2008 Cadillac CTS

The new Cadillac CTS really surprised me. I suppose I should have seen it coming; with the success of mid-sized luxury/sport sedans from overseas, the Big Three have been trying to crack the market for a long time. Lincoln's effort, the MKZ, is quite a long way off- base, possibly the right vehicle for Lincoln but not the best way to get the attention of the sport-luxury public, so to speak. The previous generation CTS was a nearer miss, with good driving dynamics and a uniquely American look. An overly plasticky cabin, so-so drivetrain and average build quality were the only elements out of place.

The redesigned 2008 model addresses these points without losing the CTS' good elements, and hits the target straight on. It's got impressive performance, high technology, and excellent build quality, wrapped up with design and materials that are first-rate and will make the naysayers take notice. In short, like the similarly sized offerings from BMW, Audi, Lexus and others, the CTS is very much the "real deal."

That's a good thing for the CTS, because the sport-sedan market has never been a place for poseurs or pretenders and that's never been truer than in 2008. The CTS communicates its intent with evolutionary, expressive styling that's similar to that of the larger Cadillac STS. The CTS' edgy, bladed look is unmistakably Cadillac, and upgrades like a more upright and deeply contoured chrome grille in place of the conservative body-colored unit boost the baby Cadillac's curb presence. It's familiar and fresh at the same time.

Chromed air extractors on the front fenders look like the latest styling trend, but they also help link the CTS to the Escalade and other Cadillacs.

The car's silhouette is more like a coupe's than a sedan's, and there's an available double-paned sunroof that opens the entire interior up to the sky.

And of course it wouldn't be a Cadillac without the tall, narrow vertical taillights.

The interior's even better, with sharp angles that match the exterior and top-class materials that even impressed interior designers.

Nothing in the CTS feels cheap. Cadillac makes good use of hand-cut, -stitched and -sewn materials, while leather and nickel trim, just a hint of chrome and carbon fiber-like appliqués all work together to create a dash that's subtle and striking at the same time. Sapele wood interior trim is also available. The seats are comfortable enough for long drives but firm enough to hold everyone in place for hard drives. A cool two-mode information screen shows radio settings when lowered, then raises to become a full-screen GPS display. In addition to impressing passengers, this allows the CTS' dashboard to carry its extremely contoured design all the way into the console without a break for a large flat information screen.

At night, carefully placed LED lighting adds drama to the interior, and the heated and cooled front seats are decorated with an elegant V-shaped piece of chrome. Other available features include heated washer fluid, adaptive headlights, a 10-speaker Bose 5.1 surround-sound audio system and a remote start.

These days, it's hard for a luxury car to get anyone's attention if it hasn't got impressive moves on the road, so Cadillac has yanked out the underwhelming six-cylinder that powered the previous CTS and replaced it with an all-new 3.6 liter direct-injection gasoline V6.

This 304 horsepower engine is responsive and powerful as well as more efficient, as the injector-less fuel delivery system provides more precise combustion and reduced emissions. Variable valve timing improves midrange response. A conventional 3.6 liter V6 making 263 horsepower is the standard engine. The CTS is rear-wheel drive as well, so it offers an entertaining ride when the road permits. A choice of short-throw six-speed manual or automatic transmissions is offered. The six-speed automatic has a clutchless manual shift mode, controlled with steering wheel paddles. Left in full-automatic mode, it can be slow to downshift and seems to be calibrated more for comfort than luxury, but rear-drive and a manual transmission are a recipe bound to make driving enthusiasts smile, especially with over three hundred horses to motivate the package. An all-wheel drive CTS is also available, just to challenge Audi's AWD dominance.

Planted, confident athleticism is the name of the game when it comes to handling. Lightweight suspension components front and rear reduce unsprung weight and improve response. The CTS is available with a choice of suspension settings as well, offering three ride-quality options. A wider track and standard strut tower brace provide improved roadholding.

StabiliTrak stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard. Out on the road, the CTS is easily as responsive as any competitive Lexus or Acura, and with a great deal more personality besides.

Back in the 1980s, Cadillac practically ruined its good name by introducing a compact car that didn't match up to the brand's standards. It has clearly learned from that mistake; the CTS may be the junior member of the Cadillac family, but it's got the luxury and the performance to go head-to-head with the best from Germany and Japan. CTS pricing starts at a highly competitive $34,545. My test car was equipped with additional performance and infotainment options, and went out the door for $42,090.

Specifications:

All specs are for the 2008 Cadillac CTS.

Length: 191.6 in.

Width: 72.5 in.

Height: 58.0 in.

Wheelbase: 113.4 in.

Curb weight: 3874 lb.

Cargo space: 13.6 cu.ft.

Base price: $34,545

Price as tested: $42,090

Engine: 3.6 liter DOHC direct-injection V6

Drivetrain: six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 304 @ 6300

Torque: 273 @ 5200

Fuel capacity: 18.0 gal.

Est. mileage: 17/26