New Vehicle Cadillac ATS 2013

New Vehicle Cadillac ATS 2013

This time Cadillac isn't trying the bigger car/smaller price formula it used with the original CTS. Instead, the ATS is nearly identical in size to the latest 3 Series.

The 2013 ATS takes Cadillac’s Art & Science design language and reinterprets it for proportions relative to the vehicle’s compact design. The compact model sits at 182.8 inches/4643mm long, 55.9 inches/1421 mm tall, and 71.1 inches/1805 mm wide. Its wheelbase measures 109.3 inches/2775 mm, with a 59.5 inches/1512 mm track in the front and a 60.9 inches/1548 mm track in the rear. The ATS was built using a new rear-wheel drive platform with a total weight of only 3400 lbs and a 51/49 weight distribution. Cadillac managed to keep the weight as low as possible by using an aluminum hood, magnesium engine mount brackets, and lightweight, natural-fiber door trim panels.

After being rumored for quite some time, the new Cadillac ATS compact sedan has officially been unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The car was built to challenge some of the world’s best premium cars like the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class. It will go on sale in Summer 2012.

No matter how far under the 3,400-pound threshold Cadillac gets, the ATS will be well-equipped to outrun the 3 Series, provided you choose the right engine. Customers will have the possibility to choose between three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 200 HP, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 270 HP, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 318 HP. All three engines can be combined with either a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission, as well as an optional all-wheel drive system.

"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."

An all-new rear-wheel-drive platform underpins the ATS. Cadillac says the new chassis delivers a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance. The front suspension is a multilink, double-pivot MacPherson strut design, while the rear suspension is a five-link, fully independent setup. An optional "FE3" suspension will be available that adds driver-adjustable Magnetic Ride Control similar to the larger XTS sedan. A set of 17-inch wheels will come standard, while 18-inch wheels and Brembo brakes will be optional.

The elegance and simplicity of the exterior flows inside of the vehicle towards a driver-focused interior with integrated technology and crafted materials like real wood, plated metal plating, and carbon fiber trim. Of course, these features are second to the all-new Cadillac CUE (Cadillac User Experience). It pairs a touch-sensitive screen with the ability to connect with up to 10 Bluetooth devices to deliver music, phone and navigation integration, with a minimalist design that keeps the button count to a minimum. Like so many other aspects of the ATS, we'll have to try it out before we'll know for sure if it's an improvement over the competition or not. The new 2013 Cadillac ATS will be distinguished by its active shutter grille, LED-infused headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim, vertical taillights, and integrated trunk spoiler

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Cadillac ATS.

The new Cadillac ATS will be offered with:

• Nearly 50/50 weight balance
• Cadillac’s first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
• A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
• Driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping
• Underbody aerodynamic shields
• Premium (belt driven) electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
• Four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes
• Available all-wheel drive

Prices

The 2013 Cadillac ATS will go on sale in Summer 2012. Prices will start from $33,990, including destination charges. The 2.0L turbocharged version will cost $35,795, while the V6 version comes with a price of $42,090. The top version will be offered with an automatic transmission and standard content that includes CUE, leather 8-way power seats with memory, adaptive start, and more.

Vehicle
Year Make Model	2013 Cadillac ATS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Vehicle Type	RWD 4dr 5-passenger Sedan
Assembly location	Lansing, Michigan

Drivetrain
Configuration	Longitudinal, front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine type	Turbocharged, direct-injected, inline-4, gasoline
Displacement (cc/cu-in)	1,998/122
Block/head material	Aluminum/aluminum
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
Compression ratio (x:1)	9.2
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)	270 @ 5,300
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	260 @ 2,400
Fuel type	Premium unleaded (recommended but not required)
Transmission type	Six-speed manual
Transmission ratios (x:1)	I = 4.12; II = 2.62; III = 1.81; IV = 1.30; V = 1.00; VI = 0.80
Final-drive ratio (x:1)	3.27
Differential(s)	Mechanical limited-slip (FE3)

Chassis
Suspension, front	Multilink, MacPherson strut, magnetorheological shock absorber (FE3), stablizer bar
Suspension, rear	Multilink, magnetorheological shock absorber (FE3)
Steering type	Speed-proportional electric power steering
Steering ratio (x:1)	15.3 (16.8 FE2)
Turning circle (ft.)	36
Tire type	Summer (optional)
Tire size, front	255/40R18 88W
Tire size, rear	255/35R18 90W
Wheel size	18-by-8 inches front and rear
Wheel material	Polished alloy
Brakes, front	12.6-inch ventilated disc with fixed Brembo calipers (optional)
Brakes, rear	12.4-inch ventilated disc with fixed Brembo calipers (optional)

Dimensions & Capacities
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.)	Under 3,400
Length (in.)	182.8
Width (in.)	71.1
Height (in.)	55.9
Wheelbase (in.)	109.3
Track, front (in.)	59.5
Track, rear (in.)	60.9
Legroom, front (in.)	42.5
Legroom, rear (in.)	33.5
Headroom, front (in.)	38.6
Headroom, rear (in.)	36.8
Shoulder room, front (in.)	55.2
Shoulder room, rear (in.)	53.9
Seating capacity	5
Trunk volume (cu-ft)	10.2