The luxury midsize sedan scene got a definite injection of heat this year with the introduction of new BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. At the Detroit Auto Show this week, Cadillac added its own dash of sauce with the 2013 ATS.

While the styling is definitely right down the middle of the brand's Art & Science theme, we think its proportions are smart and the details are sharp. With a trio of engine options, including a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, available all-wheel drive, and six-speed manual transmissions for the ordering, it looks to be a very strong competitor to the heavier Germans.

We'll have to drive one before we can assess whether Cadillac has hit the performance mark, but on paper, and in person, it certainly looks to be off to a solid start.