Cadillac and bling just seem to go together -- witness the CTS, STS, XLR and Escalade.

But there's another Cadillac that many people have conveniently forgotten, whose forebears put the word "bling" in the dictionary: DTS.

	The 2007 Cadillac CTS. Click photo for larger image.

DTS was introduced last year when DeVille, that historic icon that literally defined automotive luxury in this country, was put out to pasture. But generation after generation of Americans, long before they even thought of Lexus or Infiniti, dreamed of owning a DeVille, or better still, an Eldorado "some day."

So when you go luxury car shopping this summer, you might want to put the DTS on your list.

Actually, the DTS has taken on an energetic, youthful demeanor of late. No longer does it look like an old person's car. With chrome alloy wheels, an aggressive grille, an interior resplendent with touches once associated with European and Japanese luxury cars, the DTS sure ain't your grandma's Cadillac.

It's powered by a 4.6 liter, engine in either 275 or 292 horsepower versions coupled to a four speed automatic. Prices start at $41,990, and mileage is rated at either 17/25 or 17/24, depending upon which engine you get.

Standard equipment is extensive, including heated and cooled seats; full power accessories; Cadillac Virtual Advisor by OnStar; dual front, side and side curtain air bags; and traction and stability controls.

But if you want to see where the company is heading, a good place to start would be the Escalade line for 2007.

It's big. It's bold. It's bodacious.

But despite all the glitter, the Escalade SUVs and pickup are elegant, with tasteful strips of chrome adorning their flanks. OK, the grilles are larger than life, but hey, we're talking Cadillac here.

The new Escalade is powered by an all-new 6.2 liter aluminum V-8 that puts out 403 horsepower. Handling as been vastly improved by a new rack-and-pinion steering system and a new frame.

What's especially interesting about the Escalade is that somehow it looks much smaller than the old model. The combination of tauter lines, more defined character details and those huge chrome laden wheels give the impression of a smaller product.

Inside, you'll find tasteful bits of aluminum and gaps that are so tight as to be non-existent, which wasn't always the case with General Motors products in the past. Door panel designs and other interior elements are not shared with the rest of the GM line.

The Escalade comes in three versions: the EXT sport utility truck with the midgate panel that lowers and provides even more room for lengthy, narrow pieces brought home from the hardware store; the ESV, an extended length model that shares new powertrain, chassis, safety and other features with the other Escalades; and the regular Escalade, which is about the size of Chevy's new Tahoe. Prices for the Escalade line start at $54,220 and go up to $59,175.

Performance has been a strong point with Cadillac since the rebirth of the brand began a few years ago, and the STS-V has played a large role in that. The STS-V is powered by a 469 horsepower, 4.4 liter supercharged NorthStar V-8 engine that's hand-assembled by a single craftsman.

The 2007 model's biggest change is a switch to Cadillac's "cut and sew" approach to interiors, which refers to leather-wrapped interior surfaces that are created by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew leather components together individually.

The handling is firm, acceleration awesome and the sound from the exhausts is exhilarating. It's a "don't miss" car for performance enthusiasts with the money: The base price is $74,640.

What's Coming in 2008

Cadillac brings its world beating all-new 2008 CTS to market, with more power, greater luxury and an international looking interior that will rank with the best of them. You can look for exciting new technology and styling that is heavily influenced by Cadillac's Sixteen show car. Power comes from a 300 horsepower V-6, and you'll be able to get either rear wheel drive or all wheel drive.

Cadillac's new 2008 STS comes out with a brand new 302 horsepower, 3.6 liter V-6 that the car maker says improves fuel economy and reduces emissions. That's 47 more horsepower than the old engine, so it should really move on the road.

The new STS also will have the second generation of StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, which controls the brakes, reduces engine power and turns the front wheels into the skid when the rear wheels lose traction. There also will be a new lane departure warning system that lets drivers know when they have crossed into another lane.

Styling-wise there's a new dual textured, multifaceted grille, much like the one on the lauded Cadillac Sixteen concept car, and you'll also see side air extractors similar to the Sixteen as well. Around back, the STS's new fascia is now body color and you'll also see new polished aluminum three-inch exhaust tips.