The XLR ($75,335) comes with a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The list of standard equipment is long and includes a nine-speaker Bose sound system with XM Satellite radio, DVD navigation and video, Magnetic Ride Control, radar-controlled adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, a head-up display, and Gen 7 OnStar, the latest highway assistance service featuring the helpful voices of genuine human beings beamed to the car by satellite.

The Passion Red ($2,575) and Platinum ($6,080) packages add special wheels, colors, upholstery and trim.

The XLR-V ($97,460) features a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 that produces 443 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. Chassis modifications include larger brakes; recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control; a larger front stabilizer bar; the addition of a rear stabilizer bar; stiffer rear lower control arm bushings; larger wheels and tires; a power steering fluid cooler; and a higher-capacity fuel pump. Inside, the V-model features aluminum accents and French-stitched leather seats. Wire-mesh grilles, a hood bulge, and other exterior filips make sure the neighbors notice. No options are available.

Safety features that come standard include side-impact airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and OnStar.