The new 2013 Cadillac ATS is a highly anticipated vehicle positioning General Motors in a head-to-head competitive battle with the likings of BMW’s 3 Series and even the Benz C Class. Set to hit dealership showrooms this summer, the 2013 Cadillac ATS will sport rear wheel drive, optional all-wheel-drive, 3 different engine choices and a starting price tag of $33,990, including destination charges.
To remain quite competitive among enthusiasts and purists, the new 2013 Cadillac ATS will have many different trim levels and the availability of a six-speed manual transmission. Engine choices will start off with a 200 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The next powertrain will be a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, also found in the new Buick Regal GS, making 270 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox at a price starting at $35,795. The top-of-the-line ATS model will sport a starting price tag of $42,090 with the 3.6-liter V6 engine from the CTS making 320 horsepower coupled with an automatic transmission and the availability of all-wheel-drive.
Already, the battle between the BMW 3 Series and Cadillac ATS has heated up. We won’t know how the new baby Caddy stands in terms of value when it comes to equipment because the complete list of options and packages have not been revealed. For now, knowing the powertrain levels in the new 2013 Cadillac ATS, we have a good glimpse of how this battle will at least start. The ATS has already undercut the BMW 3 Series’ starting price of just over $35K but with a sacrifice of 40 horsepower in the ATS’ base engine.
Cadillac has additional plans to make the ATS stand out by introducing a bigger and more luxury-appointed CTS. Putting the CTS deeper into its midsized segment will hopefully gain those consumers who may be on the fence about paying the nearly matched CTS starting price of $36,810 or opting for a smaller mid-level-trimmed ATS.
Hit up the full press release below for additional information on the new 2013 Cadillac ATS.
2013 Cadillac ATS Priced from $33,990
New luxury sport sedan launches this summerDETROIT – The all-new, rear-wheel-drive Cadillac ATS compact luxury sport sedan with a fuel-efficient 2.5L engine and next-generation six-speed transmission will be priced starting at $33,990, including destination charges. Highway fuel economy will be well over 30 mpg.
“The ATS enters a vehicle segment this year that’s one of the most competitive in the market, from both a price and performance standpoint,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “ATS will bring a distinctive presence and compelling value while offering quick, nimble, fun-to-drive dynamics that will appeal to the lifestyles of modern luxury buyers and challenge the segment’s status quo.”
A mid-level model with a lightweight and powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine costs $35,795 including destination 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 320 horsepower, costing $42,090 including destination with an automatic transmission and standard content that includes CUE, leather 8-way power seats with memory, adaptive start and more. All-wheel drive will be available.
A full breakdown of availability and pricing of packages and options will be available later.
ATS goes on sale this summer, but already the new sport sedan is positively impacting Lansing, Mich., where more than 440 new employees have been hired at Cadillac’s Lansing Grand River plant where the ATS will be assembled. A total of 600 new employees are expected to be part of Cadillac’s $190 million investment in the facility.
A dedicated engineering team has traveled the globe refining and advancing the ATS to meet customer demands. The addition of advanced materials has reduced curb weight to less than 3,400 pounds, more than 100 pounds less than an Audi A4 or Mercedes-Benz C250.
Time spent at premier race tracks around the globe, including Road America, Road Atlanta, Phoenix International Raceway and the Nürburgring in Germany has enhanced the ATS’ sporty ride and handling and engine tuning. The 3.6L model is expected to have a 0-60 mph acceleration time of well below six seconds.
Cadillac’s new CUE user interface, standard on most ATS models, offers the first automotive use of capacitive touch to create an intuitive, modern way for drivers to interact with the car. This technology, used for most smartphones and tablet computers, uses electrodes to sense the conductive properties of objects, such as a finger.
