Purpose built to take on the BMW 3 Series, at it’s debut GM North American President Mark Reuss said the Cadillac ATS won’t be competitive, “it will win.”
Weighing less than its rivals at under 3,400 lbs, the ATS is available with a base 200 hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a top-level 318 hp 3.6-liter V6 and an attractive mid-level turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 270 hp.
Using a unique rear-drive platform, the ATS will be the first compact sports luxury sedan to feature magnetic ride shock absorbers and will come with available Brembo brakes.
Styling is distinctively Cadillac although subdued from the CTS, while the interior gets real wood, metal and even genuine carbon fiber on some trim levels. The ATS will also get a long list of safety and convenience features.
Most importantly for its success, however, Cadillac representatives insist it will deliver driving dynamics that match or beat German rivals.
