TO THE POINTWhat’s New? The 2006 XLR-V is a high performance version of Cadillac’s hardtop, two-seater convertible, with various visual upgrades and 443 horsepower. Selling Points: Supercharged Northstar power, hand-crafted interior, Corvette backbone, aggressive styling Deal Breakers: Higher sticker price than a 505-horsepower Corvette Z06, interior and cargo space, visibility, fuel economy Our Advice: Perfect for the Corvette lover who won’t put a Chevy bow tie in the garage. As a sub-five second car, the XLR-V is a better value than many higher-priced exotics.
Cadillac has avoided festooning its performance lineup with oversized spoilers, exaggerated body kits, and various go-fast visual tweaks. Instead, the 2006 XLR-V features understated chrome “Supercharged” and “V” badges on the flanks, a chrome mesh grille above and below the bumper, and attractive 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels that replace the standard XLR’s 18s. The hood has a center dome making room for the supercharger, and quad chrome tailpipes are tucked beneath the center of the rear bumper.