The XLR was decent, but it was half-assed. It was based on the C5 'Vette, and not the C6. Interior wasn't up to standards for a luxury sports car at the price, and the engines were ancient and was not allowed to be faster than the 'Vette.
I thought EXACTLY the same thing when it came out years ago, 100K was way to much, but you CANNOT think about this car like you do a sports car, and at 100K, total rip, but for the 46,000 I got this showroom perfect example, can't beat it.
It looks good and all and I am sure it drives fairly well being based on the Y-Body platform, but it was typical Old GM.
Thought the same thing, and the XLR is deff old Gm, but the V has lots of upgrades, as well as a hand made French Interior, totally different animal.
GM should bring back the XLR based on the ]C7 give it the LT4 standard and make a LT6 or whatever for a V thus making it faster than a 'Vette.
I would disagree with that, but I have not driven an LT based car yet.
As for underrated vehicles I have driven, the current generation Buick Regal. It's the same car as the Opel Insignia and it drives really well. It is currently the worst seller for Buick, but deserves much better.
One of my employees bought one actually, seems like a very nice car for the price.
Also, still looking at getting a Stingray? Or has the XLR killed that?
I will keep my Grand Sport until 100,000 miles, so another two years lol.
See, I think what you are doing is thinking that the XLR V is supposed to be a straight up sports car, and I agree for 100K is was to much, but I think if they launched it at...75K? It would have been great.
The engine is not something I can agree with, sure the 4.4 liter north-star with the supercharger is not "new "at all, the 4.4 is a totally different Animal, and it does not produce the same kind of power that the LS series engines do, a " meager " 442HP, But I will tell you, even compared to my 2012 Grand Sport, the engine is MUCH quieter and WAY more refined, very smooth and very quiet. I love it, it has plenty of power when you want to be naughty, and its refined, smooth, quiet and has a great powerband when you want it. It also does 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, and tops out at 175mph ( limited to 155 by the computer ), so its not exactly a slow car.
Its not a Corvette, and it isn't built to be one, its more a roadster, I can't wait to pound out roadtrips in this thing, its made to eat mile and after mile, its VERY comfortable inside. The suspension is MUCH softer and it has a better ride than any vette Ive been in, even my own. It also has a comfy interior, the transmission is automatic, but Ive found it very responsive.
It is a roadster, not a Corvette, two very different cars. And as I got a VERY good deal on one thats pretty much in show room condition.
For Roadtrips? And DDing around on nice days? I'll probably be driving it over my Corvette.
Is it half assed for 100K? Sure, but for 46k? Sold, that Supercharged Northstar feels European.
Cars are more than 0-60 times and Horsepower
442HP is plenty fast enough in a DD and road trip car. Trust me. I LOVE my Vette and drive it all over the place. But on a cross country Roadtrip, you will want the XLR V convertible.
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The XLR-V doesn't look particularly underrated to me. If anything, it looks overrated.
How do you decide between what cars to drive given your large collection of them?
Well, I feel it was an underrated car, it REALLY surprised me when I drove it, so much that I bought it, I honestly wasnt even looking to buy, but I was getting my Vette from its 60,000 mile service at the dealer, and saw the XLR V sitting there.
I would not call it " large ", I have a few classic cars, a few trucks, and some of my old cars.
Winter? The F350 is the daily driver
Summer? The Corvette or the XLR V that I just bought
Car Shows and lazy summer drive in movie evenings?: My 69 Camaro, or my 57 Thunderbird Convertible
NYC: Normally my Vette or my Ford Ranger? ( being replaced by an F150 next year, as is the F350 )
