Called out for an encore from 2007, the 2008 Cadillac XLR is a luxury sports coupe with a retractable hard top which offers 320hp V8 power in a 2-passenger automobile. Its 4.6L engine is moderated by a standard 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. While it still displays the sharp-edged design that garnered it so much attention last year, the XLR still looks fresh and exciting.

Outfitted in rare woods and fine alloys, the cockpit of the XLR is a masterpiece of ergonomic support and functionality. The seats are comfortable and supportive while the steering wheel and instruments are easy to use and read. The design imperative that Cadillac currently follows is based on stealth fighter angular surfaces, large chrome grilles, and vertical stacking of headlights. The XLR is the masterpiece which resulted from combining these data streams.

Consistent with the effort Cadillac has made to engineer a coupe that compares well with other up-market manufacturers, the weight distribution in the XLR is benefited by positioning the transmission over the rear wheels. As such, the coupe has optimized its center of gravity between the front and rear wheels, enhancing its handling and control. Equipped with safety features in stride with its performance, the 2008 XLR not only protects with front and side airbags, but also notifies emergency crews in the event of a collision via GPS.

As stylish as the exterior, the cockpit offers the driver equally engaging technology with which to interact. Not only are several groups of controls arranged on the steering wheel, such as audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control, but readouts from critical instrumentation are displayed on the windshield for easy viewing. Every feature that can assist the driver and passenger in attaining maximum comfort and safety has been engineered into the 2008 Cadillac XLR. European manufacturers will once again look to the US for inspiration in the luxury sports coupe segment.