General Motors introduced Cadillac XLR, a two-seat luxury roadster, at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show. The vehicle went into production in 2004. However, it is not at all a brand new vehicle from GM stable, as it was earlier known as Evoq. In a way, GM just re-launched Evoq with a new name. In addition, XLR happens to be GM's second roadster since 1993. The carmaker introduced its previous roadster Allante in the same year. XLR was able to make an impression right away after its launch. This Cadillac vehicle was nominated for 2004 North American Car of the Year.

However, the road to stardom won't be smooth sailing for the XLR. There are so many car models jostling for space in the luxury roadster segment. The Lexus SC, the Porsche 911, the BMW 6-Series, the Jaguar XK and the Mercedes Benz SL-Class won't leave room for complacency. Rivalry can't get fiercer than this for the XLR. General Motors has combined both performance and luxury to get the edge over its competitors. The vehicle is equipped with 4.6-liter dual overhead cam V8 320 horsepower engine along with some essential luxury features such as warm and refrigerated seats, steering system in addition to acoustic and DVD system, voyage control, 18-inch composite wheels and slick timberwork in the interior.

The engine is combined with five-speed automatic transmission system. Add to that reasonable fuel economy - 17 miles to the gallon in the city and 25 miles to the gallon on the highway. GM has set the base price of the XLR at $76,650. Despite being well equipped, the sale of the Cadillac XLR hasn't been quite encouraging. Cadillac set the target of selling 6,000 cars per year. But unfortunately, the automaker has been able to sell just 4,745 in 18 months as of March 2005.