Besides the hand-crafted leather interior and some visual enhancements, the only thing separating the 2006 Cadillac XLR from the XLR-V is the hardware. Most notable is the Northstar 4.4-liter, 32-valve, dual overhead cam, supercharged V8 pushing 443 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 414 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,900 rpm. A six-speed automatic with a manual mode is the only available transmission. Compare that powertrain to the regular XLR’s 4.6-liter Northstar V8, good for 320 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque using a five-speed automatic to deliver power to the rear wheels. Along with the extra power, the XLR-V brings about 150 pounds of added curb weight to the table.

A push-button starter button on the dash brings the Northstar engine to life, pushing spent exhaust fumes through the center-mounted quad tailpipes. Under the XLR-V’s skin is a performance-tuned suspension with double wishbones and stabilizer bars front and rear, while a Magnasteer speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system keeps the driver connected to the road. Aiding in the handling effort are 19-inch alloy wheels and Pirelli Euforia run-flat tires that measure 235/45 up front and 255/40 out back, behind which is a four-wheel antilock brake setup with discs significantly bigger than those found on the regular XLR.