Cadillac ATS 2.0T Dyno-Tested
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Power figures mean nothing on paper. If anybody really wants to know how much horsepower and torque a vehicle delivers to the wheels, it needs to go through a dynamometer test. And it just so happens that Edmunds Inside Line did just that with the new Cadillac ATS 2.0T.
On paper, the Cadillac ATS’ turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four is GM-rated at 272 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque between 1,500-5,500 rpm. Such relatively potent figures are achieved in no small thanks to direct injection and a twin-scroll turbo that spools up an impressive 20 psi of boost.
As an aside, Inside Line ran the ATS on “premium” 91-octane, not 93 or 94, for this test.
Finally strapped in, the ATS put down real-world numbers of 239 rear-wheel-horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. Right where they should be when factoring in the power loss when transferred through the drivetrain to the road. Compared to a new BMW 328i, the real-world power figures are virtually identical. But the ATS is the lighter car, tipping the power-to-weight ratio in its favor.
Hopefully we will soon put the ATS through our own paces.
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A power loss of only 12.13% that’s impressive. 272 certified horsepower from 122 in.³ ( 2.0 L for you metric guys) that’s impressive. I think GM is still underrating their engines. It should be about 300 hp.
Main Wayne is spot on. I remember when a power loss of 30% to the wheels was normal in the 80s. Good on GM for finally putting engineering (and design) first.
The “under-rating” you are seeing might be in part due to GM’s use of standardized SAE testing for horsepower – in the past, every automaker had their own testing standards, and most others still do. Those that still do are reluctant to switch to the SAE standards, forcing them to confess to their “stretching the truth” of their advertised numbers.
Enough already. When the darn thing is going to be available.
It is available now I see 1010 listed on cars.com