The 2014 CTS Vsport is an absolute go-getter with Cadillac’s twin-turbocharged engine and the brand’s first application of an eight-speed automatic transmission. CTS is the first Cadillac with aluminum door structures, which help set the sedan’s base curb weight at 3616 pounds--244 pounds lighter than the 2013 CTS fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 engine. Fully redesigned for the 2014 model year, the third-generation CTS adds Vsport versions to the line-up. The car’s full makeover provides the luxury sedan with a longer wheelbase (114.6 inches versus the prior model’s 113.4 inches), and the overall length increases by five inches (now 195.5 inches).

Powering the rear wheel drive CTS Vsport is a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 that nabs 420 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 430 pounds-feet of torque at 3500 rpm. The engine mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a final drive ratio of 2.85. During a week-long test drive, the CTS Vsport smoothly dispensed powerful acceleration. The car also displayed superb handling characteristics via a suspension package that includes an electronic limited slip differential and a real-time damping system (magnetic ride control) that is also offered on base 2014 models. While the CTS interior is flush with leather, wood and other premium materials, the CUE infotainment system’s touch-sensitive controls were disconcerting and slow-to-respond. CTS Vsport carries a MSRP of $59,070 and collects estimated mpg of 16 city and 24 highway.