As history has shown us, the Cadillacs of yore have been tailored for the comfortable crowd. For the most part, these big-bodied cruisers have exuded class and elegance with their serene nature, quiet operation and easy technology. Sometime in the early 2000s, General Motors took their luxury brand and injected a slight bit of German-esque aggression so that the CTS sports sedan could be born. As the years went on, that car grew and expanded to become a legitimate competitor to some of the greatest sports sedans the globe has to offer. When the 2013 model year hits, the CTS will receive some assistance in its battle for the world as Cadillac will introduce their latest creation. Aimed directly at the ultimate driving machine, the all-new ATS should spin its rear tires to a solid victory.
Officially categorized as a compact, the ATS rides on a 109.3 inch wheelbase for ultimate interior volume and stability. A MacPherson-strut suspension with an anti-roll bar can be found up front while the rear uses Cadillac’s first-ever five-link independent suspension. Available as an option will be the FE3 sport dampers with Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo-supplied brakes and all wheel drive. Weighing in at less than 3,400 lbs, the ATS is lighter than the majority of its competitors such as the Audi A4. A near perfect 50/50 weight distribution is present as well as miles of training at the ultimate vehicular gym: the Nürburgring.
Motivating the first run of ATS models will be a choice of three engines. Base power will the newly released, 2.5 liter DOHC Ecotec. Featuring direct injection and variable valve timing, 200 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque will be put to the ground via either the Tremec M3L TR3160 six speed manual transmission or the Hydra-Matic 6L45 six speed automatic. For more power, the Regal GS donates its 270 horsepower 2.0 liter turbocharged and direct injected Ecotec for a stout 260 lb-ft of torque. Ultimate ATS motivation will come from the direct injected 3.6 liter V6. With the “big block”, the smallest Caddy will put down 320 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. There is a decent chance that both of the optional engines will be offered with either the manual or automatic.
With the words quick, nimble and light stamped to it, the ATS needs luxurious and comfortable in order to be a true winner. The inside has been designed around the driver so that all operations from shifting to turning up the stereo volume is intuitive and effortless. The car’s trim is made from real wood, plated metal and carbon fiber while a variety of “personalities” are offered on the inside. According to the Cadillac, an ATS can be fitted to be either “light, open and warm to black and serious, to bold, technical and sporty.” Never a company to slack when it comes to technology, the newest Caddy is no different with its new Cadillac User Experience (CUE). This comprehensive in-car media controller can be customized to be practically tailored-made for each individual driver. Housed behind an eight inch LCD touchscreen display, CUE was designed to resemble a smartphone’s user interface and can be paired with up to 10 bluetooth devices. MP3 players, SD cards and USBs can be connected to the ATS and every bit of CUE can be operated via voice commands. Other available luxury featues include a Bose-supplied stereo and navigation. As with all GM vehicles, OnStar will also be available.
Looking like a down-sized CTS, the littlest Cadillac features the brand’s signature “Art & Science” design. Short overhangs, wide fenders, optional 18 inch wheels, cut LED head lamps and a bold grille set the car apart from its German and Japanese competitors. Around the back, the rear trunk and bumper seem to borrow more cues from the full size STS sedan, giving the car a large appearance. It truly is handsome, but might be a bit too conservative to actually break away from the norm.
The 2013 Cadillac ATS is scheduled to hit dealership floors this summer. So far, the confirmed trim levels will be Base, Luxury, Performance and Premium. Officially pricing has yet to be confirmed but given its segment, expect a base MSRP in the low-to-mid $30,000 range. If that is the case, than it will undercut its main target, the BMW 3-Series, by thousands and offer something the German institution can’t: American style and class.
Source: Cadillac
