The XLR is meant to be a competitive threat against the well established European and Japanese luxury cars. The two-seat Cadillac XLR roadster is the company’s flagship vehicle. Don’t be confused - even though the XLR has the same platform as the Corvette, the XLR isn’t a Corvette in disguise. This caddy is more like a land yacht than a nimble little sports car. This Caddy is a bit of a candy-ass with a softer and more comfortable ride. The XLR also uses a tamer 4/6-liter, 320-horsepower V8 engine rather than the Vette’s edgier 6/2-liter, 436-hp V8 engine.
The XLR makes good use of lightweight parts, such as aluminum suspension pieces, that keeps the XLR’s weight pretty reasonable. Also, the standard Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension system thinks for you, adjusting ride smoothness automatically. All of this makes for smooth and responsive maneuvers. When you put together the edgy, angular styling outside the body and the wood accent inside the interior, you do get a rich looking car. Further, the XLR’s power retractable hardtop roof allows the comfort and security of a coupe when the top is raised. If going top down, then you really should get a windscreen.
The Cadillac XLR does indeed make a stunner, but it’s not worthy of it’s self named, world class status. . The Corvette looks pretty good against the XLR in comparison, which is $20K less expensive and provides more power.
The XLR certainly have plenty of speed, but the top-end may still come out short for some enthusiasts. The take-off from the line is quick, but not as quick as the Corvette. The XLR isn’t notable on the chassis, which rolls to heavily into curves and pitches to far down when breaking fast. Even though this car is fitted with adaptive suspension with split-second control, the XLR is still not up to the handling performance of its European and Japanese rivals. The XLR does its best driving on the highway, when you’re in the straight line. Remember, if you go top down, then you should also go with a windscreen.
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The author is a fan of the Cadillac XLR windscreen windblocker wind deflector,psychic reviews, and the Seattle HCG Diet & Weight Loss.
Technorati Tags: Cadillac XLR, Convertible, Top Down, windscreen
The sporty acronym comes from Sporty, Light, and Short (or Kurz in German). The SLK 170 was at first a compact implementation of the popular SL sports car. In 1996, the SLK R170 first appeared to raving fans. The initial sales started with a very respectable 50,000 units. This car did stagnant in the market for too long; soon, competitors came out with more compelling products. The car was going up directly against the Audi TT, unfavorably. Furthermore, time was dating its technology.
The SLK’s hard top is noticeably its best piece of engineering, while the engine is clunky. The steering was borrowed from the C-class, the recirculating ball, which wasn’t the best choice.
Comparing to rivals, the TT Roadster, the BMW Z3, and the Alfa Romero Spider, the Mercedes SLK still visually stands out. While the engine could be weak, drivers in North America value relaxed driving over power.
Riders got their piece of the sun in this Mercedes SLK 170 with its retractable hardtop. Although going with the top-down, you should still be equipped with a windscreen. This lazy-man hard top has roots in the Mitsubishi 3000 GT Spyder, Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Mercedes SL Class, and the Chrysler Sebring.
The 2/3 liter Kompressor came out in 2000 to address these initial nits. This car gained extra power, different styling on the body, and improved handling. The engine is smooth and doesn’t stutter when idling. Mercedes did make upgrades with the transmission, making shifting smooth as silk. There was new six-speed transmission, pieced together from the E-class. If you wanted an automatic, then you were stuck with only five gears. Going with the top down still invites all of the backlash, needing a windscreen. Next, a smoother and safer ride became possible with chassis improvement.
None of these changes are big or grand, being small changes over time. The Mercedes SLK R170 still draws the raves.
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When the author isn’t driving her SLK around, she’s a fan of the Mercedes Benz SLK windscreen windblocker wind deflector, the psychic readings, and theSeattle HCG Diet.
Technorati Tags: Convertible, Mercedes SLK wind deflector, Mercedes SLK windblocker, Mercedes SLK windscreen, Top Down
The government loans come with many strings attached, eventually forcing General Motors to ditch the money loosing brands of Saturn, Hummer, Saab, and Pontiac. The best car chase scenes seemed to include Pontiac’s GTO or Trans Am muscle cars. Who can ever forget the movies Smokey and the BanditorTwo Lane Blacktop with a raging GTO? On the cutting block is the best selling Pontiac Solstice. Despite being the shining star of the Pontiac lineup, the Solstice can not preserve the Pontiac name badge by itself. The eliminate of the Pontiac Solstice effects not only the entire assembly, but also those business which also sell after market parts.
Convertible owners love their car. The Pontiac Solstice had a great premiere with positive editorial words and buyers ready to purchase. As soon as the death knell of Pontiac went up, grass roots efforts sprang into action. The website quickly sprang into action, calling Solstice owners into action to help save their beloved car. Although brand new, fans are already flocking to this website, and activity will certainly pick up as the Solstice’s demise becomes near.
Unfortunately, it’s simply too early to tell what might happen. There are still a lot of gyrations left to play out in this complex business saga. As far as the Pontiac Solstice itself, it’s fate is still unknown. Even though General Motors is pulling the plug on Pontiac, perhaps profitable lines could continue their lives. Keeping the Solstice going would be a great relief for the fans, the workers, and the businesses dedicated to this convertible. The Solstice’s eventual life is still up in the air, yet this car will always have a vast group of followers dedicated to it.
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When the author is tootling around in her own Solstice, she’s a fan of thePontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector, the psychic reviews, and the Seattle HCG Diet & Weight Loss.
Technorati Tags: Convertible, Pontiac, Pontiac Solstice, Top Down
Two different versions of the Crossfire are available: a coupe or a roadster (in which case, you’ll need a Crossfire windscreen (windblocker wind deflector). The Crossfire is based upon the Mercedes Benz SLK chassis. The Crossfire was slow to respond, sluggish steering, and poor aerodynamics. While the exterior design caught eyes, the interior was underwhelming. Other competing vehicles provided a much more appealing interior. Finally, the car’s performance is mediocre as well. The Crossfire is sluggish for speed and acceleration, and it just drinks the gas.
The Crossfire came out in the summer of 2003 as a coupe only. Then, the two seater roadster started production in 2005. A super-duper high performance version was introduced later in fall, the SRT6, with a supercharged 3/2 liter, V6 engine. This engine delivered 330 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately for performists, they could only get a clunky five speed automatic transmission with the SRT6. Lastly, upgraded suspensions components were added, at a cost of ride comfort. Finally, performance tires can significantly improve the performance profile of the Crossfire, adding a lot more zip and glees of exhilaration .
Sensitive to complaints of high price, Chrysler added a base model in 2005. To answer demand for more personalization, the Crossfire came with greater choices for color, trim levels, and wheel styles. Even with all these different styles, the roadster is still the most popular version.
Do to poor sales, 2009 may be the last production year of the Crossfire. The roadster will most likely remain the most popular version of the Crossfire. There isn’t a strong prosepct for this car in the collector marketplace. This car will certainly be missed by its fans and the auto industry alike.
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When the author isn’t driving her own Crossfire, she’s a fan of the ChryslerCrossfire windscreen windblocker wind deflector, psychic readings, and the Seattle HCG Diet.
Technorati Tags: Chrysler crossfire, Convertible, Top Down, windscreen
The first Sebring came out in 1995 as a midsize coupe. The Sebring shared the same underpinnings with its cousin, the Mitsubishi Galant. For the LX and LXi trim, you got a 163-hp, 2/5 liter engine with a four speed automatic transmission. At the time, the vehicle’s best attributes were its sporty and purposeful exterior styling and roomy (for a coupe) interior. The steeply lined windshield didn’t compromise headroom, and there was also plenty of space in the trunk. If you wanted to put the top down, then you certainly needed a windscreen.
Chrysler demonstrated to the world back in 2001 a new Sebring sedan, with updated engines and transmissions underneath. Just like the previous generation, the platform was shared with Mitsubishi. At the top of the heap was a 3/0-liter V6 cranking out 200 hp. It was initially available only in the LXi Coupe. A standard in convertibles (and LXi Sedans) was the impressive 2/7 liter, V6 thumping engine. A smaller, four banger 2/4 liter engine was also available. The Sebring earned high grades for its body lines, its power train reliability, and the number of options offered to buyers.
The Sebring was prolific with offering different trim levels: the LX, LXi, GTC, TSi, and Touring trim models. The regular Sebring stopped in 2005; the convertible in 2006. For the convertible owners, a good purchase is a windscreen.
The second generation was becoming more and more stale as time went on. The Sebring was about as pleasant as a school bus to ride in with its unforgiving chassis. Those is in the used Sebring market should consider most of all, the late 90’s and the early 2000s Despite the Sebring’s drawbacks, one will still be pleased with this car. The Sebring will always have a fond place in car driver’s hearts.
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When the author isn’t driving around her Sebring, she’s a fan of the Chrysler Sebring windscreen windblocker w ind deflector, the psychic reviews, and the Seattle HCG Diet and Weight Loss.
Technorati Tags: Chrysler Sebring wind deflector, Chrysler Sebring windblocker, Chrysler Sebring windscreen, Convertible, Top Down
It’s easy to blast off in the Solstice right from the show room floor. The Pontiac Solstice meshes together raw power, plenty of niceties, and breath-taking styles causing people to stare. Not since the rememberable 1959 Bonneville, has Pontiac release such a great split-grill car. This car rivals the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, yet carries only half of the price tag.
For selections the Solstice has two options: the base package and the GXP. The basic package includes a 173 horse power, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that pleasantly conserves the gas. The deluxe GPX upgrade amps the engine into a 260 horse power turbocharged engine into a 2.0 liter, four cylinder engine. With either engine, it will be pair with a five speed automatic or manual transmission. The basic model includes electronic traction and stability control, limited slip rear differential, four anti-lock disc brakes, impressive 18 inch alloy wheels, and satellite radio. The GXP package takes all of this and adds stunning dual exhaust tips, a tuned-up transmission, a gripping leather shift know and steering wheel, and plush carpeted floor mats.
The Solstice certainly provides much to smile at, compromised by some minor issues. The steering can be sloppy. The Solstice can be a fat hog of a car at over 3000 pounds. Also, coming out of corners, the Solstice tends to hang on. Starting from zero, the take-off is certainly not overwhelming. This car wouldn’t make a passing grade in ergonomics, with components illogically positioned and plastic components littering the interior. Trunk space is smaller than your closet.
While the Solstice has some minor bummers, the best feature of the Solstice is its body lines. Pontiac hasn’t styled a great car for decades; in the Solstice, they get it right. The duel-hump body work of the Solstice provide a wonderfully futuristic look. Folks will not be bashful; they will approach you and ask about your sleek car. The overwhelming positives surely negate the minor drawbacks. Those looking for top-down driving excitement will certainly be pleased with this choice.
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When the author isn’t driving her Pontiac Solstice, she’s a fan of best psychics, the Seattle HCG Diet, and the Pontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector.
Technorati Tags: Convertible, Pontiac, Pontiac Solstice, Top Down
It’s easy to blast off in the Solstice right from the show room floor. The Pontiac Solstice meshes together raw power, plenty of niceties, and breath-taking styles causing people to stare. Not since the rememberable 1959 Bonneville, has Pontiac release such a great split-grill car. This car rivals the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, yet carries only half of the price tag.
For selections the Solstice has two options: the base package and the GXP. The basic package includes a 173 horse power, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that pleasantly conserves the gas. The deluxe GPX upgrade amps the engine into a 260 horse power turbocharged engine into a 2.0 liter, four cylinder engine. With either engine, it will be pair with a five speed automatic or manual transmission. The basic model includes electronic traction and stability control, limited slip rear differential, four anti-lock disc brakes, impressive 18 inch alloy wheels, and satellite radio. The GXP package takes all of this and adds stunning dual exhaust tips, a tuned-up transmission, a gripping leather shift know and steering wheel, and plush carpeted floor mats.
The Solstice certainly provides much to smile at, compromised by some minor issues. The steering can be sloppy. The Solstice can be a fat hog of a car at over 3000 pounds. Also, coming out of corners, the Solstice tends to hang on. Starting from zero, the take-off is certainly not overwhelming. This car wouldn’t make a passing grade in ergonomics, with components illogically positioned and plastic components littering the interior. Trunk space is smaller than your closet.
While the Solstice has some minor bummers, the best feature of the Solstice is its body lines. Pontiac hasn’t styled a great car for decades; in the Solstice, they get it right. The duel-hump body work of the Solstice provide a wonderfully futuristic look. Folks will not be bashful; they will approach you and ask about your sleek car. The overwhelming positives surely negate the minor drawbacks. Those looking for top-down driving excitement will certainly be pleased with this choice.
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When the author isn’t driving her Pontiac Solstice, she’s a fan of best psychics, the Seattle HCG Diet, and the Pontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector.
Technorati Tags: Convertible, Pontiac, Pontiac Solstice, Top Down
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