Springfield News-Sun

There's a bit of mystery with those stunningly slick television commercials designed to get the pulse racing. We're not exactly sure at first glance who the actors are, but the spots reveal an exciting and new Cadillac CTS.

The redesigned for 2008 CTS lives up to the hype, from the ads to its naming as the Motor Trend Car of the Year. This luxury sedan has crisp detailing that makes it visually appealing wrapped around the timeless Cadillac crest.

Only two trims of the CTS are available, Base for $33,245 and Direct Injection for $35,545.

The Base model comes with a 263-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The Direct Injection model — a straightforward trim name — has a 304-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. Since it doesn't figure that many CTS buyers will want a manual transmission, note that to add the automatic is $1,300.

We tested the Direct Injection model and found it to be uplifting. The smoothness, both through the gears and the way it the car builds speed, was exemplary. And this was with optional all-wheel drive. When it comes to road manners, the CTS might not reach the level of some European sedans, but neither does it revert to the old Cadillac ways (not that that was bad). The CTS is a hit in the middle ground, its optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires giving just enough of the feel for the road without sacrificing a cradling effect in the cabin.

On the inside, Cadillac has incorporated plenty of wood with its other materials to make an aesthetically interesting appearance. General Motors products are never going to let you down when it comes to controls and gauges and the CTS comes through here, also.

Optional leather seating surfaces supply the comfort and there's plenty of room, also, even for those back-seat passengers. The trunk is good-sized and the back seat has a passthrough and, while our vehicle did not have it, there is a 60/40 split/folding rear seat for increasing cargo capacity.

Safety equipment is plentiful with front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, antiskid system and tire-pressure monitor.

Among the other standard items are dual-zone automatic climate control, GM's OnStar assistance service, steering wheel radio and climate controls, heated power mirrors and satellite radio amongst the usual array of automatic and power features.

There were more than $11K of options on our tester coming as part of packages and individually. Included in this were all-wheel drive, navigation system, 18-inch alloy wheels (replacing 17-inchers), leather upholstery, heated front seats, 40 gig hard drive, upgraded sound system, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, all-season tire performance package, rain-sensing wipers, wood interior trim and special Crystal Red premium paint.

As if the CTS wouldn't have you at hello.

For the record, those actors in the cool TV ads whose faces you might recognize but not the names are Lance Reddick, Kate Walsh and Sofia Vergara. Their pitch delivers. So does the 2008 Cadillac CTS.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.