BMW and Audi took a big hit in 2008 when Cadillac brought out their second generation CTS sedan. This model came out guns blaring with a fresh design and a new engine line-up. That, plus the fact that it came with a cheaper price tag, was enough for customers to swing away from the German brands and hitch a ride on the Cadillac train. The 2012 CTS is not slowing down either, as the sedan has received more changes to make its German rivals shake in their skivvies. The list isn't of options isn't long, but the more powerful V6 engine is enough of an addition for a hat tip their way.

The new, upgraded V-6 engine will take you for a ride with an extra 14 HP, but will keep your wallet satisfied by maintaining the fuel economy of the previous engine. That's right, you still get 18 city/27 highway mpg.

Updated 05/22/2012: Cadillac latest commercial for the 2012 sports sedan is pretty impressive. First, they admit that when it comes about sports sedan the Audi A6 is the fastest one. But... not when it comes about speed! See what they are talking about in their new commercial!

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Cadillac CTS.

Exterior and Interior

For 2012, the only major update for the exterior is a new grille. It has received premium finishes that highlight the intricacies of a new frame and mesh combination. The Wreath & Crest logo also has sharper colors and raised ridges between those colors to give it a three-dimensional quality.

Customers will also receive a Touring Package that will include an exclusive grille with a dark finish, metal pedals, dark Sapele wood interior trim and sueded seat inserts, steering whee,l and shift knob.

The Wagon version will receive chrome door handles. The 3.6L version will come with 19" polished wheels and Recaro 14-way adjustable performance seats, while the 3.0L version will have 18" wheels with a pearl-nickel finish. All models will be offered with standard Bluetooth phone integration.

Engine

The current CTS is offered with a choice of two engines: a 3.0 liter V6 that delivers a total of 270 HP and a 3.6 liter V6 with an output of 304 HP. In 2012, things will be a little bit different as the 3.6 version will be replaced by a new, upgraded V-6 engine that delivers an extra 14 HP.

The new engine features a lighter, more efficient design and delivers a total of 318 HP and 275 lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering the same EPA fuel economy as the engine it replaces: 18 city/27 highway mpg.

The new V6 will also get cylinder heads that have larger intake valves and an improved intake port design than the previous engine, as well as a longer-duration intake camshaft to boost power and efficiency. Also, thanks to an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design, the weight has been reduced by about 13 lbs.

Prices

The 2012 Cadillac CTS will go on sale later this summer. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

When it comes to competitors for the Cadillac CTS, the list is rather long. That being said, we'll stick with the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 as the stiffest competition.

On the US market, the 335i is the only BMW 3-Series that gets close to the CTS in terms of power. It is powered by a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with 300 HP, but that also comes with a $42,050 price tag. We may not know how much the 2012 CTS, but the 2011 model sold for a starting price of $35,165.

The Audi A4, on the other hand, comes with a 2.0 TFSI engine that delivers a total of 211 HP. The Audi's $32,300 price tag may be cheaper, but it isn't going to cut it in the power department. If you want more power you should get the S4, and for about $47,100 you will get a 3.0 liter engine with 333 HP.