Enthusiasts are in awe of the latest 2009 Cadillac XLR not only for its extreme performance capabilities, but also because of its elegant design. While the roadster has yet to be released, buyers are waiting in anticipation for the unveiling set to take place in July of 2008; however, Cadillac has not confirmed whether the 2009 XLR will hit sales lots in July or if it will merely be revealed at auto shows, but spies have been hard at work snapping shots of the latest model since February. Its only American competition, the Chevy Corvette, will need a serious redesign to draw eyes away from the 2008 XLR.

Under the hood, the Cadillac XLR is just as powerful as ever with a 4.6L Northstar V8 VVT that produces around 320 horsepower; however, the XLR-V, a member of Cadillac's high-performance V series, features a 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V8 engine which gets a monstrous 443 horsepower. All three XLR trims (Roadster, Platinum and XLR-V) have a Hydra-Matic 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission but the XLR-V includes a torque converter clutch and Performance Algorithm Shifting. With 310-lbs per foot of torque, owners can easily reach sixty mph in less than six seconds. The EPA estimates that the XLR will get about 15 city MPG and 24 highway MPG with premium unleaded fuel, which is actually quite impressive for a high-performance roadster.

The Roadster trim, listed for around $81,490, features an automatic fully-retractable hardtop, Eucalyptus wood accents in the interior and dual exhaust with stainless steel tips. The 2009 model year of the XLR has brought about a few exterior changes like a redesigned front fascia that appears more chiseled and streamlined. Other changes include the application of side vents as well as two grilles, one above the front bumper and one built into the bumper itself. The Platinum trim gets new 18-inch chrome wheels, while all three trims get an Alcantara headliner and a leather-wrapped look for the upper instrument panel.

The 2009 Cadillac XLR also receives a technological boost with OnStar 8.0, handsfree Bluetooth phone capabilities, a navigation system controlled by MapQuest, push-button start, and Adaptive Forward Lighting - a system that tilts the headlamps in the direction the vehicle is turning to allow for clearer night visibility. Though the XLR-V's MSRP starts at $101,300, buyers will certainly find a level of class and performance not found elsewhere on sales lots and, with stylish exterior alterations and ample interior upgrades, the 2009 XLR will quickly shoot to the top of the list of incredibly elegant roadsters.