I've grown up around Cadillacs, I was always around my Grandpa's as a kid. I remember him pulling up in our driveway at our old house in his Eldorado Baritz edition on white-walls. Boy how the times have passed. Seeing a Cadillac with white-walls these days has become an increasingly rare sight, with many of those that could appreciate such automotive fashion passed on. Cadillacs too, in my time have become somewhat archaic and forgotten, but in recent years Cadillac has done much to change that. Starting with the first generation CTS, then the rest of the range, including the much celebrated Escalade. However there's been precious little in the way of an appealing product that appeals to the masses in so many different ways, including the entusiast.

The second generation CTS is now upon us. Immediately the first thing that came to mind when I saw the car was "DAMN!!!". The ultra vocal "Art & Science" design theme that debuted on the first generation car now suddenly comes together in a way almost never thought imaginable by anyone outside of Cadillac or GM. Less "razzle dazzle" detailing on the surface has given place to a much more organic design with seductive detailing in the form of the car, from the pumped up wheel flares that speak of a quiet but visible confidence, to the ultra sexy curvature of the roof line that makes the CTS look more sport than luxury. Still, many of the creases from the first generation car exist, but this time in complete harmony. Compared to the latest from the competition in both the compact and mid size segment from elsewhere, the CTS is by far one of the better designs, if not the best.

Open the doors to a high quality cabin that impresses and keeps on impressing. The plastics are of the highest quality (with the exception of what you find on the bottom spoke of the steering wheel which feels slightly cheap), hand stitched leather isn't only found on the seats but also the dash and the doors. The seats gently cup you in place with comfort, and interior room is not an issue. Heck I can even stick one of my over six-foot buddies behind myself with the drivers seat fully adjusted to my preferences. Try that in a 3 series....ain't gonna happen. Overall the design is very classy and sophisticated with none of the austerity from the Germans, and the quality is top notch. A great place to spend time indeed.

Most impressive of all about the new CTS is how it drives. I never drove the first generation car to know how it drives but I can say the new CTS is one hell of a ride. From jump the car pulls away silently, the interior is almost void of any sound from the outside world other than passing cars whizzing by in traffic. Want speed? You got it, 273 lbs of torque are on tap from 5,200 rpm, but you'd swear there's more by how the car pulls with the pedal fully extended to the floor from a stop. Only when you floor the gas pedal does the engine make any real audible noise, which is a baritone growl that speaks of an engine ready for serious driving, and the suspension asks nothing less. The car feels hyper sensitive to your steering inputs by how quickly it changes direction and what it gives you in the form of feedback. While there is steering feel it's not as much as a 3 series, but make no mistake this car LOVES the twisties. I nailed the gas on a curved on-ramp and I almost felt as if the car was going to have a fit, but it complied and gripped and gripped - this is a car for track duty, despite it's rather bashful appearance and the brand name. While on the freeway, passing was never an issue, and the car felt just as solid as a W204 and even more so than an E90. Coming down off the off-ramp I braked enough to slow the car to a sane speed for approaching a freeway exit, then I let gravity do the rest to see how the new CTS handles downhill corners at moderate speed. WOW!!!! This is definitely not your grandpa's Cadillac. The way the new CTS corners is something every Caddy nay-sayer should experience. Grip is never an issue.

Overall a very accomplished car with virtually no drawbacks as far as the tangibles. Even now after 24 hours after having driven the car it's damn near impossible to find fault with it. Tie that in with a car that's the size of a 5 series but costs less or around a 328i (we're talking about the DI 3.6 with 304hp, fully loaded) and you've got a car that's one "helluva" of a buy. Considering that it drives almost like nothing else in it's class in giving you a more than perfect blend of comfort and sport, and feels as solid if not more so than Germany's best, you'd be a real fool to look it over.