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Cadillac wants 3 Series head on a plate. Image by Cadillac.

Cadillac wants 3 Series head on a plate
Has Cadillac created a genuine BMW 3 Series competitor? It seems to think so.
<< earlier Cadillac article     later Cadillac article >>

 


News homepage -> Cadillac news

The BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are the big players in the premium compact segment but Cadillac has finally stepped up to the plate to offer American consumers a home grown alternative in the ATS saloon that was revealed at the Detroit Auto Show.

It would have been easy for General Motors (Cadillac's parent company) to develop a cut down CTS or modify the platform that underpins the Vauxhall Insignia, but to compete with the 'Big Three' GM knew it had to create a brand new platform that was honed at the Nürburgring to offer European levels of handling and refinement. With this in mind the ATS rides on a combination of independent rear suspension with MacPherson struts up front and features a magnetic ride control system that can be adjusted by the driver for a sportier feel.

In addition to the Nürburgring finishing school the ATS was also put onto an un-American diet of aluminium, magnesium and other weight-saving technologies meaning it weighs in less than its competitors and has a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

At launch three engines will be offered: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with 270bhp, a 2.5-litre, 200bhp four-cylinder and a 3.6-litre V6 with 318bhp. Customers have the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

No word yet on whether or not the ATS will come to the UK, but if it does Cadillac will need to add a diesel engine to the line-up to entice buyers out of their 320ds.

Paul Healy - 10 Jan 2012

Earlier articles featuring 2012 Cadillac ATS

2012-01-09: Gallery: Cadillac's new 3 Series rival
2011-08-05: Cadillac to make new 3 Series rival


2012 Cadillac ATS. Image by Cadillac.2012 Cadillac ATS. Image by Cadillac.2012 Cadillac ATS. Image by Cadillac.2012 Cadillac ATS. Image by Cadillac.2012 Cadillac ATS. Image by Cadillac.

2012 Cadillac ATS. Image by Cadillac.2012 Cadillac ATS. Image by Cadillac.2012 Cadillac ATS. Image by Cadillac.2012 Cadillac ATS. Image by Cadillac.








www.cadillac.co.uk    - Cadillac road tests
- Cadillac news
- ATS images






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