Cadillac may soon introduce an ATS Vsport model to slot in between the standard version of the compact car and the high-performance 455 horsepower ATS-V, according to Automotive News. This marks the second time we’ve heard an ATS Vsport is on its way, with our own sources hinting at the arrival of the car way back in June of 2013.
Chief engineer for the Cadillac brand, David Leone, seemed open to the possibility of an ATS Vsport when AN inquired about the potential model.
“We continue to look for things that allow us to keep it fresh and to keep people coming in,” he said. “That’s on the list of possibilities.”
Unlike the CTS Vsport and XTS Vsport, which are powered by General Motors’ 3.6-liter twin turbocharged LF3 V6, our source said the ATS Vsport will be powered by the same naturally aspirated LFX V6 in the standard ATS. The Vsport model would instead benefit from suspension and braking components plucked from the ATS-V and possibly different wheels and tires, among other enhancements.
Other luxury competitors, not just those from Germany, offer similiar aesthetics and minor performance upgrade packages on their models. Mercedes-Benz has its recently-introduced ‘AMG Sport’ line while BMW has ‘M Sport’and Lexus offers ‘F Sport’packages. Even Volvo has a sporty ‘R-Design’ trim line, so the introduction of ATS Vsport seems like a predictable yet logical step forward for Cadillac.
Also helping to make a case for an ATS Vsport is the model’s poor market performance. ATS Sales slid 22 percent last year, and Cadillac is hoping the recent introducion of an ATS Coupe and an ATS-V will generate more interest in the car. Introducing a Vsport model seems like it would be a move directly in line with this philosophy, so we wouldn’t bet against its arrival.
Comments
A Vsport for the ATS is a no brainer, what is surprising, is that it is taking so long. The problem, in my opinion, is that Cadillac don’t have a suitable engine available at the moment. It most certainly needs to be a turbo 6 to compete with Audi’s S4, MB C450 AMG, and BMW 335 M sport. Even the upcoming Jag SE R will have a supercharged 3.0 V6. The naturally aspirated 6 in the current ATS will not have the torque to compete, nor the tunability to interest enthusiast, and I don’t think GM would want to use the turbo 3.6 in the CTS Vsport. The ATS is begging for a turbo 3.0 V6
The problem with the current ATS is not only its usable interior space, but its engine offerings. The 2.5 is too underpowered for a luxury car, the 2.0t is rough and needs more mid-range power, and the 3.6 isn’t very fuel efficient. Slight adjustments could easily fix these problems, but Cadillac needs some new and updated engines. Fuel efficiency can be battled with the use of not only VVT and SIDI, but IVVL and new transmissions too. I’d suggest:
Standard/Luxury- 1.6t I4 – 205HP and 220LB-FT (26 City / 36 Highway)
Luxury/Performance- 2.0t I4 – 285HP and 300LB-FT (24 City / 34 Highway)
Performance/Premium- 3.6L V6 – 325HP and 280LB-FT (22 City / 32 Highway)
VSport- 2.8t V6 – 330HP and 345LB-FT (23 City / 33 Highway)
V- 3.6tt V6 – 455HP and 445LB-FT (18 City / 28 Highway)
I like all of your spec except for the v sport HP rating. It needs to be at least 350 HP.
An ATS Vsport should allow the possibility of combining the handling, braking & aesthetic improvements with the 2.0L Turbo 4 cylinder engine choice. The 2.0L Turbo 4 should be updated with a water to air intercooler, similar to that in the LF3, to improve throttle response / reduce turbo lag.
WHY V-SPORT CADILLAC, WHAT MAKES THE LESSER OF THE ‘V’ A SPORTY ONE COMPARED TO THE MONSTER (OR ACTUAL) ‘V’??
Cadillac is stupid, when it comes to pricing. They should capitalize on being American and built here domestically. They got the performance, the quality, but the pricing it equally to a German Import is down right DUMB. Give people a reason to challenge the Germans by taking advantage of lower costs. It does not matter if there is a V sport model if the pricing is screwed up.
If you think Cadillac’s greatest strength is a lower price, then you clearly don’t think Cadillac can make a compelling luxury car.
Luxury is not value proposition. If you’re worried about price, you’re not a luxury consumer. Cadillac cannot continue designing, building, and selling cars like they are white goods. If they do, people will continue seeing their cars as unemotional second tier cars that were never in line or comparable with genuine luxury automakers like Mercedes. Cadillac needs more buyers who regularly desires Mercedes, and not people who regularly look at Acura or Lincoln.
Furthermore, while Cadillac builds many of their cars in the ‘States’, so do the German luxury automakers. If you were right, then you would expect the Mercedes and BMW plants in the south US to churn out products that were priced many thousands of dollars cheaper than what they are.
But they don’t. For Mercedes and BMW, every unit they sell, even if it’s just a handful, is all pure profit. ATP is more important than unit sales.
In reality, the pricing of such cars has nothing to do with BMW and Mercedes bing German, imports, or being built in the US. It has everything to do with pricing their cars in a way that determines the near maximum price that the market can bear. The barrier to entry for luxury consumers is low enough that they would have no problem getting the car they want without much struggle; they want to feel as if they have an exclusive and rare product. They don’t want something that’s been priced to move tens of thousands of units each year, and something that can ben found in every apartment complex and trailer park the world over.
Don’t diminish Cadillac pricing strategy with a plea. They tried the exact same low pricing strategy for almost 50 years and it completely ruined Cadilacs global reputation.
I am an ATS 2.0t owner and frankly an ATS V sport should really be the car that equals the performance of the BMW 335i! They could use the 3.6 and put a turbo on it to the tune of at least 370 hp! It also should be offered with an optional 6 spd manual. I want to trade out of my 2.0t but i’m waiting for this car. Hopefully it’s coming!