Cadillac is still over a year away from launching its new compact sedan, dubbed the ATS, but development cars are on the road. While we have seen mules before, this is the first time we are seeing the genuine article wearing its own sheetmetal.
The next-gen CTS is set to grow, better squaring off against cars like the BMW 5-series. The rear-wheel-drive ATS will come in below the larger CTS and will compete directly against the BMW 3-series, Infiniti G, and the like. Through the camo of this prototype, we can see that Cadillac’s smallest will carry on with the company’s Art and Science design theme, although the crease running lengthwise on the lower part of the doors will soften the look. The car spotted here is packing dual exhaust pipes and Brembo brakes, and could very well be a hotter ATS-V model.
If it is in fact the V, this prototype is powered by either a small-block V-8 or a turbocharged six. We’re anticipating that the regular ATS will holster a V-6 from the GM range—probably the 304-hp 3.6 from the CTS’s shelf—and possibly a smaller, 2.8-liter V-6. A turbo four could power the base model. All-wheel drive likely will be an option, as will a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Although the ATS will launch as a sedan, it is likely to eventually spawn a coupe and convertible as well.
The ATS will offer both six-speed automatic and manual transmission, but Cadillac didn’t specify which engines will get the manual. There’s also no word yet on a high-performance V variant yet, but Cadillac developed this car at the Nurburgring, where it set an 8:28:09 lap time presumably with the V-6 engine, so we’re hoping a V is on the way.
Cadillac predicts that the all-new ATS will be its highest-volume seller, taking over from CTS and SRX, and along with the new XTS large sedan will bookend the CTS in the lineup. It will be built in Lansing, Michigan, alongside the CTS. GM will invest $190 million and add 600 jobs to the plant to get the ATS built.
