The Cadillac XLR-V was warmly received by discriminating roadster enthusiasts upon its debut in 2006. Designed to compliment the Cadillac XLR, the XLR-V is a high performance version that has several significant differences from the XLR that include an enhanced body style, unique interior trim, bigger wheels, an enhanced suspension and braking system and a supercharged V8 engine.

The XLR-V is a limited production vehicle and it is also the most expensive Cadillac ever sold. With prices in the 100K range, it was expected that buyers will want a lot for their money, and they got it. The first thing one would notice as the car approached was the characteristic and elegantly designed Cadillac emblem set into unique wire mesh grille inserts. The sophisticated and sexy body rests upon uniquely designed 19 inch wheels and the athletically styled hood and fitted quad exhaust tips subtly hint at the muscle under the hood. There is only one trim level and it is very well equipped-as one would expect for a car in this price range. The interior is fully loaded and with the retractable power operated hard top down it is easy to see the exquisite attention to detail throughout the interior of the cabin. Though not quite as refined as some of the competing European roadsters in this high performance category, like the Mercedes-Benz SL AMG models, the price is definitely lower and it still exudes an abundance of luxury, comfort and stylish, well positioned gauges and controls. The inviting and contemporary upscale interior features heated and cooled seats upholstered in fine, handcrafted leather upholstery and well placed Zingana wood and aluminum accents throughout. Just about every comfort and convenience feature can be found including heated and cooled seats, a voice controlled navigation system, head up display, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights and a 250 watt sound system including an in-dash CD changer and a high dash mounted 7-inch touchscreen for driver information, entertainment and navigation system controls.

The price barrier was not the only record broken by Cadillac with the introduction of the XLR-V. This super coupe goes from 0-60 in less than 5 seconds-the fastest Caddy ever. The specially designed 4.4 liter V8 engine is capable of up to an astounding 443 horsepower. The immense power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6 speed automatic transmission that is equipped with manual shift control.

The heart of the XLR-V is a supercharged 4.4-liter V8. It produces 443 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 414 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that features manual-shift control. Expect a 0-to-60-mph time of fewer than 5 seconds.

With such a powerful and widely accepted debut in 2006, the Cadillac XLR-V went unchanged for the 2007 model year with the exception of the increase of the powertrain warranty to 5 years/100,000 miles. With its powerful and agile performance, edgy design and a wealth of luxury features, the XLR-V provides all the exhilaration and excitement one could dream of in a roadster.