Blame Acura for the modern trend toward alphanumeric names. When it discovered that more consumers recognized the name "Legend" than did the name "Acura," this luxury division of Honda decided that the emphasis should be on the brand and not the individual car names. The strategy worked, and Cadillac has followed suit as it rebuilds its reputation as the standard of the world.

With the introduction of the 2006 DTS, the last remaining vehicle in Cadillac's lineup with a real name is the Escalade, which in a short period of time has built enormous value thanks to the entertainment industry's fascination with it. Eldorado? Gone. Seville? Dead. DeVille? Meet its replacement, the DTS.

The 2006 Cadillac DTS isn't a new car. Rather, it's a re-worked version of the existing DeVille platform. That means it's still a large, front-wheel-drive sedan powered by a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. Strangely, but mainly because they're sitting in the parts bin so GM might as well use them, two versions of the V8 are available in the DTS. The standard motor is estimated to make 275 horsepower calibrated for quick off-the-line and part-throttle response, while an optional version generates about 290 horsepower that revs higher but whips up less peak torque.

Either engine is mounted to a new front cradle, which itself is attached to the front frame rails for greater strength and a reduction in vibration. Cadillac says this results in a quieter, smoother, refined ride quality. Every 2006 DTS is equipped with larger antilock brakes with brake assist and traction control. StabiliTrak stability control is standard on all but the base-level DTS, and when equipped with the Performance package a magnetic ride control suspension is included. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels and tires, with 18-inch rims and rubber a part of the Performance package.