Fighting fire with fire

When Cadillac introduced the CTS in the fall of 2002, they understood an important thing: to measure up to the Germans, you have to offer something different than what people expect from a Caddy.

For the smallest model of the lineup, at least, they had to produce a car that didn't have a flaccid suspension or baroque proportions, like the company usually did in the past. And that's what they did.

Competition beware, the new CTS is more effective than ever.

For 2008, the new CTS carries on the mission started by the previous model, but by proposing a host of improvements and additions. And this time, it could seriously affect sales of BMW's 3-Series, Audi's A4 and Infiniti's G35.

Killer design
The creative heads of GM designed quite a beast; from any angle, the new CTS looks great. With an aggressive front fascia hangs low to the ground, a high beltline and sharply-creased sheetmetal, the little Cadillac turns heads everywhere it goes.

I got positive comments from plenty of people during the week. The school bus driver that drives down my street gave me a thumbs-up while I was climbing in the car one morning. Owners of previous-generation CTS' stared me down with jealousy (and hate, probably).

In fact, I don't know anybody that doesn't like Cadillacs. Whatever the age, occupation of level of passion for automobiles, a Cadillac is special, prestigious, exclusive.

A great engine
The 3.6-liter V6 is, in my opinion, the best 6-cylinder ever produced by General Motors. But in my test car, this marvel of an engine features direct injection and the result is 304 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. And believe it or not, but it runs on regular unleaded. The engine is managed by an excellent optional 6-speed automatic that works without reproach; a 6-speed manual is standard.

The 3.6-litre V6 delivers its 304 hp through a very effective 6-speed automatic gearbox.