoMan]

My daily wheels are a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado black on black. Usually cross the Howard Frankland bridge over Tampa Bay between 80 and 100 in it. Hope to replace it with a black on black XLR.

[DiscoMan]

My daily wheels are a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado black on black. Usually cross the Howard Frankland bridge over Tampa Bay between 80 and 100 in it.

[DiscoMan]

Hope to replace it with a black on black XLR.

[Videoskooter]

I liked the XLR instantly. If I would buy a Cadillac, this would be my pic. I'm not so crazy about the other models though.

[DiscoMan]

The Northstar V8 is one sweet motor - all aluminum, 4 valve, 4 cam heads 275 - 430 HP (depending on the install). World class all the way.

[Bernie]

Originally Posted by DiscoMan

The Northstar V8 is one sweet motor - all aluminum, 4 valve, 4 cam heads 275 - 430 HP (depending on the install). World class all the way.

How's the reliability been on the Cadillac Northstar engine.

[DiscoMan]

"How's the reliability been on the Cadillac Northstar engine."

Quite good. It's designed and built for a 300K mile service life. I know of several with over 200K. IF you don't change your coolant every couple of years it will turn acidic and corrode the head gaskets, which is a common problem with any engine.

Proper maintenance and they last and perform.

[Videoskooter]

Now, is Cadillac the American answer to Mercedes? (Sorry I simply don't wish to speak about beamers anymore :-) )

In the US they can retake a piece of the market that's for sure. Cadillac is a myth, they have made bummers during the 80's and 90's but they made a succesful comeback with exciting models and a new image. A Caddy is instantly recognisable. Lexus isn't, they fail to conquer the hearts.

In Europe Cadillac will have more difficulties. They are a little too big for our roads and until recently they didn't have Diesel engines which is a must over here.

Would I buy one? Mmmh, no, I'm so satisfied with my Mercs that I will not make the change. Is it a better car than MB? No! Is Lexus a better car? Yes! But like I've said, I don't like their looks.

Another 4 weeks and I'll have my new beauty! You must admit, that's an automobile :-) (And before some people think that I've become the Belgian Trump: I sold my other Brabus and my classic cars to pay for this one)

[DiscoMan]

It's all in what you like...:-D
I like my Eldo.
I will replace it with another Cadillac - I hope that's an XLR.
I wouldn't buy a BMW under any circumstances. I would consider a Jaguar (positively loved my V-12 XJ-S) or Mercedes as an alternative to Cadillac, however... A friend of mine owns a 2005 330i. Nice car car but my Eldo is nicer. You see 330is everywhere. Eldorados aren't that common so...

IMO GM's Northstar can match the finest V-8 Europe can produce and that is a giant leap forward for GM. Too bad their bread and butter Chevrolet brand sucks so much styling wise...

I'll never buy Jap - you have a better chance of seeing wild monkies fly out of my ass than you have of seeing me buy a Japanese car.

[KoolChris]

Originally Posted by DiscoMan

IMO GM's Northstar can match the finest V-8 Europe can produce and that is a giant leap forward for GM. Too bad their bread and butter Chevrolet brand sucks so much styling wise...

I'll never buy Jap - you have a better chance of seeing wild monkies fly out of my ass than you have of seeing me buy a Japanese car.

Right on, DiscoMan. I'm totally down with you as far as Japanese/Korean cars go. First, these people CAN'T design. Whatever the brand, they've always made ugly cars. They might make gas-friendly and reliable engines through years of copying and improving, but they can't design. Their least ugly cars are designed by Californian studios, but they still suck. Look at ANY japanese car from the past 30 years, they ALWAYS look like some American or European car. I wouldn't buy a fake Rolex, so I don't buy fake cars either...

I used to LOVE all American cars until they started making all-plastic bubble cars like the Japanese (1989). And I'm especially sorry to see Chevy's recent lineup, including Daewoos badged under ther Chevy bowtie (to fool people into thinking they're less crappy?)

My favorite cars, even today, are the US - and high end Italian productions of the '70s. I've had a '75 Corvette Stingray, and a '75 Chevy Monte Carlo; and have wanted a '77 Lincoln Town Coupe, a '77 Pontiac Grand Prix, an Olds Toronado, and/or a '75 or '77 Caddy Eldorado. Unfortunately, I now live in France, and such cars are impossible to get by, or register here. I've always loved the Eldorado model, especially the 1975-1977 models. Obviously out-dated today, but a convertible with a fresh metalflake paint job will always look better than most cars on the road any day.

I've continued to like the Cadillac models up to today, and have a soft spot for the mid-'90s Chevy Impala SS.