The Cadillac ATS is one of the newer models on the market today and certainly is one that gives the BMW and Mercedes- Benz engineers nightmares. How could an American car offer some of the same luxury features as their beloved 3 Series and C-Class? The ATS answers every question asked of it from the equipment, drive, power, performance and prestige aspect to give us a car that we can turn our attention to and love one of our own domestic models and thumb our noses at the competitors and their haughty ways.
The engaged driving of the ATS shows itself in this, which is the smallest of the Cadillac cars, to be an amazing compact luxury sedan and coupe. With top of the line technology, a gorgeous and fresh look and the V-Series that makes some of the highest horsepower and most sport tuned driving available the ATS is a car well worth the price. For 2016 this car adds an eight- speed automatic transmission, more speed to the CUE infotainment system, more power for the V6 and the track ready ATS-V which comes in both models to be made to go up against the M3 and the AMG models.
Since we are talking power, let’s take a look at the engines offered. Across the lineup there are two transmissions used, a six-speed manual or the already mentioned eight-speed automatic. The base engine comes in as a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that shows up with 202 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque. This model sues the automatic transmission and offers 22 city/32 hwy mpg of fuel mileage.
Second is the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. With both transmissions available this engine offers 22 city/31 hwy mpg for the RWD automatic, 22 city/30 hwy mpg for the AWD automatic and 20 city/29 hwy for the RWD manual. The third engine is a 3.6-liter V6 which gives us 333 horsepower and 285 lb.-ft. of torque. Only the automatic is available for this engine which allows for 20 city/30 hwy mpg for the RWD model and 19 city/28 hwy mpg for the AWD version. At the top of the engines is the 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 in the ATS-V model. Offering up 464 horsepower and 445 lb.-ft. of torque this version is track ready and powerful while giving you 17 city/23 hwy mpg from the manual and 16 city/24 hwy mpg from the automatic. Only the ATS-V requires premium fuel, which certainly gives this car an advantage over other luxury models.
Driving this new Cadillac ATS gives you a feeling of control with the softness and comfort of riding on a cloud. With the use of the magnetic ride suspension and the stiffness of the chassis you can easily push this car through turns in a way that makes you smile knowing you made the right choice. If you opt for the ATS-V you can head out to the track and find yourself leading the pack past some sports cars and other highly tuned luxury models.
When you think Cadillac you expect comfort and luxury features. The interior of the ATS is full of both for you to enjoy. Even though this is the smallest car in the Cadillac lineup it offers you plenty of space to enjoy the drive and take advantage of the equipment offered. With high end materials such as leather seating, wooden trim pieces and an infotainment system that allows you to be fully engaged this car is fun from every seat giving you a great ride and a comfortable place to be.
The exterior offers you want has become the Cadillac signature with the angular body and awesome features. The front grill is adorned in Chrome with the Cadillac emblem in place up front for you to show off. the full LED headlights and taillights will let everyone know this is a luxury car that is made for the drive. When you move to the ATS-V you do add sporty features such as the aerodynamic s front spiller, rear spoiler, side panels and 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and special tire made just for the ATS-V so it can tear up the track.
The standard offerings for the ATS show up with dual-zone climate controls, keyless entry, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system, a rearview camera, Brembo front brakes and 18-inch wheels. All models also take advantage of the GM OnStar system which can run the Wi-Fi hotspot technology so you can connect up to seven devices. The ATS-V offers the magnetic ride control suspension, larger Brembo brakes, a five mode traction management system with launch control and much more as standard fare. Even at the base offering the ATS is a car you can easily enjoy and know you are getting a great vehicle to drive.
The options for the ATS add a variety of offerings. These include a leather upholstery package, power front seats, a rearview camera, the CUE infotainment system, a ten-speaker Bose premium audio system, lane departure warning, forward collision alerts, a navigation system, a split-folding rear seat, a head up display, bling spot monitoring, automatic front and rear emergency braking, wireless phone charging, the magnetic ride suspension, AWD and magnesium paddle shifters. You get to choose how luxurious or sporty your drive will be in your new Cadillac ATS, which can be whatever you want it to be.
For a luxury car you might be surprised to find the base model of the ATS begins at $34,200 for the sedan and around $39,000 for the coupe. A loaded model can easily reach up over $50,000 and the ATS-V comes in at an even higher price at $61,460 for the sedan and $63,660 for the coupe. Adding any features to the ATS-V the price can reach over the mid-$70,000 price point and give you a car that is amazing to drive and a luxury model that you can fall in love with and have an amazing drive.
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