ATS Compared
January 8, 2012 - 10:26 pm
Let’s take a quick look at the new ATS and it’s competition. What was expected as late as yesterday to be a Cadillac that was as overweight as most other recent GM releases has turned into a product that is not only competitive but practically class leading.
I would not be surprised if, by actual on-sale date, if the ATS is somehow going to come in at or below the BMW 3-series class leading 3362 lbs. It certainly looks like that is what Cadillac is targeting and they have a few months to shave a few more lbs.
Here’s how the ATS compares against its most obvious competition (note: the A4 is quoted with AWD and the IS listed here is the IS250, 350 is heavier still).
| ATS | 3-series | C-class | A4 | IS | |
| Weight | sub 3400 | 3362 | 3428 | 3505 | 3455 |
Press Release Below:
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ATS Details Released
January 8, 2012 - 2:18 pm
It seems that the rest of the online world has real trouble with time zones – as the ATS details have been released hours before the unveil.
What we now know is that the ATS, unlike our worst fears and rumors, is actually packing one of the lowest curb weights in its segment at under 3400 lbs. This puts it in line with the C-class and 3-Series competition. Nobody saw that coming. However, we also don’t know what curb weights do for the upgrade engines (assuming the under 3400 level is the base engine).
Speaking of base…the entry power is a 2.5l 4-cylinder, as we knew. Direct injection and a 11.4 to 1 compression ratio gives 200hp 6200 rpm, 188 lb*ft 4500 and a 7000 rpm redline.
Mid-way up we get the 2.0l DI Turbo 4-cylinder with 270hp 5300, 260 lb*ft 2400 (wow!), but a redline down at 6350 – but given the low-end torque, this could be the fun option…especially in Oxygen challenged mountain states (like tCE headquarters).
For those for whom extra cylinders are all that matter – you have the option of Cadillac’s tried and true 3.6 DI V-6 with 318hp 6800, 267 lb*ft 6800, and a 7200 rpm redline.
Backing these engines are a pair of 6-speed transmissions. A Tremec M3L TR3160 – fully synchro unit with overdrive on 6th only and a 6L45 Hydra-matic with overdrive on 5th and 6th. Final drive with the non-turbo engines is a 3.27 while the turbo gets 3.45.
All-wheel drive is part of the plan as well but exact availability – paired with which engines/transmissions – hasn’t been made clear. Likely, in Cadillac tradition, it will be backed only by the automatic transmission – tCE is ready to shed a tear once again at not being allowed the option of row-your-own gear changes with the all-wheel drive the mountains tend to prefer.
Also not announced are body styles other than the sedan or of V-series rocket-ships.
This will also be, as expected, the second home to Cadillac’s new CUE infotainment system that promises to fix, finally, the issues Cadillac has had competing with all the other luxury brands when it comes time to do all the whiz-bang things that modern personal electronics promise.
More details as they become available.
ATS Eve - One last video of the ATS at the ‘Ring
January 7, 2012 - 8:02 pmAll ATS All the Time
January 5, 2012 - 9:52 amThe ATS news running up to the official unveil at the Detroit Auto Show next week is coming fast and furious.
In today’s installment, the good folks over at CarScoop.com have a reader who has some serious skill in rendering based on spy shots.
As you can see here (and in more detail over at the source link) Josh Byrnes has given us our best view yet of what we’ll see for real during Cadillac’s debut early next week of the ATS sedan.
We are just days away now from getting unfettered views of the new car and then can start looking forward, in earnest, to some seat time with the new little Caddy.
Source: CarScoop.com
ATS Engine Lineup Announced
December 14, 2011 - 11:02 pm
Today, Cadillac took the covers off one of the biggest mysteries of the new ATS sedan…what engines will be underhood.
Highlighted are a brand new direct injection, turbocharged 2.0l 4-cylinder delivering 270hp and 260lb*ft of torque. This is a new 2.0 with debut technologies such as a variable displacement oil pump. Efficiency and power-density are being touted by Cadillac, though we’ll have to wait for ultimate mpg figures closer to launch day.
In addition to this high-tech turbo, the ATS will also offer a non-turbo 2.5l (likely the same engine expected to power the Chevrolet Malibu and put out approximately 190hp). At the top of the line, and likely aimed at more traditional Cadillac buyers, will be a version of the 3.6l direct injection V-6 putting out about 50hp more than the turbo 2.0 but approximately the same torque. We fully expect the turbo to the be preferred engine at altitude and to likely provide better overall performance since its torque will be more accessible (90% is stated to be available from 1500-5800 rpm). What we don’t know yet is which engines will be offered with the manual – though it seems reasonable that the V-6 will be automatic only.
Expect even more details over the coming weeks as we get closer to the debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Video of the 2.0T below:
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