2008 Cadillac CTS

The new 2008 Cadillac CTS, launched at the 2007 Detroit auto show, will prove once and for all whether GM's luxury division can truly deliver on the promise of its radical "Art & Science" styling revolution and run wheel to wheel with the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz.

With its edgy panels, wedgy stance, and bold light graphics, the new CTS appears a straightforward design evolution of the current car. That's no bad thing: Although now in its final model year, the current CTS is selling better than ever.

Caddy engineers are making a lot of noise about the track time prototypes have logged around the demanding Nrburgring Nordschliefe, and tightly tailored wheel openings also give the new CTS a cooler, more muscular stance.

Base engine is the 3.6-liter "high feature" V-6, which boasts double overhead camshafts with variable valve timing. The big news under the hood, though, is a new 300-horsepower direct-injection version of the 3.6. A first for an American-built gasoline engine, it uses an ultra-high-pressure fuel system to pump finely atomized gas directly into the combustion chambers, like a diesel. Both engines will drive through a choice of six-speed transmissions, an Aisin manual and the new Hydra-Matic 6L50 auto originally introduced on the STS-v. A limited-slip differential is available for performance drivers and all-wheel drive will be available as an option.

Base wheels are 17-inch, seven spoke alloys, but 18-inch nine spoke units are also available and will be mandatory with the optional performance suspension package's larger high-performance brake calipers.

CTS variants, including a sport wagon and a stunning two-door coupe, are expected to make appearances as concept cars sometime in the next 12 months. And, of course, there's the much-scooped new CTS-v, which promises 500 to 600 horsepower of real American V-8 muscle under the hood.

If the second-generation versions of the STS, XLR, SRX, and DTS show the same step change improvement in design, engineering, and perceived quality as this second-generation CTS, Cadillac's place as America's only globally competitive luxury automobile is assured.