The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is a two-door variant of the Cadillac ATS Sedan. The ATS Coupe extends the Cadillac ATS family as well as the brand’s product-driven growth strategy, being the brand’s first-ever compact coupe, and is being positioned as a “quicker and more personal addition to the award-winning ATS product line”. The compact sport luxury coupe made its global debut at the 2014 North American Auto Show in Detroit, and was developed to be lighter, more agile, and more engaging than its competitors.
The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe “is an exclusively distinctive American alternative, unique in its class, yet delivering a sporty and sophisticated driving experience rivaling the world’s best”, said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac.
The ATS Coupe went on sale in the United States in late summer/early fall 2014.
Building on the strength of the ATS Sedan, the ATS Coupe takes advantage of GM’s lightweight and strong Alpha architecture to deliver exhilarating performance with efficiency, with a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio.
Like the sedan, the ATS Coupe’s driving dynamics are rooted in mass efficiency, which helps make it one of Cadillac’s lightest and most agile models ever. It’s also the lightest car in the compact luxury Coupe segment. The Coupe’s inline-four 2.0L Turbo LTG engine delivers 295 pound-feet of torque (400 Nm), nearly 14 percent more torque than the 2014 ATS Sedan. Greater torque gives the standard ATS Coupe an advantage in power and weight over similarly-equipped Coupes such as the BMW 428i and Audi A5. In addition, the impressive torque rating translates into greater pulling power for a greater feeling of responsiveness at low speeds, thus helping the ATS Coupe achieve an estimated 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds.
“More power with less weight is always a better combination for performance, and the ATS Coupe offers one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the segment, making it feel lighter, more direct and responsive,” said David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “Engineers vetted the ATS’s performance on the track, and the Coupe benefits from that exhaustive validation – all matched with Cadillac’s trademark refinement.”
Noteworthy elements that contribute to the ATS Coupe’s balanced performance and responsive characteristics include:
- Nearly perfect 50/50 front/rear weight balance and low center of gravity
- Five-link independent rear suspension featuring lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
- A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
- Underbody aerodynamic shields
- Premium, belt-driven electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
- Brembo front brakes
- Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels
- Available all-wheel drive
The 2015 ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as the ATS Sedan, but features its own unique bodywork. Specifically, the roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid are unique to the Coupe, along with a specific front fascia and front fenders that accommodate a wider track than the Sedan. The 2015 ATS Coupe is also the first production model to wear Cadillac’s revised crest.
Compared to the ATS Sedan, the ATS Coupe also features an aggressive stance with wider front/rear tracks. The appearance is enhanced by short overhangs and sheet metal that wrap tautly around the tires. Standard 18-inch wheels are exclusive to the Coupe.
Bold lighting elements are one of Cadillac’s signature features, and the ATS Coupe advances the tradition with available light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting. ATS Coupes equipped with the base trim level feature projector-beam headlamps, while high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlamps and front vertical LED light signatures are included on all trim levels above the base. Performance and Premium trim levels feature illuminating outside door handles, and all ATS Coupe trim levels feature LED taillamps and rear-center stop lamp.
Inside, the driver-focused cabin of the ATS Sedan carries over to the ATS Coupe, featuring handcrafted cut-and-sewn upholstered interior combinations, decorative stitching and authentic materials such as leather, aluminum, carbon fiber, and wood.
The Coupe also offers many choices of interior color themes, each with unique accent trim materials ranging from light, open and warm to dark and serious, to bold technical and sporty.
Available interior features include:
- OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
- Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity with natural voice recognition
- Text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers
- USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription
- Reconfigurable 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display
- Full-color reconfigurable head-up display
A Bose premium audio system with Active Noise Cancelation technology is standard on all ATS Coupe trim levels and includes electronic sound enhancement on models equipped with the available premium surround sound audio system. Exclusive to ATS Coupe and differing from other manufacturers’ systems that pipe recorded engine sounds through the audio system, Cadillac’s system enhances only the car’s authentic powertrain sounds to enhance the performance experience.
The 12-speaker surround sound upgrade is available on Standard and Luxury trim levels, while being included with Performance and Premium collections. The surround sound includes Bose Audio Pilot, which continuously monitors ambient sounds and adjusts the audio volume and program content.
CUE Infotainment System
Cadillac CUE is the ATS Coupe’s comprehensive collection of infotainment technologies designed to enhance the driving experience and complement customers’ increasingly connected lifestyles. It is available on the base trim levels and standard on Luxury, Performance and Premium collections.
The eight-inch multi-touch sensitive LCD screen is the heart of CUE. The screen is integrated into the top of the central instrument panel and features a motorized, fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area. CUE’s vibrant liquid crystal display (LCD) screen resembles that of a smartphone, with large, easy-to-target icons to execute commands.
The system features two major upgrades over the model offered in 2014 and 2013, including:
- A new Text-to-Voice feature for smartphone users made possible by the Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.)
- Apple Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users
Both features enhance connectivity and convenience by enabling voice-controlled connectivity, thereby helping keep drivers’ hands on the wheel.
Complementing CUE is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, featuring a new built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to seven devices at once.
Navigation System
A navigation system is available on Luxury and Performance trim levels. It is standard on the Premium trim.
Convenience
Additional technologies that make life with the ATS Coupe more convenient include the capability to remotely start the engine or lower the windows with the key fob or by using the owner’s smartphone via the OnStar RemoteLink app. EZ Key passive entry and push-button start is standard, so the key never needs to leave the driver’s pocket or purse.
The ATS Coupe also features a capless fueling system.
The ATS engine lineup includes a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder LTG engine and available 3.6L V6 LFX. The award-winning 2.0L Turbo is rated at 272 horsepower (203 kW) and 295 pound-feet of torque (400 Nm), while the award-winning 3.6L V6 is rated at 321 horsepower (239 kW) and 275 pound-feet of torque (373 Nm).
At 136 horesepower per liter, the 2.0L Turbo is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 3000 rpm and the full 295 pound-feet of peak torque (400 Nm) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. The broad torque band is supported by boost levels as high as 18 psi (1.26 bar) in the speed range, which is designed to give the lightweight ATS Coupe an exhilarating feeling of immediate power on demand.
Both engines feature direct injection and dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing, which help optimize power and efficiency, as well as reduce emissions. Both engines are mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L45 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control. A six-speed manual transmission is also available with the 2.0L Turbo.
ATS Coupe delivers the same safety technologies found in the ATS Sedan. The Coupe features eight standard air bags, safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with full-function traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, patented rotor coating protection, and auto-dry functionality.
Additionally, Cadillac makes available advanced safety based on Cadillac’s “control and alert” strategy, which employs up to two cameras, eight ultrasonic sensors and six radar signals to help prevent crashes.
The safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and can even help the driver avert potential crashes. In certain situations, Cadillac’s advanced crash-avoidance systems, such as automatic braking, can pre-fill and automatically apply braking in response to potential hazards.
Automatic Braking
Among the most sophisticated of the features is Front and Rear Automatic Braking. The feature relies on radar, camera and ultrasonic technology to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.
Driver Awareness & Assist Packages
Many of the advanced safety features are bundled in the Driver Awareness and Driver Assist Packages. The Driver Awareness package is available on the Luxury trim level and included in the Performance and Premium trim levels. It includes:
- Safety Alert Seat
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist – new to Cadillac for 2015
- Intellibeam high-beam control
- Front and rear park assist
- Rear-vision camera with dynamic guidelines
The Driver Assist package is available on the Performance and Premium trim levels and includes all of the Driver Awareness package content, plus:
- Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic Collision Preparation
- Automatic Safety Belt Tightening
- Electronic Park Brake
- Front and Rear Automatic Braking
- Enhanced Side Blind Zone Alert (new to Cadillac for 2015)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Full-color head-up display
The ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as the ATS Sedan, underpinned by the all-new Alpha rear-wheel drive vehicle architecture. The platform was designed from the ground up to provide class-leading driving dynamics and safety.
Balance
Two notable hallmarks of the ATS Coupe are remarkable proportions and balance. To achieve a 51/49 front/rear weight distribution and a superior power-to-weight ratio, the vehicle features a low curb weight of 3,418 pounds (1,542 kg) as well as two power-dense and lightweight powertrains. Those qualities are complemented by wide front and rear tracks -— 60.3 inches (1,512mm) in the front and 61.7 inches (1,548mm) in the rear — for a lower center of gravity that promotes greater stability.
Braking
Four-wheel Brembo disc brakes are standard on all ATS Coupe trim levels. They are matched with a four-channel ABS system that is integrated with standard StabiliTrak stability control and full-function traction control.
Low vehicle mass and optimal brake sizes give the ATS braking performance that is among the best in the segment. On the ATS Sedan, the Brembo brakes contribute to 60-0 (mph) performance of approximately 129 feet (39.3 meters).
Suspension
Up front, a multi-link MacPherson strut suspension uses a double-pivot design for a more precise feeling of control, including more linear and communicative steering and a smoother ride. It also improves impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces.
The double-pivot system incorporates a pair of ball joints and lower control links that replace a conventional wishbone at each wheel. The optimal balance of ride and handling is achieved via a suspension geometry that decouples road inputs by integrating a soft fore/aft “ride link” that provides greater isolation from impacts and a stiff, laterally positioned “handling link” for more direct steering feel and quicker lateral response.
The control arms, the spindle, and the body form an effective four-bar link for each side of the front suspension, creating virtual pivot points for reduced spindle length and significantly reducing steering wheel feedback due to wheel impacts and imbalance. There is also a direct-acting stabilizer bar.
The front suspension’s design also enables a shorter spindle and positive-offset steering geometry for optimal steering control, excellent straight-line stability and a more refined ride. High-durometer rubber and hydraulic bushings are used with the front suspension for an excellent balance of ride comfort and precise response when cornering.
At the rear of the ATS is the first five-link independent suspension in a Cadillac. The design helps reduces roll center motion, enables positive lateral control, reduces “squat” during acceleration and promotes excellent dynamic stability. In short, according to Cadillac, the setup helps keep the tires planted on all surfaces and during all hard-cornering maneuvers.
Four handling links (upper and lower control arms) are used at each side to control wheel motion and a toe link at each wheel provides additional horizontal control — particularly during hard cornering. The upper and lower links create an effective double-wishbone design, although the links are mounted independently. As with the front suspension, the five-link design creates virtual pivot points that the ATS’s engineers used for geometry optimization. The stiff links are mounted on a cradle that contributes to a smoother, quieter and more isolated ride. The cradle is made of steel (with hydroformed side rails) to help optimize the car’s structural stiffness and mass.
Eighten-inch (18×8-inch front, 18×9-inch rear) wheels used with 225/40R18 (front) and 255/35R18 (rear) series run-flat all-season tires are standard on vehicles equipped with the FE2 suspension. ATS Coupes with the FE3 suspension get the same size wheels and tires, but the rubber is rated as summer-only.
A mechanical limited-slip differential is a feature not matched by any other competitors and gives the ATS an edge when it comes to ensuring all of the powertrain’s torque is applied to the tires during hard cornering. It is standard with the six-speed manual transmission and included with the FE3 sport suspension package. It is housed in a robust 8.6-inch carrier. Other models feature a 7.67-inch carrier.
Magnetic Ride Control & FE3 Sport Suspension
Supporting the ATS Coupe’s new suspension designs are advanced damping, steering and braking systems, including Magnetic Ride Control, which is the heart of the FE3 Sport Suspension package. The package includes a mechanical limited-slip differential, and a high-capacity cooling system. Magnetic Ride Control is a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control. It “reads” the road every millisecond and can change damping in only five milliseconds.
Adjustable settings for the FE3 suspension allow the driver to select different ranges of damping for Magnetic Ride Control, including a competitive mode that also adjusts the intervention of the stability control and traction control systems.
Steering
All ATS Coupes come with a premium electric, variable-assist power steering gear from ZF Steering Systems. It is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics, while also saving fuel because engine power isn’t directly required to assist gear movement — as is the case with conventional hydraulic systems.
The steering gear has great torsional stiffness and lower operating friction, which enhance the steering feel with almost perfect linear response. Additionally, the steering column and intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting, and low-friction ball bearing designs, meaning that there is almost no “lash” in the entire steering system, for a more immediate and connected-to-the-road feel for the driver.
The ATS Coupe is offered as a well-equipped standard model and in Luxury, Performance and Premium collections.
Two engines — including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a naturally-aspirated V6 — deliver strong power and capitalizes on the model’s lightweight structure to complement its performance with efficiency.
| MODEL: | CADILLAC ATS COUPE |
| BODY STYLE / DRIVELINE: | 2-DOOR COMPACT SPORT LUXURY COUPE, RWD OR AWD |
| CONSTRUCTION: | UNITIZED WELDED STEEL BODY WITH DIRECT-MOUNTED FRONT CRADLE AND RUBBER-ISOLATED, MULTI-LINK INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION |
| MANUFACTURING LOCATION: | LANSING GRAND RIVER ASSEMBLY, LANSING, MICHIGAN, USA |
| KEY COMPETITORS: | BMW 4-SERIES, MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS, AUDI A5/S5 |
| ENGINE: | 2.0L TURBO I4 DI VVT (LTG) | 3.6L V6 DI VVT (LFX) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DISPLACEMENT (CU IN / CC): | 122 / 1998 | 217 / 3564 | ||
| BORE & STROKE (IN / MM): | 3.39 X 3.39 / 86 X 86 | 3.7 X 3.37 / 94 X 85.6 | ||
| BLOCK MATERIAL: | CAST ALUMINUM | CAST ALUMINUM | ||
| CYLINDER HEAD MATERIAL: | CAST ALUMINUM | CAST ALUMINUM | ||
| VALVETRAIN: | DOHC, FOUR-VALVES PER CYLINDER, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE VALVE TIMING | |||
| FUEL DELIVERY: | DIRECT HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL INJECTION | |||
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 | ||
| HORSEPOWER (HP / KW @ RPM): | 272 / 203 @ 5500* | 321 / 239 @ 6800* | ||
| TORQUE (LB-FT / NM @ RPM): | 295 / 400 @ 1700-5500* | 275 / 373 @ 4800* | ||
| RECOMMENDED FUEL: | PREMIUM RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED | REGULAR UNLEADED OR E85 | ||
| MAXIMUM ENGINE SPEED (RPM): | 7000 | 7200 | ||
| EPA-ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY RWD (CITY / HWY): | 21 / 31 | 19 / 28 | ||
| EPA-ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY AWD (CITY / HWY): | 20 / 30 | 18 / 26 | ||
| TRANSMISSION: | TREMEC M3L TR3160 | HYDRA-MATIC 6L45 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE: | FULLY SYNCHRONIZED SIX-SPEED MANUAL WITH SINGLE OVERDRIVE | SIX-SPEED, ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED, AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE WITH TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH | ||
| GEAR RATIOS (:1) | ||||
| FIRST: | 4.12 | 4.06 | ||
| SECOND: | 2.62 | 2.37 | ||
| THIRD: | 1.81 | 1.55 | ||
| FOURTH: | 1.3 | 1.16 | ||
| FIFTH: | 1 | 0.85 | ||
| SIXTH: | 0.8 | 0.67 | ||
| REVERSE: | 3.75 | 3.2 | ||
| FINAL DRIVE RATIO: | 3.27 | 3.27 | ||
| CONFIGURATION: | REAR-WHEEL DRIVE |
| DIFFERENTIAL – FE2 SUSPENSION W/ AUTOMATIC: | OPEN |
| DIFFERENTIAL – FE3 SUSPENSION, FE2 SUSPENSION W/ MANUAL: | MECHANICAL LIMITED-SLIP |
| FRONT FE2: | MACPHERSON-TYPE WITH DUAL LOWER BALL JOINTS, TWIN-TUBE STRUTS AND DIRECT-ACTING STABILIZER BAR |
| FRONT FE3: | MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL WITH MONOTUBE INVERTED STRUTS |
| REAR FE2: | INDEPENDENT FIVE-LINK WITH TWIN-TUBE SHOCK ABSORBERS |
| REAR FE3: | MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL WITH MONOTUBE SHOCKS |
| STEERING TYPE: | ZF RACK-MOUNTED ELECTRIC, POWER-ASSISTED AND VARIABLE ASSIST |
| STEERING RATIO FE2: | 16.8:1 |
| STEERING RATIO FE3: | 15.3:1 |
| STEERING TURNS, LOCK-TO-LOCK FE2: | 3.16 |
| STEERING TURNS, LOCK-TO-LOCK FE3: | 2.86 |
| TURN CIRCLE FE2 RWD (FT / M): | 36.38 / 11.09 |
| TURN CIRCLE FE3 RWD (FT / M): | 35.99 / 10.97 |
| TURN CIRCLE FE2 AWD (FT / M): | 38.05 / 11.60 |
| CHASSIS CONTROL: | FOUR-CHANNEL STABILITRAK WITH RAKE ASSIST AND TRACTION CONTROL |
| BRAKE TYPE: | FOUR-WHEEL DISC; FOUR-CHANNEL ABS/TCS W/ DRP | |
| FRONT: | BREMBO BRAKES WITH FOUR-PISTON FIXED CALIPERS | |
| REAR: | BREMBO BRAKES WITH SINGLE-PISTON SLIDING CALIPERS | |
| ROTORS | ||
| FRONT ROTOR TYPE AND THICKNESS (IN / MM): | 12.6 X 1.18 (321 X 30) VENTED, WITH FERRITIC NITRO CARBURIZED PROCESS FOR CORROSION RESISTANCE | |
| REAR ROTOR TYPE AND THICKNESS (IN / MM): | 12.4 X 0.90 (315 X 23) VENTED, WITH FERRITIC NITRO CARBURIZED PROCESS FOR CORROSION RESISTANCE | |
| WHEEL SIZE AND TYPE | ||
| 18 X 8-INCH FRONT / 18 X 9-INCH REAR ALUMINUM (MACHINED-FACE) | ||
| 18 X 8-INCH FRONT / 18 X 9-INCH REAR ALUMINUM (POLISHED) | ||
| 18 X 8-INCH FRONT / 18 X 9-INCH REAR ALUMINUM (PREMIUM PAINT FINISH) | ||
| TIRE SIZE | ||
| FRONT: FE2: | 225/40R18 RUN-FLAT ALL-SEASON | |
| FRONT FE3: | RUN-FLAT SUMMER-ONLY | |
| REAR FE2: | 255/35R18 RUN-FLAT ALL-SEASON | |
| REAR FE3: | RUN-FLAT SUMMER-ONLY | |
| WHEELBASE (IN / MM): | 109.3 / 2775 |
| LENGTH (IN / MM): | 183.6 / 4663 |
| ROOF HEIGHT (IN / MM): | 54.8 / 1392 |
| HEIGHT WITH ANTENNA (IN / MM): | 55.1 / 1399 |
| WIDTH (IN / MM): | 72.5 / 1841 |
| TRACK FRONT (IN / MM): | 60.3 / 1532 |
| TRACK REAR (IN / MM): | 61.7 / 1568 |
| CURB WEIGHT (LB / KG): | 3418 / 1550 |
| WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION (% FRONT / % REAR): | 51 / 49 |
| LEGROOM FRONT (IN / MM): | 42.3 / 1074 |
| LEGROOM REAR (IN / MM): | 33.5 / 850 |
| HEADROOM FRONT (IN / MM): | 37.6 / 954 |
| HEADROOM REAR (IN / MM): | 35.1 / 891 |
| SHOULDER ROOM FRONT (IN / MM): | 54.1 / 1375 |
| SHOULDER ROOM REAR (IN / MM): | 51.1 / 1298 |
| HIP ROOM FRONT (IN / MM): | 54.1 / 1374 |
| HIP ROOM REAR (IN / MM): | 44.5 / 1131 |
| SEATING CAPACITY FRONT / REAR: | 2 / 3 |
| EPA PASSENGER VOLUME (CU FT / L): | 83.9 / 2377 |
| EPA TRUNK VOLUME (CU FT / L): | 10.4 / 295 |
| TRAILER TOWING MAXIMUM WITH 3.6L (LB / KG): | 1000 / 454 |
| FUEL TANK (GAL / L): | 16 / 60.5 |
| ENGINE OIL 2.0L TURBO I4 RWD (QT / L): | 5 / 4.7 |
| ENGINE OIL 2.0L TURBO I4 AWD (QT / L): | 6 / 5.7 |
| ENGINE OIL 3.6L V6 RWD (QT / L): | 6 / 5.7 |
| COOLING SYSTEM 2.0L (QT / L): | 8.1 / 7.7 |
| COOLING SYSTEM 3.6L (QT / L): | 11 / 10.4 |
The ATS-V Coupe is the high-performance variant of the ATS Coupe.
The vehicle made its debut alongside the ATS-V Sedan at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2014. It is powered by a high-output version of GM’s 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 LF3 engine known within GM as LF4, while featuring myriads of performance enhancements.
