With the Cadillac ATS launching this summer, we’re finally able to build one ourselves. Online, that is. And unlike the XTS, which has one engine choice for now, we can build from an ATS with either the 2.5L or turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engines, or the 328 horsepower 3.6L LFX V6 engine. But if you want a manual, it’s the four-cylinders only. And rear-wheel-drive only. If you want AWD and V6 horsepower, you’ll have to go with the slush box. But we opted for the rear-wheel drive 2.0 Turbo Performance package mated to the six-speed manual transmission, out of principle.
The Cadillac ATS online configurator doesn’t contain pricing information, but still gives us a good idea of the trim levels, options, and packages we should expect once the sport luxury sedan hits the streets in a few short weeks.
The color palette features no less than three shades of gray, two shades of black, the mandatory Crystal Red Tintcoat (meh) and White Diamond Tricoat, a vibrant Opulant Blue, a Glacier Blue, plus a Summer Gold Metallic color we’re sure will get discontinued after the first year. We’re going with the imposing Black Diamond Tricoat.
The interior offers up five different combinations, our favorite of which is the Morello Red leather seats with carbon fiber panel accents. Runner up would have to be Jet Black leather seats with the brushed aluminum panels. Our package includes a power sunroof, as well as CUE inftainment and surround sound. There’s also two wheel choices, neither of which are black like the ones offered on the CTS-V.
Notably, the original offering of mixing and matching any which seating color to accent paneling isn’t allowed in the configurator. However, we are told that possibly around six months or so after launch customers will be able to personalize the interior as originally planned through GM Accessories.
You can configure your own ATS here.
Comments
Don’t do this to me! Going to be a tough choice between the ATS or a CTS coupe next spring. And yea, I realized coupe vs sedan, but those are my only contenders to replace my current CTS
Went for the 3.6 Premium:
RWD (of course!)
Black Diamond Tricoat
18″ Machine finished
Morello Red leather seats, Jet Black accents and Carbon Fiber trim
Cold Weather Pkg
Sunroof
So loaded to the tits basically.
Sounds like a good problem to have! 🙂
wHITE DIAMOND OVER CARAMEL AND SUNROOF……..SHOCKED THE CUSTOM COLORS ARE STANDARD…………..MAYBE THAT IS NOT CORRECT 🙂 WILL HAVE TO DRIVE ONE AND COMPARE TO VERANO……
There aren’t prices on the configurator yet, to the tri-coat and tin-coat colours don’t have the additional cost posted yet (usually $950ish).
And let’s be realistic, the ATS is on a purpose built RWD alpha architecture (yes, also AWD), designed to take on all levels of the 3 series. The Verano is so out-classed in term of driving characteristics it’s not even worth a comparison. FWD vs RWD is reason enough 🙂
Verano is not a sports car……………………….it is quiet and elegant…..ATS is a 3-series competitor…..
exactly my point, so why compare the two?
Andrew…..I guess the size, same engine, etc……I would say the Buick is what Cadillac used to be…..but smaller and still quiet….I am sure the ATS will be super and will be an excellent car….I never said they were the same thing
I didn’t say they were the same either, quite the opposite actually. I was just curious as to why a cross comparison. I assumed because the wheel base is similar and one of the engine options overlaps each product, but even with the same engine, performance and driving dynamics in the FWD Verano will never hold up to a RWD sport sedan that is the ATS
ANDREW….I HAVE HAD TWO CADILLACS BEFORE…THEY WERE NOT VERY GOOD CARS. I AM SURE THE ATS WILL BE EXCEPTIONAL. THE BUICK IS SIMIALR IN SIZE AND THAT IS WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THEM BOTH…NO, THE DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS WILL NOT BE THE SAME….BUT, BOTH SHOULD DO VERY WELL…FINALLY AMERICAN CARS THAT CAN COMPETE OVER THE IMPORTS
I suppose what each of us look for in a car differs. I’ve owned a first gen CTS and CTS-V (LS2). I would never find myself cross shopping a 2.0T FWD car with a 2.0T RWD, torque steer and under steer is such an annoyance of ‘high’ power FWD cars and never fully let you experience the power and torque the engine has to offer.
I understand some people just buy a car to move them around, but I buy a car to be driven. The Verano is a great car, inside, outside, and under the hood. But I can confidently say GM didn’t give the Verano and ATS the same turbo 2.0L 4 banger with the intent of people cross shopping the two.
I have a 1991 RX7 Turbo that I track and I always love the people who show up with their APR chipped GTI’s putting down 60+hp more than me and their FWD car just plows into the turns.
get the ats
Alex//////I went to Cadillac.com to build my ATS….the vertical LED headlights are optional….what do the headlikes look like when lit without the optional led? Do they still light up? Also, surprised the rear seat is not split and folding…no autodimmer……..
Dan, good question. I haven’t seen the ATS without the vertical LEDs, but I assume there will just be a non-LED reflection from the front headlights going into the place where the LED strip would be. It won’t look as sharp, but will still contain some light.
Thanks, Alex….I was so surprised such a focal point would be an upcharge!!!!!! I wonder if it could be added later? Love the car but sure has too many basic things missing on base car, I think….no rear split seat? Even economy cars all have that for free…and it is needed for such a small car too. I am so anxious to drive it soon 🙂
The light may be a focal point for us, but not the typical luxury car buyer; they’re not all that discerning when it comes to those kinds of details, although the LED surely makes it look better and will likely be wanted by most.
Also, a split folding rear seat is an option on many luxury cars… I believe it was the last-gen 3 Series that still offerred it as an option and the current (2013) C Class options it as well.
I expect the trim levels to change significantly after the first model year based on popularity. We’ll see 🙂
Alex….yes, the ATS is probably similar to the other Euro cars for standards….I think CTS had the similar equipment when it came out. Have you driven this car yet? I bet the dealers will have none of the basic ones available for awhile….later on, I suppose there will be a great lease on them or a good sale depending on how the sales go. Am anxious to see/drive one!
Alex, a lot of the discussion on Verano was regarding the lack of luxury features that Buick is offering for it….shouldn’t Cadillac be offering more for the base ATS…it has no autodimmers, no wood trim, etc…..
The packaging issues between Buick and Cadillac are not lost on us, the sales consultants… For instance, a standard edition Regal comes with leather and heated seats standard. A standard edition CTS (or SRX, for that matter) come with vinyl seats. You have to go to a Performance edition CTS to get fog lights, but every single Regal has them. I could go on and on… Backup sensors are not available on Standard or Luxury CTS sedans, etc., etc.
Thanks, Marc….just seems odd. It would not keep me from buyint either Buick or ATS…..The little details in the long run such as auto-dimming mirrors, etc. don’t make that much difference to me… I bet it will all change tho’
Marc…..I sure hope Cadillac people are hearing our irritation about lack of standards………..I know people will opt for Buick or whatever else insead
Alex, I forgot to ask about the foglights…..hope they are standard…..if not, I guess they could be added?
Dan — the fog lights (and their horizontal LED counterparts) aren’t standard on the base; they only start with the 2.0 Turbo Performance trim for $42,790.
Alex….bummer about fog lights!!!!!!! I hope they can be added??……that is what makes the car so elegant in my mind
Dan — I’m sure they can be added after; the more difficult part will be adding the interior controls (like the relay) to control them. It’s not impossible and is sometimes quite easy — just depends on the electronic setup of the ATS and its light relay/control system.
Alex, do you know what the door trim is on base ATS? Looks like brushed metal…..I guess no nice wood for this one.
If you decide on a CTS, wait on the 2014 to be released. I hate it when that happens to me with iPods.
the thing with the coupe is it will retain it’s resale even with the next gen CTS release. plus with the next gen moving up in size, price, and basically segment and only being sedan (at least for the first couple years) it shouldn’t affect depreciation on the coupe too much. It’ll be the ATS coupe that will be the question.
I’ll see what happens as the time draws nearer, but like I said, I dont foresee the CTS coupe depreciating much with the intro of the next GEn CTS and maybe not even that ATS coupe
I’m surprised that you can get CUE on the base model
$1300 for CUE……$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
It’s aboot time eh! 🙂
I’d like them to put the picture up alongside the current cars (when you mouse over and when you click “all vehicles” or “sedans”). Chevrolet put the Spark up like a year ago, and no one’s even excited about it.
Its a city car. Not a whole lot to be excited about.
City driving it what most of us do…..it will be perfect
I wouldn’t discount the Spark that quickly…
Very nice ………………….
202 Hp will do just fine if the car is 3300 lbs or less. Rear drive shfter would make it better
“Notably, the original offering of mixing and matching any which seating color to accent paneling isn’t allowed in the configurator.”
I don’t recall hearing about this. It’d be nice, as I prefer the aluminum accents, but I’m not that fond of black interiors (I prefer gray interiors, plus black interiors tend to get kind of hot).
John,,,,,yes it did say mix and match interiors….maybe that is only on top-end models………………….could be the site will update to that later on….was glad to see the caramel standard on base anyways….nice car!!
i must have missed it, then. I hope that ends up being the case. I prefer aluminum trim to wood trim in cars like the ATS/3er.
I do not like all the black used on the interiors….dash, headliner, seat bests, etc…….even in the caramel…..way too dark for a small car
John, I notice that most of ATS interiors come with black headliners and dash/door trim. from what I can see on the build-your-own……seems very dark for a small car? Even the carmal has that combo….seems strange. Oh well, I will drive one next month when they are available….I saws the XTS and it has the blond trim…so much nicer, I think
THE ATS configurator/price is online at Cadillac.com…so you all can build your dream car……I am very surprised how basic the entry-level model is….much like the Verano really for standard…..oh well, still looks super!
John…I hear the options to change out the interior trim panels will be available after first of year at Cadillac dealers in parts department? Check out “Caillactony” in Florida……
I hate Crystdl Red. Wish GM could have the guts to use Victory Red more.
Rocky….yes, that red is overused….I am tired of it…..I think a new shade of red is called for……we can hope so later
how about using salsa kinda red?
I think to compliment the premium Black and White diamond tricoat, have a pearl red with a satin clear would be amazing, they could do it for a royal blue pearl satin too.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q120/russgvrs/100_0926.jpg
or why not just do bright purple
or why not have one colour option, them all. then everyone gets the colour they want while at the same time not getting the colour they want.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads10/4953_12+JPG1184979996.jpg
that would be perfect on the Spark
Are you getting purple on a Cadillac?????
Vic…the late 80s had a heather-lilac color on Deville…..
Now this is what I am talking about folks . Another world class Caddy, not a stupid FWD Lincoln that can’t match the competition.
Enough of the upcharge for White Diamond. Give ATS buyers the option of Summit White like they have on the Verano & Regal. Not everyone wants to spend $995 for a paint color and not all of us like the golden hue of White Diamond.
Marc,,,,agree on white color…..$1k for paint is nuts…..I want the standard white as well….my first Cadillac was the Cotillion white GM used to offer…free!
Real White is just the way I’d want it.
Rj…..I am with you on the white but it is not available nor is the leather, spilt rear seat, autodimmers, fog lites, vertical pipe lites, etc….unless you ugrade
Rj….My sister bought her Lexus because of the colors on the Cadillac…she got the sparkling white paint she insisited on for free over the $1k upcharge from Cadillac
As I’ve posted on here previously, these are presently the best GM products I’ve seen in my lifetime. However, every so often a “competitor” introduces a new model with the advertised intent of competing with the BMW 3 series. Cadillac is now doing so with the upcoming ATS. And while this new model certainly looks promising, it is certainly NOT a direct competitor for the BMW.
Before every poster on here starts with the angry replies, here me out. I realize that this is an all-new model so the initial lack of a coupe and a convertible is not an issue. What is an issue is the powertrain lineup. The BASE motor for BMW is a 2L turbo four 240hp/255lb-ft…the BASE motor for the ATS is a 2.5L four 202hp/190lb-ft torque – this looks like it may be a nice engine for GM but it simply doesn’t belong in the ATS. The next engine for BMW is a 3L turbo six with 300hp/300lb-ft, and in the ATS it’s a 2L turbo four listed at 272hp/260lb-ft. After that you can have GM’s sweet 3.6L six boasting 321hp/275lb-ft. So, minus the ATS base engine, one might say they actually match up fairly well. This matchup even looks better when we see that both cars are available with AWD with both BMW engines, and the 2.0 and 3.6 in the ATS.
Here’s the problem with advertising that you’ll be competing with the BMW 3 series – the TRANSMISSION! BMW offer their 2.0 turbo and 3.0 turbo with RWD or AWD, and BOTH configurations are available with a 6-speed MANUAL transmission! The ATS 2.0 turbo and the 3.6 are both available with RWD or AWD, but a manual transmission is ONLY available with the 2.0 and RWD! This is an incredible failure by the Cadillac/GM brass in my view. The ATS is seemingly so close, but without the availability of proper option combinations, it sadly misses mark by a wide margin. This is typically what happens when directly challenge the big dog…you get bitten!
Steve, good points all around. The lack of a stick in the 3.6 ATS is an oversight, but one that I believe will be resolved in the long run. However, I’m dubious as to the amount of 335s sold with a stick. In the mid 2000s, that number was somewhere around 25% in the U.S. for the 330i — which, not counting the M3, was the top of the line 3er.
Also, the 2nd-generation Lexus IS made its debut without a stick in the up-level 350 trim. Guess what? It’s still not available. Here’s to hoping that GM will be more responsive in making market-based changes to the ATS configuration/line-up if market demand truly warrants the changes, that is.
I think what they need to focus is to put the 8 speed trans on their ATS and then perhaps putting the 8 speed on their SRX too since the RX F sport is having the 8 speed trans. But wait is ATS going to have AWD?
When taking into consideration that the current industry take rate for manual transmissions is only 7-8% overall, 25% is extremely high. Now consider the clientele who intentionally seek out the type of vehicle offered by BMW in order to get a manual transmission (me for instance), and the fact that Cadillac is directly marketing the ATS against a product with which it really does not compare, and I believe it would be well worth it for Cadillac to match BMW in powertrain options availability.
So, in my case, market demand for a ATS 3.6 AWD 6-spd manual will never be created because I won’t shop a vehicle that I already know doesn’t offer what I want.
My wife is currently driving a Saturn Aura with the 3.6 and 6-spd auto. GM’s 3.6 is really nice motor. This Saturn (6.5sec) is faster 0-60 than my old VW Jetta Wolfsburg (6.7sec), and the overall MPG we get is within 5-6…for a motor with 100+ more horsepower! And now GM has it bumped to over 300hp! Such a pity really, especially when we peruse the various GM websites and find that a Camaro can be had with the very same 3.6 and 6spd manual.
As for Lexus, they didn’t really market against BMW. They marketed as a luxury alternative to BMW. They never really feigned any sporting pretense with their product, except for the IS 250 with a manual which is laughable as a sports sedan. Lexus can’t sniff BMW with their current product.
Ever shop for a used vehicle? Ever notice how you can find loads of automatics and rarely a manual in a car you’re looking for? This is because the people that buy them, keep them. This is how automakers create customer loyalty, not with the leasing public. With a 25% take rate as you posted, Cadillac will be missing out on many, many potential sales. I’ll keep watching, but in the meantime, I’ll stick with BMW.
Agreed on all accounts.
But I should point out that Lexus specifically looked to take sales from the 3er with the 2nd gen IS. If I remember correctly, they wanted 1/3 of all 3er sales in North America. Not sure if they accomplished it, but sales of the IS increased drastically.
I wonder if the boys in charge of decision making at GM ever take a gander at this site. Looks like they could get some solid recommendations.
Excellent, Steve…..maybe the standard equipment levels woudl go up???? Like ATS fog lights and locking fuel door.
a base engine on one car doesnt have to align with the base engine on it’s competitor. the 2.5 on the ATS slots in below the base on the 3-series. it has to be that way since the ATS has 3 engine options. the 2.0T on the ATS is meant to align with the base engine on the 3, and likewise with the 3.6 vs 3.0. Cadillac is giving people a lower-end and cheaper option, which is a good thing for people who just want it for the ‘show’.
Agreed. But is there value in Cadillac moving down-market with the 2.5?
2.5 will be fine for 90% of average drivers….how may people do you think will be racing a Caillac about?
“Agreed. But is there value in Cadillac moving down-market with the 2.5?”
While I’m not a lover of turbo engines … I think the 2.0L should be the base ATS engine. With the 2.5 as the CRUZE LTZ engine and the base Verano engine.
Alex (and others) — don’t forget that not everyone buying the car will be an enthusiast. I sell plenty of CTS sedans to older folks who are retired and simply want the recognition of owning a Cadillac and they’ll never “drop the hammer” (‘Days Of Thunder’ reference). For them, the 2.5L will be more than enough.
For me, I’ll take the 2.0L, manual, RWD. But that’s just me…
I think Cadillac is pointing this car in the diretion of those that like to do a bit of spirited driving. They are not putting it together for those of you that would be happy with 145hp Sedan Deville. Then we have the Cadillac sales force that looks at pearl paint as a performance option.
Maybe Caddy is doomed.
Hey gang — I’m going to Philly tomorrow for training on the ATS. I’m a sales consultant at a Cadillac/Buick/GMC (& formerly Pontiac) dealership. It’s going to be four classroom style sections and a rally course set up in the parking lot of the hotel. Three of the sales consultants who went today and said it was an absolute blast. Apparently, we’ll be driving both a 4-cylinder auto and 3.6L ATS and our choice of two of the three competitors: BMW, Audi and Mercedes (can’t drive everything due to the number of participants).
In this road course situation, the Mercedes can’t handle the course _anywhere_ near as well as the other cars, the Audi is outclassed
[sorry, hit submit by accident]
…the Audi is outclassed, and the Cadillac *truly* gives the Beemer a run for the money. The 3.6L in the ATS apparently has been retuned (vs. the XTS, for instance) is a MONSTERRRRR in the ATS….
I’m really looking forward to it! I went to a similar training course for the Buick Regal GS/Verano launch and that was a awesome too.