Cadillac ATS Finally Shows Itself!
There is no doubt that Cadillac’s ATS will prove to be the brand’s most important vehicle. As the entry level sedan set to introduce would-be buyers to the brand, Cadillac will come to rely on the diminutive sedan just as BMW relies on the 3-series, Mercedes Benz the C-class, and Audi the A4. And given those cars’ established status, you better believe that the pundits are licking their chops at the idea of a competition between the young American upstart and its German competition.
And after years of test mules, development prototypes, and spy photos, it looks like those pundits will finally get their chance. Although formally debuting at the Detroit Auto Show, GM has chosen to release photos and information about the ATS early, and what we see looks very good. Definitely influenced by the popular CTS, the smaller car avoids looking like a cut-rate Cadillac, and even manages to channel a bit of the achingly pretty Ciel concept car in its arched headlights and rakish front end. Falling within a few pounds of the Bimmer and marginally different in wheelbase and width, the real wheel drive ATS should prove a real performer after countless hours spent lapping the Nurburgring, while a plethora of interior features (including optional real carbon fibre or actual wood trim, and cut-and-sew dash coverings) ensure it remains competitively luxurious as well.
Although Canadian pricing, and precise option packages are as yet unknown, the ATS appears to be a promising entry in a very competitive market, and the inclusion of a pair of four cylinders (both naturally aspirated and turbocharged) as well the well-known directed injected 3.6L V6 will make sure that it’s competitive in the horsepower department as well. The only question that remains is: when will we see the V version?
