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In recent years, in an effort to recreate itself and win back leadership of the luxury field — or perhaps simply to survive in that now brutally competitive market — Cadillac has developed the "Art and Science" concept. This can be best understood as an attempt to mate innovative technology with innovative design to make Cadillac once again a world leader. The new CTS is probably the purest example yet of this new direction, and more products are in the pipeline for introductions in 2004, 2005 and beyond.

My conclusions? The best thing about the CTS is the way it drives. The worst thing is how embarrassed I was to be seen driving one. (One GM insider — who shall remain nameless — joked to me that if a Pontiac Aztek and a CTS had a head-on collision, they wouldn't know which pile to put the parts in.) This is how Cadillac describes the exterior design:

"The Cadillac design team gave CTS a look all its own — a look that's uniquely American. The design adopts the sharp forms, angular shapes and crisp edges of stealth aircraft technology, among other American, high-tech geometric influences. This risk-taking design is marked by a taut, lean body that's long from dash to axle, with short overhangs.

"Traditional design cues, including the grille and exterior lighting, have been updated for the CTS. Cadillac's traditional vertical headlights and taillights first appeared in 1965, and CTS carries on and refines the tradition. CTS' integrated headlights convey the high-tech image of optical instruments and high-end camera lenses. Thin and tall, they create more space for the large, louvered egg-crate grille — another Cadillac staple, this one dating back to the 1930s.

"The CTS design team had two objectives for the profile view: Use the feature line as the dominant theme, and accentuate the stance of the vehicle. The rear track of CTS is a fixed design point, as is the fender flare. The vehicle sides were tucked in slightly to enhance that flare for a more tailored look. The sail panel also enhances the 'fast formal' look, giving CTS a sportier appearance. Simple but dramatic, the hood kicks up into the fender line for a sweeping, dynamic look."

Sounds pretty complicated, doesn't it? To my mind, the CTS is a car that has been ruthlessly over-designed. They can go on all they want about "dominant themes" and "fixed design points," but the result is a confused jumble of lines on a body that is poorly proportioned to begin with. In fact, I can find only one good thing to say about the design: It IS distinctive. In the end, that may be enough. Saab prospered for years building ugly cars that none-the-less were so distinctive even people who knew nothing about cars could identify them as Saabs.

In general, the art part of the "Art and Science" equation has been receiving enthusiastic raspberries from the automotive press corps. In particular, I have yet to meet anyone who likes the "cow catcher" or "shovel nose" (take your pick) grille Cadillac is using across the board as a unifying theme on all its new products. Once again, though, it IS distinctive.

The interior is another story. It makes use of warm, rich materials to contrast with the cool, computer-like, high-tech cockpit appearance, balancing the contemporary feel with touches of traditional luxury. Wood is used sparingly, and only in areas with which the driver and passengers come into contact, such as on the steering wheel, shifter knob and door pulls. The CTS interior is supremely comfortable. I wouldn't go so far as the term it beautiful, but it is entirely functional, with all controls where they're supposed to be and easy to use.

The best thing about the CTS is how beautifully it drives. It handles well under all conditions, has plenty of power and a crisp transmission/clutch set-up that is a pleasure to operate.

The new 3.2L V6 engine is a completely re-engineered version of the 3.0L V6 used in the Catera. It produces 220 hp at 6000 rpm and 218 pound-feet of torque at 3400 rpm. The engine has been fully revamped to improve driveability, power, torque and emissions. Longitudinally mounted, this new version of the V6 features a stiffer, stronger cylinder block, forged steel crankshaft, improved lubrication, better cooling and higher fuel pressure delivery to improve fuel injectors. Aluminum cylinder heads feature an improved combustion chamber design to reduce unburned hydrocarbons and a drive-by-wire throttle system for better emissions performance.

The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The five-speed manual from Getrag — the version we tested — uses a rod-actuated shift linkage for durability, smoothness and accurate shift feel. Equipped with the manual shifter, the CTS can accelerate 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds. This transmission is definitely one of the strong points of the CTS.

The five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, the 5L40-E Hydra-Matic, is a first for GM. A state-of-the-art transmission, it features a full complement of advanced electronic control capabilities. These include a shift mode button that allows the driver to select between "sport," "winter" and "economy" modes. Another electronic feature is also a first for GM: engine braking in all five gears, giving the automatic the same sporty feel as a downshifting manual. My guess is that most CTS buyers will go the automatic route.

The CTS is the first product built on GM's new Sigma rear-wheel-drive platform. Unlike the Catera, which it replaces, the CTS is built in Michigan where God intended for Cadillacs to be built. The Sigma architecture involves the first usage of ultra high-strength steel at GM, and the first time the steel has been incorporated as a welded member of the structure. In the past, usage of ultra high-strength steel was limited to applications such as bumpers, where bolts were used for attachment. Ultra high-strength steel permits the use of thinner, lighter steel, which reduces mass yet still allows proper energy absorption and reduces intrusion into the passenger compartment in an accident.

In addition, CTS has six air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags and head-curtain side air bags to help protect front and outboard rear passengers. It also has Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) halogen headlamps, OnStar and StabiliTrak, and several other safety and security features.

In short, Cadillac has done its homework with the CTS. Starting at a base price of $30,695, it represents solid value for the money. If you can bear to look at it, you're unlikely to find anything else that will stop you from buying one. R&D