Cadillac CTS (2014) [w/Gallery]

The all-new Cadillac CTS has broken cover ahead of its official debut at this week's New York Auto Show.

This third-generation CTS is a clear evolution of its predecessors design-wise, but the crucial shift is in its growth – it's now, more logically, alligned to its main competitors, the BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Audi A6. This follows the smaller ATS' lead, which is within millimeters of a 3 Series.

General Motors has also clearly identified the need to up the stakes in sophistication in the light of such strong competition. Compare this to the first-generation CTS and, while its character is still evident, its execution in terms of both detailing and surfacing appears dramatically improved.

Its DRG is parhaps its most interesting aspect, with a very three-dimensional look created by the offesets between the fenders, lamps and grile as well as those very dramtic (almost) full-height DRLs. Its extra length is emphasized by what appear in these images to be very cab-rearward proportions, with a long, flat hood surface. There's no mistaking this for a front-drive Caddy.

At the rear the signature Cadillac vertical lamps are retained while an LED CHIMSL is integrated into the deck lid spoiler.

Inside, the new CTS shows similar architecture to the (excellent) interiors seen in the ATS and larger XTS, although some may baulk at the sight of the CUE infotainment system, which has historically been rather less intuitive than the best the Germans can offer.

With this shift into the heart of the core E-segment premium sedan market, the rumors of the awkward, front-wheel drive XTS being axed for a larger, rear-drive full-size competitor to the Mercedes S-Class et al, will no doubt be stronger than ever.

Gallery: Cadillac 2014 CTS

By