This sports sedan made history in '03 as the first RWD vehicle in Cadillac's fleet since 1979 and the first manual trans-mission for a RWD Caddy in 50 years. The Sigma platform features an extended wheelbase and wide track with wheels set on corners. In the five-seat cabin, the exterior theme of angular forms is expressed in monochromatic treatment. 2006 CTS shows two powertrains.

A base model stocks a 2.8-liter V6 VVT engine pumping 210 hp with a new six-speed manual transmission by Aisin or a five-speed Hydra-Matic 5L40-E automatic. The automatic adds a gated shifter with Driver Shift Control (DSC) for shift-it-yourself action like a manual stick. Upgraded CTS supports a 3.6-liter V6 with VVT and output pushed to 255 hp. A new Sport Performance Package brings 18-inch performance tires and polished wheels, xenon high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, performance brakes and revised suspension settings.

This year Cadillac creates a brand-within-the-brand for big-engine muscle cars sporting the v-badge -- that 'v' tacked to a model's alphabetical nameplate, perhaps to denote 'velocity.' There are three tuner-style v-badged Cadillacs in 2006 -- CTSv, STSv and XLRv. STSv features supercharged performance with a 4.4-liter supercharged Northstar 4.4-liter V8 zipped to 469 hp. It mates with the new GM Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission -- first of GM's new six-speed auto shifters.

This same Northstar V8 powers the XLRv, with output worked to 443 hp. And the CTSv scores a version of Corvette's LS2 V8 below the hood that churns with 400 hp and renders sub-5 times for the run to 60 mph. All v-badged Cadillacs carry retuned suspension components, precision brakes and high-performance tires capping special alloy wheels.

Cadillac's prime wagon charges through the luxury class as a powerful full-size SUV. It's constructed on GM's full-size truck chassis and carries many mechanical weapons for road combat, along with every convenience in a leather-wrapped passenger compartment that seats seven in cushy comfort. The top edition, outfitted with an automatic AWD traction device, draws from an enormous 6.0-liter V8 that makes 345 hp.

Power is applied to all wheels through an AWD mechanism that's always engaged. Also automatic is the Z55 Autoride suspension with continuously-variable road-sensing damping and air-leveling shock absorbers for precise ride control. A RWD Escalade also stocks the big 6.0-liter V8.

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