Cadillac is giving the ATS Sedan some notable updates for the 2016 model year.
To start, the Majestic Plum Metallic, Black Diamond Tricoat, and Opulent Blue Metallic are replaced by Cocoa Bronze Metallic, Moonstone Metallic, and Stellar Black Metallic — all of which are available at an extra charge.
On the powertrain side of the house, the 2016 Cadillac ATS swaps the 3.6L V6 LFX engine for the all-new 3.6L V6 LGX with stop-start and cylinder deactivation (Active Fuel Management), while the 6-speed automatic transmission is swapped for the new 8-speed 8L45 automatic. Meanwhile, the  2.0L I4 Turbo LTG gains an engine start/stop system like its larger 3.6L brother.
Notably, the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system gets all kinds of updates, such as improved speed and performance, faster and more accurate map loading and voice command execution, faster service reprogramming, redesigned navigation interfaces, Bluetooth media streaming, and more. In addition, the system does away with the SD card slot.
There are also changes to the Safety and Security, Driver Awareness, and Driver Assist packages. Lastly, the Advanced Security Package now includes a remote locking fuel filler door on the Performance and Premium Collections.
Check the official RPO-level changes:
Deletions
- Exterior color (G7U) Majestic Plum Metallic
- Exterior color (GLK) Black Diamond Tricoat
- Exterior color (GTR) Opulent Blue Metallic
- SD card slot removed from Cadillac CUE
- (LFX) 3.6L V6 engine
- (MYA) 6-speed automatic transmission
New Features
- Exterior color (G1F) Cocoa Bronze Metallic (available at extra charge)
- Exterior color (GA6) Moonstone Metallic (available at extra charge)
- Exterior color (GB8) Stellar Black Metallic (available at extra charge)
- (N08) Remote locking fuel filler door
- (LGX) 3.6L V6, SIDI, DOHC, VVT engine (3.6L RWD and AWD)
- (KL9) Engine control, start/stop system
- (M5T) 8-speed automatic transmission (2.5L RWD)
- (M5N) 8-speed automatic transmission (2.0L Turbo RWD and AWD and 3.6L RWD and AWD)
Changes
- Cadillac CUE upgrades include improved system speed and performance, faster, more accurate map loading and voice command execution, faster service reprogramming, redesigned navigation interfaces, single press mute navigation voice/cancel route, expanded cities with 3D maps, route information and next maneuver and BT Media browsing
(PCW) - Safety and Security Package now includes Lane Change Alert, (N08) remote locking fuel filler door, (UKC) Side Blind Zone Alert and (UFG) Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (Luxury Collection only)
- (Y61) Advanced Security Package now includes (N08) remote locking fuel filler door (Performance and Premium Collections)
- (Y65) Driver Awareness Package now includes Lane Change Alert, (UKC) Side Blind Zone Alert and (UFG) Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (Performance and Premium Collections)
- (Y66) Driver Assist Package no longer includes Lane Change Alert, (UKC) Side Blind Zone Alert and (UFG) Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (Performance and Premium Collections)
Comments
It’s good that they’re updating the ATS and not letting sit and rot.
All welcome and positive changes. Love the motor and tranny swap.
I hope changes made to the CUE make it truly better.
I think it is the normal evolution of these systems. The BMW iDrive and Mercedes COMMAND were not well regarded when they were first introduced either but they steadily improved them to where they are the standard bearers.
Now what are the chances that Cadillac scraps the 2.5NA engine for the 2017 model year?
How about a detuned 2.0T or a more powerful 1.8T base engine.
I think they ought to get rid of the base 2.5NA. It have no place in a luxury sports sedan, but the 2.0 is fine as it is, and should be the base engine, I see no need to detune it. What is desperately needed is the 3.0 V6 turbo (V sport maybe) to bridge the cap to the ATS-V
I hope they addressed the rear legroom…for the China market they make the ATS L which gives 3.3 inches rear legroom…Why China??? We like rear legroom here in North America as well!!!!!!
I agree the 3.3 more legroom would help, but I doubt it’s coming here. China there is a huge market for spacious rear seats and it’s built there for msrp tax reasons and would cost too much to import here and here it may just canibilize some of the cts sales. I’m pretty sure though the next ats will be a bit bigger overall so an entry level sedan can slot beneth it.
Now this is what I’m talking about, and I hope that more buyers will enter Cadillac showrooms. Hence, I do expect to see improve EPA numbers, along with good performance stats that would match its rivals. This is great news, now only if I could afford one. Hmm!
I love my 2014 ATS 2.0 AWD – and it kills me that these cars are not more popular!! The changes for the 2016 model sound great!! Cadillac just needs to advertise and for the love of god open a dealership in the downtown (or close to) of Toronto!!
Isn’t Addison on Bay still a Caddi dealership?
Really? Adding 8 speed on the 2.5 but not the 2.5 on Malibu?
Caddy should get the best available hardware. The 8-speed auto WILL come with the Malibu 2.0T. While there will be no more 2.5, I seriously doubt anyone buying a base engined Malibu will miss it or even care. Malibu will already get good enough fuel economy without it, and be able to be offered at a lower price than if the 8-speed were included.
Agree. The malibu should have a better EPA rating than a cadillac because people who drive luxury sport sedans are not as interested in fuel savings (esp. since these use much more costly premium fuel). The new malibu will get the 8 speed, but only on the upgraded 2.0T, not the 1.5T. GM needs to learn that the bread & butter cars should get the newest and best tech too. Compare standard features in a base Accord with the Malibu – pretty huge technological divide.
Cost factor surely. The Malibu with 2.5NA is meant as the value leader to achieve a comparable low price point to the Fusions, Camrys, Accords and Altimas of the world.
Using the 8 speed in that model would make it to expensive.
The ATS prices and that market segment can better handle the cost increase.
I love my 2015 ATS! It’s the Performance RWD trim with a 2.0t I4. I’m pretty sure I clicked every option when I ordered it (including Majestic Plum exterior and Light Neutral / Cashmere interior). I get compliments on it daily. I’m truly sad to see the Majestic Plum exterior go away because it is beautiful. I think these updates keep the ATS a solid competitor in the market! It would be a shame if it didn’t increase sales.
The ATS won’t get any engine updates after this though. The 2.5L I4 is staying until the new CT# compact luxury sedan/coupe comes out. I have a few suggestions (even though Johan de Nysschen knows what he’s doing):
-Get new trim levels names (especially standard because it sounds, well, standard….)
-Advertise the trim level on the car (ATS Performance or SRX Premium or CTS Luxury) to increase brand perception
For the new ATS replacement (CT#), I’d like to see:
Standard/Luxury- 1.6t I4 with 205HP and 220LB-FT
Luxury/Performance- 2.0t I4 with 265HP and 275LB-FT
Premium- 3.6L V6 with 332HP and 280LB-FT
V Sport- 2.7t V6 with 350HP and 360LB-FT
V- 3.6tt V6 with 465HP and 445LB-FT
I skimmed but I did not see DRL (LED) available, unless the Performance model or Premium etc. When I drove my 2013 ATS for the first time I sadly realized they did not come on my $50,000 MSRP Luxury model. I was SO excited to get this car I missed the detail. I thought it was separate from the swivels etc. To this day it has bothered me.
Cadillac wants the younger demo badly, but messes this up badly. You never ever see the competition without their funky LED’s. You see them coming and know there is something cool coming at you. But base and even “Lux” models could well be a Malibu heading your way.
If you go to Cadillac forums you will see over and over the same thing happened with other new owners, so I am not the only stupid one. I have checked constantly with GM to get an aftermarket kid…. nothing.
Bottom line is, they need to make the “entry” level ATS shine like a diamond if they want to get, hold onto these new , young buyers. They want people to go “WTF is that!?”. Hit them hard so they think twice when their 3 series lease comes up.
I wonder who the fanboy was who go to this down ?
I think the led lights should be standard on the ATS as well because the led are on the car why not the ATS? Also the fog lights and the adaptive lights as well. Charge 500 more base price and include it. Because it’s what everyone she’s when your driving down the street and the LED lights look cool…..
My dream ATS config:
Luxury model, AWD, 8 speed auto, 6.2L LT1
Although, I guess that’s also a fancy version of the 2016 Camaro SS :p
I agree that the Luxury level should have the HID headlights and LEDs, but
nobody should have bought a ATS without verifying the options.
The Performance model would have been better named Touring or
Eliminate that version and simply have a Touring Pkg that includes what is
standard on the Perf. I think CTS will be consolidating a model or two like this.
With the % increases in gas mileage, wit new engine + trans, highway for the V6
should hit 30. I am curious if the stop start affect 0-60.
I agree the 2.5 has no place being in a car this nice. This is one of the best Cadillacs I’ve ever been in. The 2.5 is not adequate for This car. Sounds like an old S10 I used to own.