Whenever anyone mentions the word Cadillac, I automatically conjure up

This isn't your grandfather's Cadillac. (Photo: Steven James Day, Canadian Auto Press)

images of seniors driving 18-foot “boats” at well below the posted speed limit. In fact, I recall a popular Seinfeld episode when Jerry bought a Fleetwood Brougham for his retired father living in Florida. For decades Cadillac ownership has been synonymous for this market demographic, however during the last few years the GM division's designers, engineers and brand managers have worked hard to recreate a more athletic appeal geared to the young professional. That injection of new blood came about in 2003 with the introduction of the CTS, a smaller rear-drive performance luxury sedan confidently positioned to compete against well established compact sport luxury sedans like BMW's 3-Series, Audi's A4 and Lexus' IS.

I remembered seeing the first generation CTS for the first time at a local auto show in 2002. The design was sharp and “edgy” compared to its conservative predecessor the Catera. One might even argue that the designers drew up the CTS with only a straight edge in hand. There were lots of crisp angles and straight lines along the body panels and the front fascia. It looked so sharp that you could probably cut your finger if you

New grille is much more intricate in its detailing. (Photo: Cadillac)

ran it across the front body line. Cadillac made a bold statement during a period when manufacturers were designing cars that shared softer, more organic exterior design elements (just refer to the redesigned Nissan Altima or Audi A4). You either loved it or hated. For me, the design was just too “fast” to take in and too different from anything out there. I actually found it to be odd looking. Fortunately for Cadillac, they were able to seize an opportunity to showcase this vehicle to the masses as it made a guest appearance in the popular sci-fi movie Matrix Reloaded. The 5 minutes of fame catapulted the CTS, and more importantly the Cadillac brand into the radar of the North American population, and the rest shall we say is history. Cadillac general manager, Jim Taylor reflects: "The CTS has built a strong record of success on many levels. It exceeded our goals for sales volume, set new design trends, won championships in racing, and earned awards for quality and customer satisfaction. The next chapter promises to be even more dramatic."

Early this year at the Detroit auto show, Cadillac unveiled the second generation completely redesigned CTS. At first glance, nothing too radical has been done; the core bones of the CTS are still very prominent. However, upon closer inspection certain enhancements become evident. There are cues from the Cadillac Sixteen concept design which include the prominent square grated grille and the vertical style headlights. The flagship model of the CTS is equipped with a new 3.6-litre V6 VVT powering either the rear wheels or an optional all-wheel drive layout. This direct-injection V6 delivers an estimated 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, which gives the driver a V8-like experience with the fuel economy of a V6 (direct-injection technology sends fuel

The new 3.6-litre direct injection V6 pumps out 300 horsepower. It can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive. (Photo: Cadillac)

directly into the combustion chamber to create a cleaner burn that translates into more power with less fuel consumption and fewer emissions).

The entry-level CTS will also be powered by a 3.6-litre V6, only this one generates 258 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. A smaller 2.8-litre VVT engine is also available to power the rear wheels with 210 horsepower and 194 lb-ft of torque for cars sold in Europe.

Transmission choices include either a short-throw Aisin six-speed manual or a new Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic that was introduced on the Cadillac STS-V back in 2005.

The CTS has not only grown up in appearance, but also in physical presence. Sitting 51 mm (2.0 in) wider and 38 mm (1.5 in) longer, the CTS now measures 4,766 mm (191.6 in) long, 1,841 mm (72.5 in) wide, and 1,472 mm (58.0 in) in height. With a wheelbase of 2,880 mm (113.4 in), the stance is now paired with improved agility by way of redesigned

Overall, the new CTS is slightly larger than the old, making it more of a 5-Series competitor. (Photo: Cadillac)

suspension geometry. The independent short/long arm front suspension and multilink rear suspensions were put through the rigors of various road conditions, from Germany’s Nurburgring racetrack to the regular roads in China and the U.S. Borrowing from the CTS-V, a strut tower brace is used to calm any chassis flexing, while six attachment points hold down the power plant. All these enhancements combined to give an improved ride overall, with greater driver feedback.

Looking at the front, attention to detail is evident. Notice the different metallic finishes on the large grille, surrounded with chrome trim. The headlight designs are taken from Cadillac’s heritage of vertical cues, combined with today’s LED technology. On each side of the front lamp projectors there's a vertical LED light “pipe” which emits a clean white glow and gives the CTS a standout look from the crowd.

This is a real improvement over the previous CTS. The seats even have detailed "French stitching". (Photo: Cadillac)

The safety technology of adaptive front lights that swivel up to 15-degrees toward the direction of the turn provides superior cornering visibility during night driving.

From the side, the CTS sits on 17-inch seven-spoke alloys or optional 18-inch nine-spokes. Just the right amount of chrome accents are used, including window moldings and the front fender air vents just to remind everyone that this is still a sports luxury sedan. The C-pillar appears softer than that on the previous generation, striking a balance between a sporty edginess and luxury refinement.

The fast razor sharp look of the front is repeated at the back of the CTS. Vertical style taillights are embedded with red LED light pipes on each lamp that continue the laser cut look. Horizontal chrome trim on the upper bumper and exhaust pipes sets off a good balance with the vertical edginess, and is topped off with the recognizable horizontal third brake light on the edge of the V-angled trunk lid.

The drab interior of the previous generation CTS was a major

...bears a stronger resemblance to the current car from this angle. (Photo: Steven James Day, Canadian Auto Press)

disappointment compared to the exterior excitement. Owners complained of how cheap the buttons felt and how hard the monotone plastics were on the dashboard. For the 2008 model, the interior has been redesigned with a warmer ambiance in mind. Like a well designed living room, CTS designers paid particular attention to interior lighting and the resulting mood that is created. LED pin lights that emit a warm flood of clean white lighting are strategically implanted in the door handles, foot wells, and even above the occupants on the roof liner as it emits a spotlight on the gear lever. Flexible LED light pipes are embedded across the horizontal dash panels and door panels to continue the interior driving ambiance for all occupants. The console has been completely redesigned with what appears to be better quality finishes and materials. A combination of metallic finishes with hints of wood trim balance out the sportiness with a touch of typical Cadillac luxury. There’s even a centre analogue clock (similar to the trademark Infiniti interior treatment) that gives the cabin an added touch of class. The attention to detail continues with the choice of materials used. The leather seats, shift boot, and door panels are all hand-cut,

That Sixteen-inspired grille is sure to make the CTS a head turner. (Photo: Cadillac)

wrapped, and feature French stitching. Other nice details include heated and ventilated seats, a classic Cadillac V emblem on the front seats, and yes, even an iPod adapter.

“The all-new Cadillac CTS embodies a contemporary revival of two of the brand’s great traditions: innovative technology and precise craftsmanship,” added Taylor. “In the CTS they come wrapped in a new overall shape that gives an edgy and contemporary character, with an injection of elegance.”

Well I’ve learned my lesson, never say never. As I've watched Cadillac reinvent its brand image over the years to attract the sportier young professional market, I can finally see myself behind the wheel of a crested wreath car (many years prior to my retirement). For me, part of the appeal is owning a car that few people drive or would consider as a top choice. This new CTS is a head turner both in terms of performance and aesthetics, and when the 2008 model arrives will definitely be worth considering.

Specifications (CTS):

• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, RWD (opt. AWD)
• Engine: 258 hp, 252 lb-ft of torque, 3.6L, 24-valve, DOHC, V6
• Opt. Engine: 300 hp, 270 lb-ft of torque, 3.6L, 24-valve DOHC, V6 direct injection
• Transmission: 6-spd manual (opt. 6-spd auto w/ paddle-shifters)
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,766 / 1,841 / 1,472 / 2,880 mm (191.6 / 72.5 / 58.0 / 113.4 in.)
• Wheels: P235/55R17 (opt. 235/50R18)
• Website: www.cadillac.gm.ca