Prior to Cadillac’s live unveiling of the first-ever ATS tonight, photos and intel have found their way online, and we can finally, finally see what the car looks like without all of the cover-ups. We’re also given explicit details of what’s going on underneath that sharp, sharp sheetmetal.
Cadillac has attempted compact cars before, and were unfortunately so bad, they are now legendary. The Cimmeron and Catera? Just reading the names induces frowning. Thankfully, wonderfully, beautifully — the ATS is nothing like the previous attempts. For starters, it actually boasts a rear-wheel-drive setup and Cadillac’s highly-touted new CUE infotainment system, but there’s much more mechanical appeal to it than just that.
Along with RWD, the ATS features GM’s first five-link independent rear suspension setup, complemented by multi-link double-pivot MacPherson struts in the front, complete with a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Also featured is GM’s well-done FE3 sport suspension system with Magnetic Ride Control — derived from the Corvette ZR1, CTS-V and Camaro ZL1 — which is aided by a four-channel ABS system with an optional Brembo brake set. Also available is all-wheel-drive, and a choice of three different engines.
The base engine is listed as a higher-output version of GM’s new 2.5L Ecotec four pot that’s good for 200 horsepower at a lofty 6,200 rpm and 188 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine most likely won’t push the chassis of the ATS to its limits. However, the new 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder mill that boasts 270 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm might do the trick. That’s an amazing 135 horsepower per liter. But if that’s not enough, there’s the optional 3.6L LFX V6 engine, which a stout 318 horsepower a screaming 6,800 rpm and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,900 rpm. Both the naturally aspirated engines will down unleaded fuel, but the power-dense turbo 2.0L will require premium.
That will probably be as good as it gets until the ATS-V makes its way onto the market, which is supposedly featuring a twin-turbocharged V6. Both a six-speed Tremec M3L TR3160Â manual transmission and six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L45Â automatic transmission will be offered. Also, be on the lookout for coupe and wagon flavors as well. Expect pricing and fuel economy numbers to come at a later date.
Along with CUE, the interior of the ATS is graced with what looks to be some pretty high-quality stuff — even leapfrogging the larger, older CTS in refinement. The CUE system entails Bluetooth, USB, aux inputs, an SD card slot, and an 8-inch touchscreen, which flips open to reveal a storage compartment. In addition, there’s a 5.7-inch display embedded into the illuminating gauge cluster, push-button start, and a color Heads-Up Display (yes!).
I’ll take my interior in the red leather and black/red accents, thanks.
Comments
To be honest the interior of the car especially on the colors does look good about where MB and BMW have done and that’s not the bad thing at all….. but the exterior does kinda look like a malibu though.
Great design, super interior choices (i’ve seen pics of this car about a week ago). Cadillac should definitely come up with a sport version (like M3 and AMG). This car will be on my shopping list!
I’m
not
moved.
Maybe it’s the colour, or that the hood seems like it was ripped from a Commodore/Caprice, or maybe the headlights aren’t wide enough and stretch too far back to the A-pillar.
It could be the photos, it looks big enough to be a Zeta even though it’s 1000X smaller.
Is it me, or is the exterior a bit feminine?
I think it might be the color that makes it feminine
I’ll be taking live photos tonight. We’ll see if it’s in a different color.
but then will the ATS have that big screen speedometer from the XTS?
It does.
Im not being too negative about the ATS because I had a good idea on what the car would look like but it’s not a bad looking car. I personally think that caddy should have made the front end a bit more edgy the lines are too soft and instead of a wider grill they could have went with a smaller one. The ats is a small compact I don’t understand the need for the soft lines it should be more on the edgy side of the styling ex. Lexus IS. Nice car but I really don’t like the red on this vehicle lol.
Hopefully, in person and maybe with a different color, the ATS will be more appealing. I was hoping for something a bit more stylized or provocative. The exterior has a derivative look that says “I’ve seen this before.” I should be more excited by an all-new rear-drive Cadillac.
The interior is well balanced and doesn’t look busy or overwrought. I’ll be very interested in how the CUE works in real-world tests. I was very impressed with it at the LA Auto Show demo. I’ll be very interested to read about the quality of the interior materials and fit/finish.
I have a very active imagination so I am not shocked by what these pictures are telling. Not saying that it’s not an attractive car, but I saw through the camouflage. Very nice car indeed..I can’t wait until I can head to that Cadillac dealer in Ft Lauderdale later this year to have a sat down! I like the interior of Image 12 with the wood accents from Image 13. PERFECT!
Image 13 features aluminum accents. Either way, I was told that consumers can configure any leather option to go with whatever paneling option they so choose — if they have the right dealer.
Sweeet!
This is really stumpous car with attractive looks & nice features. It is looking beautiful & its interior is awesome. Thanks for this lovely sharing.
I love it
Pretty good looking car, a little lower, bigger wheels & tires. I’ll have mine in black!!