When CTS first emerged from Cadillac two years ago, it took some by surprise with its chiseled body and no-nonsense stance. Performance was another surprise, as CTS devoured miles of roadway with commanding authority.

Now, in its third year for '05, Cadillac is showing signs of building a new legend with the rear-drive CTS sports sedan, as it fills some gaps and fine tunes others. New is an entry level, single-exhaust version with GM's all-aluminum, 2.8-liter VVT V-6 engine that generates 210 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, with good fuel economy and emissions control. An available automatic uses engine braking and three suspension modes for sporty feel.
The new model's optional 255 hp, 3.6 liter V-6, mated for the first time with a six-speed stick, is aimed at performance enthusiasts.

Also new this year is an updated instrument cluster, 16-inch painted or machined wheels and Stealth Gray, Sand Storm and Moonstone exterior colors. The ultra high-strength steel safety foundation for CTS is boosted with such features as side curtain airbags, StabiliTrak for grip, and OnStar communications for security.

Cadillac customizes CTS with a track-tuned "V" version, driven by 5.7 liter, 400 hp V-8 power. The six-speed manual feels balky at first in commuter traffic until engineers at a GM performance center point out it can skip from first to fourth gear for easy street driving. That's something best to avoid with a lesser transmission. One probably wouldn't bypass the middle gears when blasting around a track -- the true heart of what the system was designed for and where it shines.