2006 Cadillac STS-V

The 2006 STS-V, due this fall, will be the second V-series Cadillac, after the smaller CTS-V. Since the STS is Cadillac's flagship, a supercharged version of the silky Northstar V-8 was deemed more appropriate than the raucous Corvette V-8 used in the CTS-V. The 4.4-liter engine puts 440 hp through a six-speed automatic, giving the STS-V a power-to-weight ratio almost as good as its little brother. All isn't gentility, though; the optional two-tone scarlet and black cabin pushes the boundaries of good taste. As much as we love the idea of a high-performance variant of the excellent STS, what this car needs is a decent interior, not a red one.