http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosconsumer/0504/20/G03-155739.htm
Automaker's use of wood in XLR sets clear standard for rest of industry.
By Anita Lienert / Special to The Detroit News
Luxury automakers such as Cadillac always are anxious to add the details that their finicky customers demand. So it's no surprise that even subtle changes to an expensive vehicle like the XLR roadster can be important to buyers.
"Custom, hand-made character is what we are looking for," said Dave Hill, General Motors Corp.'s vehicle line executive for performance cars. "Our buyers want rich, but not overstated."
Cadillac has hit a home run with such subtle touches as exterior color -- particularly red -- and wood trim on the 2006 XLR-V, which goes on sale in January.
On the original XLR, the red was "crimson pearl," a somewhat disappointing shade that looked flat and lipsticky, especially in bright sun.
The new red, "Infrared," is deeper and takes advantage of advanced paint technology that incorporates pinkish and red-colored crystals.
The new Cadillac red has depth and dimension. Anyone who has ever had their hair colored by a stylist who added layers of highlights and lowlights will appreciate what Cadillac has done to raise the bar with exterior paint. A tinted clear coat makes it shimmer and glow.
In the cabin, the 440-horsepower XLR-V, which likely will be priced around $85,000, uses African tiger-striped zingana wood to great effect.
It's not one of those things that hit you between the eyes when you first see it, but when you study it, it really grows on you.
When you look at the wood from different angles, you can see reds and greens.
On the steering wheel, the wood is inlaid on the diagonal, making it seem like a gorgeous sculpture. It's a nice complement to the hand-wrapped leather throughout the car's interior.
If all of this seems a little over-the-top, consider this: The XLR buyer is the most educated and likely the fussiest Cadillac customer, according to the company.
XLR buyers have an annual income of more than $250,000, so they can afford the best. That's why Cadillac is lavishing so much time and attention on things like tinted clear-coat paint and fancy wood.
Automaker's use of wood in XLR sets clear standard for rest of industry.
By Anita Lienert / Special to The Detroit News
Luxury automakers such as Cadillac always are anxious to add the details that their finicky customers demand. So it's no surprise that even subtle changes to an expensive vehicle like the XLR roadster can be important to buyers.
"Custom, hand-made character is what we are looking for," said Dave Hill, General Motors Corp.'s vehicle line executive for performance cars. "Our buyers want rich, but not overstated."
Cadillac has hit a home run with such subtle touches as exterior color -- particularly red -- and wood trim on the 2006 XLR-V, which goes on sale in January.
On the original XLR, the red was "crimson pearl," a somewhat disappointing shade that looked flat and lipsticky, especially in bright sun.
The new red, "Infrared," is deeper and takes advantage of advanced paint technology that incorporates pinkish and red-colored crystals.
The new Cadillac red has depth and dimension. Anyone who has ever had their hair colored by a stylist who added layers of highlights and lowlights will appreciate what Cadillac has done to raise the bar with exterior paint. A tinted clear coat makes it shimmer and glow.
In the cabin, the 440-horsepower XLR-V, which likely will be priced around $85,000, uses African tiger-striped zingana wood to great effect.
It's not one of those things that hit you between the eyes when you first see it, but when you study it, it really grows on you.
When you look at the wood from different angles, you can see reds and greens.
On the steering wheel, the wood is inlaid on the diagonal, making it seem like a gorgeous sculpture. It's a nice complement to the hand-wrapped leather throughout the car's interior.
If all of this seems a little over-the-top, consider this: The XLR buyer is the most educated and likely the fussiest Cadillac customer, according to the company.
XLR buyers have an annual income of more than $250,000, so they can afford the best. That's why Cadillac is lavishing so much time and attention on things like tinted clear-coat paint and fancy wood.
