[car fanatics]

Cadillac
Photo credit: Cadillac
June 26, 2012
By: CF staff

Like an athlete training for a major competition, Cadillac is completing its preparations for the all-new 2013 ATS, including finalizing key performance specifications. The ATS with the 2.5L engine and automatic transmission has an official base curb weight of 3,315 lbs. (1059 kg) – making it the lightest vehicle in the U.S. segment that includes the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.

The all-new compact luxury sport sedan translates that mass efficiency into nimble, quick performance. The 3,461-lb. (1573 kg) rear-wheel-drive ATS achieves 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds – among the fastest in its segment compared to mainstream competitor variants – when equipped with a 3.6L V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission.

“Being quick and agile are highly valued qualities in the compact luxury sport sedan segment,” said David Masch, ATS chief engineer. “We designed and engineered ATS’s all-new vehicle architecture to deliver a spirited driving experience that builds on Cadillac’s sport heritage and success with its performance-tuned CTS-V.”

The lightweight construction combines with sleek aerodynamics and other efficient engineering techniques to enable excellent, GM-estimated fuel economy of 32 mpg highway and 22 mpg in city driving for the 2.5L and 2.0L turbo (EPA estimates are not yet available).

An aluminum hood and front suspension parts, magnesium engine mount brackets and natural-fiber door trim panels contribute to ATS’s light weight. The ATS development team also reduced weight in the rear suspension by using specially engineered straight steel links with mass-reducing holes instead of using aluminum.

ATS’s performance also benefited from efficient 50-50 mass distribution between the front and rear. ATS’s segment-leading lower curb weight enabled the use of optimized high-strength aluminum 18-inch wheel forgings and front Brembo brakes that deliver a 60-0 stopping distance of approximately 129 feet.

ATS also uses an acoustically laminated windshield and side windows that are lighter than standard tempered glass and provide better wind and powertrain noise reduction for a quiet interior. Acoustically laminated glass also offers almost double the amount of ultraviolet ray protection.

“With the ATS, Cadillac set out to deliver a leading compact luxury sport sedan that would be fun to drive year-round, while providing all of the amenities and advanced technologies that luxury car buyers expect,” said Don Butler, U.S. vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “ATS provides a new entryway to Cadillac for luxury car buyers, and strives to become a compelling challenger in a segment dominated by Europeans. The only way to achieve that mission was to create an excellent driver’s car.”

ATS with an efficient 2.5L engine and next-generation six-speed transmission will be priced starting at $33,990, including destination charges (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees).

The standard lightweight and powerful 2.0L turbocharged model is priced at $35,795, including destination (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees) and will offer automatic and manual transmissions, and rear- or all-wheel drive.

Topping the engine range is a 3.6L V-6 with a preliminary rating of 321 horsepower (239 kW), costing $42,090 including destination (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees) with an automatic transmission and standard content that includes the Cadillac User Experience (CUE,) a comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience; leather seating surfaces are included as well as eight-way power front seats plus two-way power lumbar, adaptive remote start and more. All-wheel drive also is available.

[LovemyPathfinder]

It looks awesome!

[G8mike]

Impressive, but I wish they'd let you get the 3.6 with a manual.

With so little difference in the price between the 2.5 and the 2.0 T, I'm really not sure what the point of the 2.5 is.

Looks really good in black.:2thumbsup:

[LovemyPathfinder]

The last few pictures look great.

[96s-10ss]

sexy....

[jaybird]

G8mike;214407 Wrote:Impressive, but I wish they'd let you get the 3.6 with a manual.

With so little difference in the price between the 2.5 and the 2.0 T, I'm really not sure what the point of the 2.5 is.

Looks really good in black.:2thumbsup:

Low MSRP

[nell_z]

5.4? Eh, I think that's a bit conservative. Can't wait for the mags to pull a 4.9.

[REVolution]

BMW's 335i sedan is 5.4sec to 60 also. What is the weight of the ATS 2.0T with a manual?

[redsky]

Motortrend's 335i took 4.7secs to 60...

[Chevroletguy]

Wrong curb weight there chief, you listed the BMW's in the title.

[G8mike]

Chevroletguy;214431 Wrote:Wrong curb weight there chief, you listed the BMW's in the title.

The 3,461 refers to the 3.6 litre version - just happens to be the same as the Bimmer in the picture. The graph is for the 2.5 option.

[lengnert]

That is impressive. :2thumbsup:

[docCarter]

3,461 pounds for a V6 ATS. Great job Cadillac.

The 2.5L and 2.0T are projected at 22/32? I see no point for the 2.5L in that case, the 2.0T already base prices the same as the 328i. With GM's upcoming 8-Speed the ATS will be the fuel economy champ.

0-60 in 5.4 with the V6? I wouldn't doubt under 5.

[jspookss]

Yeah that 5.4 has to be conservative. The Camaro with the V6 manual that weighs about 3650 and some change did a 5.6

[96s-10ss]

My bet is 5flat