A commentator named Peakay recently posed a pointed question: "Do you guys like anything?" While there are plenty of positive reviews hereabouts, I understand Peakey's frustration. When ttac.com publishes a rash of reviews describing nasty looking, badly built, dynamically dim-witted vehicles, the negativity eats away at this car lover's soul. Which made the prospect of reviewing the Cadillac XLR-V a daunting proposition. I really wanted to like this car.

Walking up to the XLR-V did nothing to dampen my anticipation, and much to increase it. The roadster is the only Caddy that doesn't wear the brand's "Art and Science" motif like an aging prostitute sporting a K-Mart pants suit. The XLR-V's creased fiberglass strikes the perfect balance between edgy aggression and proportional elegance. The model-specific hood strakes and wire mesh grill add welcome wickedness to a minimalist masterpiece.