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Inside, there’s a set of custom-trimmed Recaro sport seats in 2+2 configuration. (Photo courtesy of General Motors Corporation)

DETROIT — The most memorable silhouette at the 2008 North American International Auto Show may be the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, which was unveiled Monday. Breathtaking is the operative word here, as Cadillac designers shaved 2 inches off the production CTS’s overall height and chopped the overall length by 2 inches to come up with what they call “fast-rake styling.”

The CTS Coupe Concept may also hint at Cadillac’s future powertrain direction. “The Coupe Concept also is designed for a new 2.9-liter turbodiesel being developed for international markets,” the GM luxury brand said in a statement. “This new engine, tailored for use in the CTS, will deliver an estimated 250 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.” The engines — the other choice is a 304-hp 3.6-liter V6 — are mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Edgy doesn’t even begin to describe the CTS Coupe Concept’s looks, which Cadillac says suggests “the look of a carefully cut diamond — particularly at the rear.” The automaker said the concept is based on the sedan but shares only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille.

Unusual touches include what Cadillac describes as “classic hardtop styling,” albeit minus the B-pillar. The production sedan’s windshield is installed at a faster angle, giving the concept its standout profile. The concept gets chrome 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels with a split seven-spoke design, as well as slim-profile outside mirrors. The sculpted lower front fascia has brake cooling vents. Minor details, such as the roof-mounted antenna, even get a carefully sculpted look.

The cabin gets 2+2 seating with custom-trimmed sport seats from Recaro. The armrests are part of a continuous console that runs from the instrument panel to the rear seats. Interior details include a premium Bose audio system, 40-gigabyte hard drive and XM Satellite Radio.

“Just about every decade, Cadillac designs a breakthrough car that becomes synonymous with the brand’s character of the period, such as the 1938 60 Special, the 1959 lineup, the 1975 Seville and the 2003 Sixteen Concept,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac’s global design director. “The CTS Coupe Concept is the next great design, carrying the baton from the Evoq Concept that ushered in the Art and Science era in 1999.”

What this means to you: Another showstopper from Cadillac that may point the way to the brand’s design future. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent