Cadillac ATS’s Lighter Weight is Competitive Advantage

Like an athlete training for a major competition, Cadillac is completing its preparations for the all-new 2013 ATS, including finalizing key performance specifications. The ATS with the 2.5L engine and automatic transmission has an official base curb weight of 3,315 lbs. (1503.7 kg) – making it the lightest vehicle in the U.S. segment that includes the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.

The all-new compact luxury sport sedan translates that mass efficiency into nimble, quick performance. The 3,461-lb. (1573 kg) rear-wheel-drive ATS achieves 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds – among the fastest in its segment compared to mainstream competitor variants – when equipped with a 3.6L V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission.

“Being quick and agile are highly valued qualities in the compact luxury sport sedan segment,” said David Masch, ATS chief engineer. “We designed and engineered ATS’s all-new vehicle architecture to deliver a spirited driving experience that builds on Cadillac’s sport heritage and success with its performance-tuned CTS-V.”

The lightweight construction combines with sleek aerodynamics and other efficient engineering techniques to enable excellent, GM-estimated fuel economy of 32 mpg highway and 22 mpg in city driving for the 2.5L and 2.0L turbo (EPA estimates are not yet available).

An aluminum hood and front suspension parts, magnesium engine mount brackets and natural-fiber door trim panels contribute to ATS’s light weight. The ATS development team also reduced weight in the rear suspension by using specially engineered straight steel links with mass-reducing holes instead of using aluminum.

ATS’s performance also benefited from efficient 50-50 mass distribution between the front and rear.  ATS’s segment-leading lower curb weight enabled the use of optimized high-strength aluminum 18-inch wheel forgings and front Brembo brakes that deliver a 60-0 stopping distance of approximately 129 feet.

ATS also uses an acoustically laminated windshield and side windows that are lighter than standard tempered glass and provide better wind and powertrain noise reduction for a quiet interior. Acoustically laminated glass also offers almost double the amount of ultraviolet ray protection.

“With the ATS, Cadillac set out to deliver a leading compact luxury sport sedan that would be fun to drive year-round, while providing all of the amenities and advanced technologies that luxury car buyers expect,” said Don Butler, U.S. vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “ATS provides a new entryway to Cadillac for luxury car buyers, and strives to become a compelling challenger in a segment dominated by Europeans. The only way to achieve that mission was to create an excellent driver’s car.”

ATS with an efficient 2.5L engine and next-generation six-speed transmission will be priced starting at $33,990, including destination charges (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees).

The standard lightweight and powerful 2.0L turbocharged model is priced at $35,795, including destination (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees) and will offer automatic and manual transmissions, and rear- or all-wheel drive.

Topping the engine range is a 3.6L V-6 with a preliminary rating of 321 horsepower (239 kW), costing $42,090 including destination (excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees) with an automatic transmission and standard content that includes the Cadillac User Experience (CUE,) a comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience; leather seating surfaces are included as well as eight-way power front seats plus two-way power lumbar, adaptive remote start and more. All-wheel drive also is available.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

Courtesy of Cadillac Media