CADILLAC UNVEILS THE ATS
Detroit Auto Show preview
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Published on Sun, Jan 8, 2012
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
Cadillac Channels HE for World Debut of ATS
Words by Chris Merlo
That’s HE as in Harley Earl, the legendary General Motors design whiz. On the eve of the opening of the 2012 North American International Auto Show, Cadillac chose the location of what was once Harley Earl’s design studio to reveal the new 2013 ATS – an entry-level luxury sedan. Additionally, General Motors donated the building that once housed GM’s design studios to the College for Creative Studies, an important “breeding ground” for up and coming automotive designers. In fact, over 20 grads from the school worked on the ATS program.
GM says the new ATS is every bit a world-class car developed to go head to head with German luxury competitors, who virtually own the entry-level luxury segment. The ATS is built on a dedicated rear-wheel drive platform with optional all-wheel drive as well as a right-hand-drive configuration. Three powertrains will be offered including 2.0L four-cylinder turbo that delivers 270HP; a standard 2.5L four cylinder that will deliver an estimated 30 MPG; and an optional six cylinder with a hefty 320HP output. A diesel powertrain is also in the pipeline. And get this, a manual transmission that is sure to grab the attention of driving enthusiasts.
Overall, the ATS is eight inches shorter than the CTS and thanks to extensive use of lightweight body frame materials, it is one hundred pounds lighter than the Audi A4 and MB’s C Class—its direct-facing competitors along with the BMW 3 Series. Look for ATS to hit showrooms later this year.
