2002 BMW 7 Series

While spy shots have abounded for months, BMW has finally pulled the wraps off its all-new '02 7 Series sedan. Munich's flagship, which goes on sale in Europe in November and in the U.S. next January, features dozens of innovations and upgrades over the existing 740i-an already spectacular car.

Even though the 4.4L V-8 that will power the new 745i has the same displacement as the current model, BMW says it's almost entirely new. Pumping out over 330 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, this DOHC powerplant features intake manifold tubes that continuously adjust in length to optimize torque. Backing this high-tech powerplant is what BMW claims to be the world's first production six-speed automatic transmission. Instead of a conventional console-mounted shifter, gear choices are made via a selector located behind the steering wheel. BMW says this combo should produce 0-60-mph times in the low six-second range; look for a 12-cylinder model to follow in '03.

A new aluminum suspension and what the company calls "Active Roll Stabilization" will pair for what is sure to be class-leading handling. BMW says the ARS system improves handling by combining special sensors with two active anti-roll bars to reduce body lean. The system rumored to be the 745i's most innovative feature (and the one BMW has revealed the least information about) is iDrive. BMW calls it "a bold new concept for interaction between driver and automobile." The company says the elements a driver needs most are located in and around the steering wheel, while other frequently used functions are found in the center of the dash. BMW has yet to reveal the new car's dimensions, how many it will build, or when we'll have one to test. And the suspense is killing us.-Chuck Schifsky

2003 Cadillac CTS - First DriveAll-New Rear-Drive Catera ReplacementMake room, Lexus IS 300, Audi A4, Jaguar X-Type, and even BMW 3 Series. This boldly styled 3500-lb American performance sedan is designed and engineered to redefine what a Cadillac is. It's got all the right high-performance pieces including rear drive, a billet-solid chassis, lag-free rack-and-pinion steering, a sweet-sounding 3.2L/220-hp DOHC V-6, 17-in. rolling stock, a neatly gated five-speed manual transmission (or optional close-ratio five-speed auto), and independent rear suspension. Its styling is the first production translation of the themes established by Cadillac "Art & Science" concept cars like the EVOQ and IMAJ.

We recently had a chance to confirm our on-paper assessment by putting this Catera replacement to the test on Germany's legendary 12.8-mile-long Nrburgring race course. Our opinion is that a BMW 330i will have a challenge matching the scorching pace we set in the CTS. Cadillac is targeting enthusiast sedan buyers with a supple, well-damped ride and predictable handling. "Rides like a Cadillac" will take on a new meaning when this car hits showrooms in January 2002. The Caddy people have promised us a sub-7-sec sprint 0-60 mph and enough lateral grip to set our skidpad on fire. We'll letcha know.-Jack Keebler