2003 Cadillac CTS

Make 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 Nurburgring 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.