We expect the next-generation Cadillac ATS to reach the market for the 2020 model year as an all-new model with a new name. Until then, we expect the current, first-generation ATS to receive minor changes, updates, and improvements.
Following is speculative and unconfirmed information about the future Cadillac ATS. This page is a continuous work-in-progress and will be updated on a regular basis as we await official details from General Motors and Cadillac.
If you notice any inaccuracies about the information provided, or have edits to suggest, please let us know here.
Last redesigned model year: | 2013 (first generation) |
Expected redesign model year: | 2020 (second generation, first generation CT3) |
Expected name: | Cadillac CT3 |
Current platform: | Alpha (Alpha 1) |
Future platform: | Alpha 2 |
Layout: | FR (front-engined, rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive) |
Current body styles: | four-door sedan, two-door coupe |
Future body styles: | four-door sedan and two-door coupe; possibly two-door convertible and four-door wagon for Europe |
Segment: | compact (C-segment) |
Expected gasoline engines: | turbo I-4, naturally aspirated and turbocharged V-6, possible twin-turbo 8 cylinder, possible plug-in hybrid |
Expected diesel engines: | four-cylinder turbo-diesel |
Expected transmissions: | 10-speed automatic, 6-speed manual |
Overview
- What: an all-new compact sport-luxury sedan, likely called Cadillac CT3
- When: a launch in the 2019Â calendar year as a 2020 model year vehicle
- Why: an all-new CT3 will strengthen Cadillac’s position in the compact sport-luxury sedan/coupe segment against strong competition such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3/4 Series, and Audi A4/A5 family and the Lexus IS/RC
- Where: sold in all current markets where Cadillac has a business presence, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, South Korea, the Middle East, Russia, and Europe. The next ATS could be sold in more countries if the Cadillac brand enters new markets.
Expectations
Following are our expectations of the future Cadillac ATS:
- Based on the GM Alpha 2 platform, driven by the rear wheels with optional all-wheel-drive
- Called Cadillac CT3, in line with Cadillac’s new vehicle naming nomenclature
- Grow in size (length) compared the first-generation model to roughly 185 inches long, thereby becoming the same size as its direct competitors while creating room for a new sub-ATS model
- Maintain the best-in-class driving characteristics of the first-generation ATS
- Adopt Cadillac’s new design language similar to the Cadillac Escala concept
- Introduce a much-improved interior, with increased levels of refinement, luxury, and convenience
- Include the GM Super Cruise autonomous driving technology
- Introduce the new Cadillac 4.2L V-8 DOHC twin-turbo engine, possibly on the ATS-V model
- Introduce a plug-in hybrid/PHEV variant like the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid
Body Styles
We expect the upcoming future Cadillac ATS to continue being available as a compact luxury sedan and coupe. A two-door convertible variant is possible, as is a “four-door coupe” along the lines of the BMW 4 Series Grand Coupé and Audi A5 Sportback. A wagon model is possible, targeted for Cadillac’s entry into the European market.
Price
We expect the starting price of the next Cadillac ATS to be in the $36,000 range, a slight increase compared to the first-generation model.
Platform
We expect the next ATS to ride on the GM Alpha 2 (A2) platform shared with the next Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Camaro.
Powertrain
We expect the next Cadillac ATS to feature the following engine choices:
- New turbo 2.0L I-4 engine with automatic engine stop/start functionality  to replace the GM 2.0L Turbo LTG  (gasoline)
- 3.6L V-6 LGX with automatic engine stop/start functionality as an upgrade for the 2.0L Turbo (gasoline)
- Twin-Turbo 3.0L V-6 LGW (gasoline) in ATS V-Sport (gasoline)
- New Twin-Turbo Cadillac 4.2L V-8 DOHC engine in ATS-V (gasoline)
- Electric plug-in hybrid/PHEV (gasoline/electric)
- New turbo-diesel engine for select markets (diesel)
We expect that the next ATS will be offered with the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission on some powertrain combinations; the plug-in hybrid model will have its own powertrain.
Production
We expect the future Cadillac ATS to continue being assembled by GM USA at the GM Lansing Grand River factory in Michigan.
Competitors
The future Cadillac ATSÂ will have the following competitors:
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- BMW 3 Series/4 Series
- Audi A4 family/A5 family
- Volvo S60/V60
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Lexus IS/RC
- Infiniti Q50
- Acura TLX
Before The All-New Model
Before the all-new future ATS reaches the market, we expect the current first-generation Cadillac ATS to receive minor changes, updates, and improvements. See information about the current ATS by using the following links:
- 2013 Cadillac ATS
- 2014 Cadillac ATS
- 2015 Cadillac ATS
- 2016 Cadillac ATS
- 2017 Cadillac ATS
- 2018 Cadillac ATS
- 2019 Cadillac ATS
Discussion
Discuss the next-generation Cadillac ATSÂ in our Cadillac forum.
News
Follow our coverage of Cadillac ATSÂ news and Cadillac ATS-VÂ news.