After being rumored for quite some time, the new Cadillac->ke18 ATS compact sedan has officially been unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The car was built to challenge some of the world's best premium cars like the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class. It will go on sale in Summer 2012.

The new 2013 Cadillac ATS->ke3619 will be distinguished by its active shutter grille, LED-infused headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim, vertical taillights, and integrated trunk spoiler. It is also the first Cadillac model to carry the CUE infotainment system - an eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen that is integrated into the top of the center instrument panel.

Customers will have the possibility to choose between three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 200 HP, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 270 HP, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 318 HP. All three engines can be combined with either a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission, as well as an optional all-wheel drive system.

"Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac’s portfolio into a crucial global segment," said Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac. "For a new group of luxury consumers, this is a car that will fit their lifestyle and challenge the segment’s status quo."

UPDATE 06/17/12: Cadillac has released the official online configurator for the ATS sedan. Hop on over to the Caddy website and put on your creative hats and play away!

UPDATE 07/18/12: The new Cadillac ATS will be the star of a new series of videos featuring the sedan traveling the world to challenge some of the most punishing roads on Earth. Watch as the ATS' advanced features are challenged and set the standard in every corner of the earth.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Cadillac ATS.

2013 Cadillac ATS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Cadillac ATS
  • Engine/Motor: V-6 DI VVT
  • Horsepower: 318 / 237 @ 6800
  • Torque: 267 / 362 @ 4900
  • Transmission: manual and automatic transmission options
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2013 ATS takes Cadillac’s Art & Science design language and reinterprets it for proportions relative to the vehicle's compact design. The compact model sits at 182.8 inches/4643mm long, 55.9 inches/1421 mm tall, and 71.1 inches/1805 mm wide. Its wheelbase measures 109.3 inches/2775 mm, with a 59.5 inches/1512 mm track in the front and a 60.9 inches/1548 mm track in the rear. The ATS was built using a new rear-wheel drive platform with a total weight of only 3400 lbs and a 51/49 weight distribution. Cadillac managed to keep the weight as low as possible by using an aluminum hood, magnesium engine mount brackets, and lightweight, natural-fiber door trim panels.

As for the standout features of the car, the Cadillac ATS now boasts of an active shutter grille that closes at certain highway speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and enhance fuel economy. Added to the mix are LED-infused headlights, a chrome trim, vertical taillights, an integrated trunk spoiler, and 17-18" painted, polished, or machined-face alloy wheels.

Interior

The elegance and simplicity of the exterior flows inside of the vehicle towards a driver-focused interior with integrated technology and crafted materials like real wood, plated metal plating, and carbon fiber trim. Of course, these features are second to the all-new Cadillac CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system that includes an eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, seamlessly integrated into the top of the center instrument panel and a motorized fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area. The ATS marks the first Cadillac to feature the CUE system.

Engine

On the North American market, the 2013 Cadillac ATS will be offered with a choice of three engines: two four-cylinders and a V-6. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 200 HP, while the middle child of the group is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 270 HP. The honor of the top version goes to the 3.6-liter V6 with 318 HP. The ATS will be offered with both manual and automatic transmission options, along with rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The new Cadillac ATS will be offered with:

  • Nearly 50/50 weight balance
  • Cadillac’s first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
  • A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
  • Driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping
  • Underbody aerodynamic shields
  • Premium (belt driven) electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
  • Four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes
  • Available all-wheel drive

2.0L Turbo DI VVT

2.5L I-4 DI VVT

3.6L V-6 DI VVT

Displacement (cu in / cc):

122 / 1998

150 / 2457

217 / 3564

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86

3.46 x 3.97 / 88 x 101

3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Block material:

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

Fuel delivery:

direct high-pressure fuel injection

direct high-pressure fuel injection

direct high-pressure fuel injection

Compression ratio:

9.2:1

11.4:1

11.5:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

270 / 201 @ 5300 (est)

200 / 149 @ 6200 (est)

318 / 237 @ 6800 (est - gas)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

260 / 353 @ 2400 (est)

188 / 255 @ 4500 (est)

267 / 362 @ 4900 (est - gas)

Recommended fuel:

premium recommended but not required

regular unleaded

regular unleaded or E85

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6350

7000

7200

Estimated fuel economy:

TBD

TBD

TBD


Prices

The 2013 Cadillac ATS will go on sale in Summer 2012. Prices will start from $35,195, including destination charges. The 2.0L turbocharged version will cost $35,795, while the V6 version comes with a price of $42,090. The top version will be offered with an automatic transmission and standard content that includes CUE, leather 8-way power seats with memory, adaptive start, and more.

Competition

Cadillac built the ATS as a cheaper alternative to models like the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class.

The new BMW 3-Series is offered with a choice of four engines - two petrol and two diesel - with powered ranging from 184 to 306 HP. The Mercedes C-Class is offered in a choice of 11 different models, both petrol and diesel, with the most powerful delivering 306 HP. These figures provide the ATS with the advantage of being a bit more powerful than both challengers, with what we can easily assume will be a cheaper price tag.