Yet the STS is recognizable in its striking similarity to the CTS. The STS and CTS are indistinguishable to the casual observer even when parked side by side. Both cars present only minimally different iterations of the sharp angles and flat planes first seen in the Evoq concept. We now encounter examples of the Art & Science design theme almost daily in the SRX sport utility and XLR sports car. The now familiar theme can be seen to a lesser degree in the forward quarters of the new Escalade.

The similarity between CTS and STS runs deeper than the sheet metal. They both ride on the same platform. The wheelbase of the STS is only three inches longer than that of the CTS, and its body is six inches longer. The STS features much shorter overhangs (less metal hanging out over the front and rear wheels) than the old Seville. Besides better looks, this design makes for better handling and improved stability.

All that said, there's no mistaking the STS for anything but a Cadillac. Viewed head on, the trademark egg-crate grille and stacked headlamps are starkly functional in appearance. No wasted motion or volunteer excess there, to be sure.

From the side, the body's crisp lines draw an almost box-like silhouette that somehow still looks aerodynamic. Perhaps it's the gently curved A-pillar and C-pillar that tend a bit more toward art than science. Sharply contoured lower rocker panels tracking rearward from the front fascia's bottom edge pull the body down, adding a stylistic ground-effects look.

The backside is vaguely reminiscent of the old Eldorado coupe, with vertical taillights bracketing a tall, squared-off boot. Recessed in the boot's rear vertical is a trapezoidal inset, long enough for European-spec license plates, housing large backup lights at the left and right extremes. American-tradition dual exhausts exit below and at each end of the rear bumper. The optional rear spoiler, running the width of the trunk lid, adds stabilizing rear downforce without spoiling the look.

The performance STS-V is distinguished from the other STS models by its unique hood covering the supercharged powerplant, a larger, polished stainless steel wire-mesh front grille, a lower front fascia with a larger lower grille, brake ducts and splitter, lower side rockers, 10-spoke wheels, a higher rear spoiler, a lower rear fascia with wire-mesh accenting, and V-Series badging along with Supercharged badges on the doors.