JULY 2012: 2013 Cadillac ATS
To say that Cadillac is chasing the BMW 3 series with this car would be an immense understatement. The ATS’s footprint is such a spot-on copy of the BMW that the Caddy could proverbially step right into the BMW’s shoes. Even the EPA interior space is close, which is no accident at all. With the all-new ATS, Cadillac didn’t want to fit somewhere between Bimmer’s 3 and 5 series, which is what happened to the CTS, as well as Infiniti G sedans and more than one Acura. Nor did Caddy want to make the great mistake Lexus did with its IS—copying the BMW look, but falling down on the job of making a real driver’s car.
Nope, Cadillac says it wanted to beat the BMW 3 series in every part of the game. The ATS is a lighter car, at 3400 pounds, with more engine options that pack more punch. The Caddy’s 2.0-liter four delivers 270 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, topping the 240 hp and 260 lb-ft you’d get from the new 2.0-liter four in the 2012 328i. The ATS also offers a V-6 good for 320 hp, besting the BMW 335i by 20 hp. (Note, however, that the 335i can put down 300 lb-ft to just 267 for the V-6 Cadillac.)
Given what Cadillac has achieved with the CTS, which is a heavy platform, it’s going to be exciting to see what the carmaker can do with its sights set squarely on the lighter and nimbler 3 series. MSRP is still a ways off, but figure the ATS will have very similar pricing to the 3 series, perhaps minus the expensive markups.
Nope, Cadillac says it wanted to beat the BMW 3 series in every part of the game. The ATS is a lighter car, at 3400 pounds, with more engine options that pack more punch. The Caddy’s 2.0-liter four delivers 270 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, topping the 240 hp and 260 lb-ft you’d get from the new 2.0-liter four in the 2012 328i. The ATS also offers a V-6 good for 320 hp, besting the BMW 335i by 20 hp. (Note, however, that the 335i can put down 300 lb-ft to just 267 for the V-6 Cadillac.)
Given what Cadillac has achieved with the CTS, which is a heavy platform, it’s going to be exciting to see what the carmaker can do with its sights set squarely on the lighter and nimbler 3 series. MSRP is still a ways off, but figure the ATS will have very similar pricing to the 3 series, perhaps minus the expensive markups.
Read more: Best New Cars for 2012 - 12 Cool Cars Worth Waiting For - Popular Mechanics
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