Suave savage.

Like your luxury with a kick? Cadillac's XLR roadster is an iron fist in a velvet glove. Get in, and the car practically reaches out to embrace you. The XLR's plush interior-supple leather, heated seats, and wood trim--bespeak Cadillac's familiar comfort and quality. Start the 4.6-liter, 320-horse-power Northstar V-8 engine, and the XLR's Corvette heritage roars into the foreground. Hit the button to retract the hardtop and put the XLR in gear--the purring engine howls and rockets you forward. We test-drove the XLR from San Francisco to the Napa Valley--plenty of time to get the feel of the smooth ride and check out the XLR's nuances, Despite computerized traction, steering, and stability controls, we detected some mild body roll over uneven highway pavement and a bit of lightness in the front end at higher speeds--but as we became more familiar with the vehicle, enchantment set in. Sophisticated electronics deliver a VIP feeling: Electronic push-button door handles open and close the door again and again. A heads-up display of key information (digital speedometer, turn indicators, gear selection, and audio tuning) is actually projected onto your windshield, where the numbers float like friendly little green apparitions--this GM feature is unparalleled for keeping tabs on your vital signs while keeping your eye on the road. Bulgari dashboard instrumentation, onboard navigation, and a Bose entertainment system keep style in line with function. If you like to loosen up your black tie and party, the Cadillac XLR is for you.