Of madmen and their machines; Cadillac forges its CTS where angels fear to tread.(Evaluation)(Statistical Data Included)

The Cadillac CTS strikes a powerful pose. One look tells you this is not your usual Euro-wannabe, not another ubiquitous 3 Series challenger that falls flat simply by declaring its ambition to BMW-ness. Instead, the CTS flaunts its Cadillac-ness, in its chiseled lines and oversized headlights, in its proud, huge wreath-and-crest badging. It beckons you to climb in and flog it. On a track. Wide-open. A Cadillac.

We know you're skeptical. Cadillac hardly has a reputation for building credible small cars. Take its most recent effort. The Catera was a failure-not on the scale of Cimarron, perhaps, but a failure. Few liked its styling, fewer still bought it. Even as ...