Cadillac Sets Its Sights On BMW

For the first time in its 109-year history, Cadillac will target the world's best-selling luxury sedan with this: the 2013 Cadillac ATS, an all-new model meant to challenge the also-renewed BMW 3-Series inch for inch. On paper at least, it's a battle royale.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS is a luxury sedan rear-wheel-drive. According to GM's senior vice president of Global Product Development, Cadillac ATS will be important in the expansion of Cadillac cars.

The alloy accents are able to make the Cadillac ATS feature a luxurious appearance with aggressive styling. Using a new RWD and AWD system, handling is greatly improved and competes head on with the BMW 3 Series. The vehicle weighs only 1542 pounds is light enough to offer serious competition to the German automaker.

 

 

The Cadillac ATS 2013 will rely on the engine, 2.0 liter turbo. 2.0-liter direct-injection engines Cadillac ATS can spew 270 hp and 135 hp, the specific power / liter. Peak torque of 353 Nm at 2013 ATS. Remarkably, 90% of torque is achieved at 1500-5800 rpm.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS has three engine options. A 4-cylinder gasoline engine 2.0-liter turbo with 270 hp. There is also a 4-cylinder engine at 2.5-liters with 200 hp. The top powerplant is a 3.6-liter V6, which increases power to 320 hp. The engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission (4-cylinder) and automatic (V6).

 

The interior also comes across as far more contemporary than any made by Cadillac to date, from the styling relying on real wood and carbon fiber to the new CUE electronics system, built into a eight-inch LCD screen. The ATS sports the now-required full raft of electric safety tech such as lane departure warnings and automatic braking if the car senses an impending low-speed collision.

 

GM engineers started with an all-new chassis, one designed for handling first rather than the serene ride that is Cadillac's traditional hallmark. Tuned as most luxury cars are with laps around Germany's demanding Nürburgring track, the ATS' 50/50 front-rear weight balance and five-link rear suspension hold the promise of true razor-like handling. GM also managed to keep the weight of the ATS below 3,400 lbs. — besting the new 2013 BMW 3-Series.

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