The Cadillac STS will be undergoing a mild facelift for the 2008 model year, and we've caught the best example yet of the changes.

We’ve been told that the STS, at least for the U.S. market, will be powered by a 3.6-liter High Feature V6. And, as seen here, will soon sport an Escalade-style grille and Euro-style clear taillight lenses. We’ve also noticing more mesh in the grille, and more fine chrome details throughout.

Expect to see this freshened STS at dealerships next year. But if you look closely at the prototype that we’ve caught here in the western part of the United States – you’ll notice a large license plate area moulded in the front – and unique badging in the rear: this is a Chinese STS prototype!