2013 Cadillac ATS Test Drive

On Sale Date: Fall 2012

Price: $33,900 to $42,090

Competitors: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Powertrains: (example) 2.5-liter I-4, 202 hp, 191 lb-ft; 2.0-liter I-4 turbo, 272 hp, 260 lb-ft; 3.6-liter V-6, 321 hp, 275 lb-ft; six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, RWD or AWD

EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 19?22/28?32 (est.)

What's New: The ATS represents another step in Cadillac's campaign to match the performance and catch up to the sales numbers of the premium German sports sedans, in particular the long dominant BMW 3 Series. It's a compact sedan?the lightest Caddy in decades?developed on all-new architecture that's smaller than the midsize CTS. The ATS is basically rear-wheel drive, with the option of sending power to all four wheels. It comes to Cadillac showrooms in mid-August with three engine choices, two transmissions (automatic and manual, both six-speed), and a wide variety of trim and infotainment options. The softened styling is consistent with the design language established by the CTS.

The body shell is a masterpiece of designing for high chassis rigidity and simultaneous weight reduction. Materials include an alchemist's recipe of high-strength steel, aluminum, and a pinch or two of magnesium, painstakingly whittled and shaved?a gram here, a gram there?to minimize curb weights. Those weights range from just over 3300 pounds to 3629 for all-wheel drive and V-6 power, according to Cadillac. At the same time, the symphony of structural materials, spot welds, rivets, and structural adhesives yields a very stiff body shell, up to 40 percent stiffer than the midsize CTS. Chassis rigidity is the key to all vehicle dynamics, and the ATS delivers.

Tech Tidbit: Infotainment electronics keep getting more sophisticated, more graphically attractive, and more easily accessible. Cadillac CUE (for Cadillac User Experience) is the latest example. It's capable of pairing data from up to 10 Bluetooth mobile devices, USB plug-ins, SD cards, and MP3 players, with fewer buttons and larger icons.

Driving Character: Cadillac's ATS strategy was simple: Duplicate BMW 3 Series dynamics, including its eager responses, supple ride, quiet interior, and surgically precise steering. The ATS nails most of that list, particularly because of Cadillac's auto-damping magnetorheological shocks (better known as Magnetic Ride Control), part of the FE3 suspension. Body motions are well controlled, with limited roll, great balance, right-now transient response, and powerful fade-free braking. The manual transmission (turbo only) amplifies the bond between car and driver. Though there could be improvement on one particular attribute (see Driver's Grievance), the ATS generally inspires confidence, simultaneously delivering all-day comfort.

Favorite Detail: In a competitive set that prioritizes decisive responses, Cadillac's FE3 suspension package, with Magnetic Ride Control damping, limited-slip differential, and Brembo brakes, puts the ATS on an equal dynamic footing with its German rivals. This combination, with the 2.0-liter turbo and manual transmission, would not be out of place at track-day events.

Driver's Grievance: Cadillac's electric rack-and-pinion power steering varies assist, but tactile information is all but absent. The Tremec six-speed manual gearbox makes the most of the turbo's torque, but shift engagements could be more positive.

The Bottom Line: The ATS's engine trio, distinctive styling, and other highlights give it the chops to be the first truly competitive compact luxury sports sedan from the U.S. It also delivers a broad range of trim and feature choices, across a price ladder that climbs from $33,900 to $42,090. Best in class? To be determined. A contender? No question.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/drives/2013-cadillac-ats-test-drive-10152611?src=rss

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