Standby,
I do not have to negotiate price. I worked as an engineer with GM for 38 years. I am retired now, but I will still buy the V at the employee price. I'd rather not say just how much that is, but it's a significant discount.
Groadster,
Yes, more power in the regular XLR would not help the handling any, but it would do a better job of kicking you in the seat of the pants when you ask for it. What I was really talking about was having more power in the V version which is modified to better handle it. As a longtime Vette owner, I understand that the Vette excels as a pure sports car, but the sophisication and elegance of the XLR is significant. At my age, the comfort level of the XLR is greatly appreciated.