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2013 Cadillac ATS unveiled at Detroit

The all-new Cadillac ATS has been unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The ATS will take on popular German car in the premium mid-size sedan segment, including the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, when it goes on sale in the US halfway through this year.


Featuring clean and crisp lines, and a solid front end with large vertical headlights, the ATS fits right into Cadillac’s current line-up and design theme. The ATS also features a number of innovative technologies in its design, including an active shutter grille that closes at highway speeds to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

The ATS will come in three rear-wheel drive variants, including a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 149kW and 255Nm; a 2.0-litre turbo four cylinder producing 201kW and 353Nm; and a flagship 3.6-litre V6 producing 237kW and 362Nm. All variants will come with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

These powertrains will give the ATS solid specifications to compete with the likes of the rear-wheel drive 3-Series and C-Class, and the Audi A4 when fitted with an optional all-wheel drive drivetrain.

The ATS has been a highly anticipated vehicle in recent months, promising to offer refined handling dynamics like the popular German rivals. It features a front-to-rear 51/49 overall weight (1542kg) distribution, and a new five-link independent rear suspension layout.

To keep on top of performance-oriented BMW and Mercedes-Benz mid-size models, the ATS will be available with optional Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, and FE3 sports suspension (as seen on the Holden Commodore SS V Redline).

The cabin is kitted out with GM's CUE infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, coupled with Bluetooth, USB and SD card compatibility. A Bose sound system and satellite navigation are optional.

Unfortunately for local GM fans, the new Cadillac ATS won't be coming to Australia. It will be a very important model for GM though, and not just in the US; reports say right-hand drive versions are on the cards, and are destined for Europe. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out.

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