Cadillac used the Detroit motor show to roll out its crucial new compact sedan – the ATS – which will square up against the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.
Built on an all-new platform, the ATS is about 200mm shorter than the existing CTS mid-sizer, and it will be offered in rear-drive and all-wheel-drive formats.
As evident from the accompanying images, the ATS stays true to Cadillac’s so-called ‘Art & Science’ design language, which is distinguished by slightly curved forms that end in almost-razor-sharp edges.
Its overall stance isn’t too different from its CTS sibling, but the treatment of the headlights in particular lends it a more contemporary appearance.
One of the ATS’s trump cards is a kerb weight under 1550kg, which GM North America boss Mark Reuss claims makes it the “the most mass-efficient car in the segment”.
It also scores a new powertrain line-up that kicks off with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit that ekes out 149kW and 255Nm, and there’s a turbo version of the same that serves up 201kW. Topping the range is the familiar 3.6-litre direct-injection V6, which is good for 237kW in this application.
Also due to join the line-up at a later date is a diesel variant, which indicates Cadillac is strongly eyeing the European and Asian markets with the ATS. Autoblog has speculated the oil burner could be a derivative of the powerplant that GM is developing for the Cruze.
Transmission choices will include six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, across both rear-drive and all-wheel-drive formats.
Its makers promise the ATS will be an agile driver’s car, thanks to near 50/50 weight distribution over front and rear axles, and Reuss boasts the car has “the best steering I've ever tested”. GM’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension will also be offered.
The ATS is underpinned by Cadillac’s first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and straight-link designs, while up front there’s multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut suspension with a direct-acting stabiliser bar.
Base models ride on 17x8-inch rims, while 18-inchers adorn the higher-spec cars. The brakes feature a four-channel ABS system, and Brembo stoppers will be optionally available.
“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.”
Cadillac says Germany’s famed Nürburgring served as one of the key testing grounds, along with additional roads, racetracks and laboratories around the globe.
Track 1512mm (front); 1548mm (rear)
Kerb weight 1542kg (approx.)
Weight distribution (front/rear) 51/49
Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
Brake Pre-Fill Automatic Collision Preparation
Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines
Adaptive Forward Lighting
Hill Hold/Start Assist (Standard, manual transmission)
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