First Look: Cadillac ATS

Cadillac is chewing off a very big bite this summer as it goes after the venerable BMW 3 Series with a smaller sedan called the ATS.? New from the ground up, ATS starts with an all-new lightweight architecture and then creates new bodywork, which has a strong resemblance to the popular CTS.? In fact, unless you compare the ATS and CTS piece by piece, you swear might just be a restyled CTS, although it does look a little smaller.

The rear-drive ATS sedan is aimed squarely at the BMW with further intentions of taking a bite out of the C-Class Mercedes-Benz, Audi A4, Lexus IS and Infiniti G37 sales.? Built with a blend of the latest technologies and with an eye on the Cadillac?s continuing effort to be among the world?s best driver cars, the ATS has the benefit of starting with one of the lowest curb weights (under 3,400 pounds) in the smaller sport sedan segment.

?Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac?s portfolio into a crucial global segment,? said Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac. ??For a new group of luxury consumers, this is a car that will fit their lifestyle and challenge the segment?s status quo.?

The Cadillac ATS is a latest entry from Cadillac?s Art & Science execution philosophy and design language, which includes a strong foundation of driving dynamics and mass efficiency. ??Germany?s famed N?rburgring racecourse served as one of the key testing grounds, along with additional roads, racetracks and laboratories around the globe.

ATS engineers finished their work on the ATS with components and features leading to an almost perfect 50/50 weight balance.? ATS rides on Cadillac?s first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and a multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar

It will also have an available driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping, Brembo performance brakes and all-wheel drive.

?More than just another new entry, the ATS aims to change the status quo of the European-dominated segment,? said Butler. ?That is why our approach in all elements of its development is so extensive and focused.?

 

Engine offerings include the standard naturally aspirated 200-hp 2.5-liter four cylinder, an optional 270-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 318-hp 3.6-liter V-6.? Both a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission will be offered and all-wheel drive will be available on some versions.? Fuel economy is expected to be better than 30 mpg. ?Prices won?t be released until closer to the launch date, but it is expected to start at in the mid-$30,000 range where the BMW 3-Series starts.

 

The ATS is designed with a full complement of safety equipment based on Cadillac?s ?control and alert? strategy, which employs advanced technologies ? including radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors ? to help prevent crashes.

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