Cadillacs are for rock stars. They’re glitzy, high-tech, and fabulously sexy just like videos from www.nu-bay.com/categories/56/ass wherever they slink. Elvis practically gave them away as party favors; hip hop artists use Escalades as their ‘hoods’ Chevrolets. Unlike many competitors undergoing re-invention, Cadillacs remain Cadillacs.

Nevertheless, they can evolve. Whatever dust-ridden image you had of Cadillac was blown afar with the 556 horsepower CTS-V. The marque’s credentials were bolstered by the latest ATS/CTS sport sedans and 2015 Escalade. And a new Vsport edition of the 2014 XTS hides a surprise.

From grin to fin, the XTS is pure Cadillac. Up front, light tubes create vertical white razors, bracketing projector headlamps and a black V Sport grille. At the tail are red light tubes that fit perfectly within the accentuated hints of fins. Between, are sculpted bodysides, a steeply raked rear window, and 20” alloys. Satin silver window trim and lighted door handles add class. It’s a very sleek car, almost futuristic — one of the best-designed Cadillacs since the ’67 Eldorado.

A glass cockpit accompanies a cabin trimmed in layers of leather and real wood. It looks and smells like a Coach boutique. Seats are comfy, with heat front and rear, but some thicker side bolsters would go with the car’s attitude. Bose audio, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting that seeps from the dash and doors elevate comfort.

Consumer Reports doesn’t like the CUE infotainment system (big shock), but it’s far from the worst. I paired my smartphone in less than a minute, allowing untethered access to calling and streaming audio. You can swipe the center screen like an iPad to scroll. Audio and climate adjust via touch controls below — or, conjure by voice. A re-configurable LCD instrument cluster shows analog or digital gauges, whichever you prefer. I’m a big fan of the heads-up display. Still, Cadillac’s traditional fans will not be pleased.

While Cadillac was preparing the new CTS Vsport, it found another surprising place for its engine: inside the XTS. The 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 delivers 410 horsepower and 16/24 mpg city/highway. All-wheel-drive puts cleats to pavement. There are gaps in the torque curve between 80mph and 100mph, and again north of 120mph (don’t ask). But there’s plenty of thrust to skip the 4,200-lb. sedan down-road.

Keeping pace with the powertrain is GM’s Magnetic Ride Control, which adjusts damping in five milliseconds. Corvette and Ferrari use the same technology. While the XTS is no sport sedan, it’s no fluffy lush either. Roads you expect to unsettle the chassis don’t. Operation is near-magical. I prefer the Sport mode, which tightens the steering and suspension for beckoning backroads. Brembo disc brakes halt the fun in a flash.

Safety tech looks out for passengers. An array of cameras and sensors enable Side Blind Zone Alert, Forward Collision Alert/Prevention, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Full range adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance on the highway, but can also halt the car and creep through traffic automatically. Safety Alert Seat vibrates if the car senses danger.

The XTS Vsport has a sport sedan’s powertrain, a Corvette’s suspension, and style Harley Earl would recognize. Cadillac competes with German and Japanese rivals simply by making better Cadillacs. I keep thinking how sinister the XTS would look painted metallic black with charcoal wheels. Sexy. Like a rock star.

Price as-tested came to…call the paramedics…$70,020.

Storm Forward!

2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport
Five-passenger, AWD sedan
Powertrain: 410hp 3.6-liter TTV6, 6-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: Electronic Ind/Ind
Wheels: 20”/20” alloy f/r
Brakes: Brembo disc/disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have features: Style, performance
Fuel economy: 16/24 mpg city/highway
Assembly: Oshawa, ON
Base/As-tested price: $44,600/$70,020