For all its futuristic themes, Art & Science is supposed to hark back to the Cadillac tradition of vertical headlamps and tail lamps, which dates from the late 1950s through the '60s. Viewed from the front, the CTS is imposing, with its large louvered grille framed by sharp, vertical headlamps. This is our favorite angle. The front air dam is all business, with simple rectangular foglights and a long narrow intake near the skirt.
The CTS also has a short, high rear deck with tall, vertical tail lamps. The view from the rear is broken up by the indentation cut widely around the license plate in a contrasting color. The CTS-V looks a bit better here, thanks to body colored plastic. The rear view is evocative either way.
Yet given the power of the front and rear ends, the CTS's slab sides seem a little weak in comparison. It looks best with the largest wheels (18 inches) available.
For 2006, the V6-powered CTS can be trimmed with the look of the 400-horsepower CTS-V, without the monster engine. We like the optional Sport Appearance Package, with fat, 18-inch wheels, aggressive rocker moldings, dual exhaust tips and a rear spoiler, mostly because the V6-powered CTS models deliver enough sporting performance to pull it off. There are also three new paint colors: Radiant Bronze, Blackberry and the flashy but expensive Infrared option ($900).
