Cadillac, showcasing the best in styling and technical sophistication from General Motors, continues to upgrade its line to the status of an elite premium brand.

For 2005, Cadillac's alphabetical nomenclature for models applies to the XLR two-seat convertible sports car, SRX mid-size crossover sport-utility, the CTS (Cadillac Touring Sedan) plus a souped-up CTS-V high-performance version, and Seville's replacement with new STS, a premium sport touring sedan that runs against the world's best.

Further, Cadillac builds super-size SUVs with lavish appointments under the name of Escalade, in three distinct formats.

Built on a rigid rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform also used for Chevrolet's racy Corvette, the two-seat Cadillac sports car wears keen body forms in the package of a luxurious hardtop coupe that drops its lid with the push of button. The conversion, which consumes less than 30 seconds, lowers the side-glass windows, lifts the metal lid with electromechanical muscle and tucks it neatly into the trunk, leaving a smooth and flat bonnet trailing integrated roll bars positioned behind the seatbacks. XLR's exterior themes of chiseled lines extend into the cockpit with sculptured bucket seats covered in leather and trim work in polished aluminum metal plus lacquered wood.

Go-power stems from a NorthStar 4.6-liter V8 engine with four-cam variable valve timing (VVT). It develops 320 hp through a five-speed automatic transmission with a gated shifter on the console. XLR's driver may view instruments as reflected off the windshield in a head-up display that includes digital data indicating the vehicle's speed, real-world clock time and functions of the audio equipment and active cruise control. The issues of 2005 offer wood cockpit trim in light or dark eucalyptus and a new body paint shade called Blue Steel.

Cadillac's mid-size crossover SUV brings the pliable traits of a sporty car in a package that resembles either a high-hiked station wagon or a dropped-down SUV. Dubbed SRX, the first initial in the name stands for the series, the R in the middle signifies a re-configurable nature of the wagon and the X at the end denotes the car-based platform of a crossover vehicle. SRX rides on the RWD Sigma architecture of CTS and STS sedans and is available with RWD or AWD mode. It feels nimble and lively with a fun-to-drive attitude.

Engine options include the 4.6-L NorthStar V8 VVT or 3.6-liter V6 VVT. A five-speed automatic transmission with DSC goes with each engine. The cabin is laid out with twin buckets in the front row and a bench for three on row two. An optional bench for two as a third row raises the rider count to seven. Select the UltraView sunroof, which spreads above first and second rows of seats, for the largest sunroof in this class.

The mid-size CTS sports sedan made history in 2003 as the first RWD vehicle in Cadillac's fleet since 1979 and the first to offer a manual transmission on a rear-drive platform in half a century. The RWD Sigma platform for CTS features an extended wheelbase and wide track with wheels set on the corners. Inside a cabin for five, the exterior theme of crisp forms and angular features is expressed in a monochromatic treatment.

The 2005 editions of the CTS offer three options for powertrains. A new base model rolls out with a 2.8-liter V6 VVT engine pumping 210 hp. The upgraded CTS supports a 3.6-liter V6 with VVT and output pushed to 255 hp. A new Aisin six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed Hydra-Matic automatic, works on either plant.

The high-performance model goes by the name of CTS-V, with that 'V' tacked to the CTS label perhaps to denote 'velocity.' It has a version of the Corvette's LS6 V8 under the hood that churns with 400 hp and renders sub-5-second times for the run to 60 mph. The CTS-V also carries retuned suspension components, Brembo brakes and high-performance Goodyear Eagle run-flat tires.

The name traces back 50 years in Cadillac culture, but current issues contain the high-tech innovations of a contemporary vehicle. Electronic controls and computer-managed mechanical systems improve vehicle stability and safety, visibility, communications and even passenger comfort. Three versions continue in 2005 with a base DeVille applying fabric seat upholstery on a bench-style front seat split in 40/20/40 sections with fold-down center armrest. The DeVille DHS (High Luxury Sedan) has the same seat but piles on comfort and convenience items, while the DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) installs front buckets clad in leather.

Powertrain is a NorthStar 4.6-liter V8 tuned to 275 hp in the DeVille and DHS but 290 hp in the DTS. Options for the DeVille extend to Night Vision thermal imaging. Further, an armored edition -- for those who need security and protection when motoring -- shows up in standard length or a model with eight-inch wheelbase extension, and both bring features like ballistic steel and glass, a run-flat wheel and tire system and self-sealing fuel tank. Three new colors work in 2005: Green Silk, Light Cashmere and Glacier Gold.

Cadillac's premier SUV leads the luxury class as the most powerful full-size SUV. It rides on GM's full-size truck chassis and carries many mechanical weapons for road combat, along with every convenience in a leather-wrapped passenger compartment that seats seven in luxury. The top edition, outfitted with an automatic AWD traction device, draws from an enormous 6.0-liter V8 that makes 345 hp. Power is applied to all wheels through an AWD mechanism that's always engaged.

Also automatic is the Z55 Autoride suspension with continuously variable road-sensing damping and air-leveling shock absorbers for precise ride control. The RWD Escalade also earns the big 6.0-liter V8, available by mid-year. A new chrome-trimmed instrument cluster goes into all 2005 Escalade models, and the navigation system has an upgraded touch-screen. Additional color selections appear on the chart like Riptide, a teal blue metallic tint.

The Escalade EXT has the large cabin of a four-door SUV but also the abbreviated bed of a pickup truck- plus a link between cab and truck bed in the cabin's fold-down rear gate. As a unique sport-utility truck (SUT), the EXT variation of the Escalade can convert from a comfortable four-door and five-person sport-utility to a practical pickup capable of hauling cargo as well as passengers. It resembles elite Escalade although the boxy rear bay has been eliminated in favor of the pared pickup bed. Muscle comes from Escalade's high-output 6.0-liter V8 ripped to 345 hp. The 2005 models contain a new instrument cluster, the navigation system upgraded with a touch-screen, burled walnut trim in the cabin and bright chrome on the exhaust pipe.

Stretched 22 inches longer than Escalade, the ESV is a super-size SUV that compares to Chevrolet's Suburban in the half-ton 1500 series but with all of Escalade's lavish features plus class-capping muscle. It also develops the highest gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) and top trailer tow numbers. ESV gets Escalade's 6.0-liter V8 for 345 hp. The engine uses a heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission with all power sent to all wheels through the constantly engaged AWD mechanism. Three rows of leather-clad seats provide room for seven people plus generous cargo space in the rear bay.

A Platinum Edition adds premium features and materials, such as accents in walnut burl wood and chrome, with deluxe communications gear standard such as OnStar telecommunications, a Bose audio system and DVD-based video kit for rear seat riders as well as XM satellite radio service. Four exterior colors mark ESV Platinum: White Diamond, Black Raven, Quicksilver and Red E.

The sporty STS version of Cadillac's Seville sedan fades away in 2005 but the name carries forward to describe a new luxury-touring sedan built on the RWD Sigma platform. Lines for the STS look keen with crisp edges that conform to the appearance of the CTS. The aggressive face features a prominent horizontal louver panel with wire-mesh airfoil grille and piercing optics with stacked round projector-type headlamps mounted on vertical corners. Big wheels mount out at the four corners, leaving brief overhangs front and rear. The passenger compartment, spacious quarters with seats for five, piles on luxury gear with soft leather upholstery and hardwood trim plus bright touches of aluminum and satin-finish chrome.

There are two powertrain choices -- the 3.6-liter V6 VVT worth 255 hp or NorthStar 4.6-liter V8 VVT zipped to 320 hp. Each plant ties to a five-speed Hydra-Matic automatic shifter that adds a driver shift control (DSC) for clutch-less manual shifting. With the V8, Cadillac offers optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction. Key contents range from a keyless access system with push-button start, adaptive cruise control (ACC), four-color head-up display (HUD), and a deluxe Bose audio system with six-disc CD/DVD/MP3 deck and 15 cabin speakers.