The ATS is Cadillac’s next attempt to set a new standard for compact luxury sports sedan class.  It is an all new car built from the ground up with rear wheel drive, near 50/50 weight distribution, and one of the lowest curb weights in its segment.  The result is a convincing formula for a quick, nimble and fun-to-drive car.

Engine options include the following: 
    * Standard 2.5L with est. 200 hp
    * Available 2.0L turbo with est. 270 hp
    * 3.6L V-6 with est. 318 hp

All of the engines include direct injection and dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing, and are paired with six-speed automatic transmissions.  A six-speed manual is also available with the 2.0L turbo only. The ATS will deliver peak highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg.

On the technology side, the ATS offers the Cadillac User Experience (CUE). The heart of CUE is the eight-inch LCD touch screen integrated within the instrument panel.  The faceplate is motorized and conceals a small storage area for a smartphone or other small item. The bright LCD screen displays CUE’s home page, which resembles a smart phone’s screen, and utilizes icons to execute commands.

The ATS will be offered in Standard, Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections models and it will be assembled in Lansing MI.  It goes on sale in the US beginning summer 2012.  We can’t wait to drive one.

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