The first CTS was a big statement for Cadillac. Tested on the Nürburgring, the CTS was not a fake sport sedan (unlike the Cimarron and Catera sedans of the 1980s and 1990s) and it offered lots of amenities at a competitive price.

The new CTS shows just how intent Cadillac is at regaining its "standard of the world" title. Lots of chrome, big grilles, and sharp edges are all done tastefully, and the interior has earned top marks among the world's auto press - no small feat for an American car.

And the 556 horsepower CTS-V, shown at left, is perhaps the most phenomenal supersedan on the planet - at least until BMW readies its next M5. But that doesn't take anything away from this baby Cadillac. It should be the quality benchmark for all future models, and proof that really good product really sells.