DETROIT — Cadillac is moving forward with the often-teased ATS, a model slated for a 2012 debut and aimed straight at the Infiniti G37, Mercedes C-Class and other German and Japanese competitors in the entry-premium segment.
"We're finalizing the four-door showcar of the ATS first," a well-placed source told Inside Line. "Then we'll follow quickly after with a wagon, a coupe and a convertible."
A debate regarding the convertible is whether to go with a folding hardtop or a sturdy weight- and space-saving ragtop in the style of the last Audi A4 and the new A5/S5. The source said Cadillac is currently "not too sure about the compromises of a folding hardtop."
Whether we see the ATS sedan prototype in October in Paris or December in Los Angeles remains unclear, but the source hinted at L.A. as the right spot for the biggest splash.
Inside Line says: The crisis and GM bankruptcy seemingly haven't made Cadillac falter in its plans. — Matt Davis, Correspondent
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haaaaaaaaa says:
07:43 AM, 05/12/2010
The CTS already competes against the G37. I love the newer Caddies, but in all honesty, they don't even stack up to the current Infiniti. 328 base HP at a starting under 40K.....blah blah blah
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The official number of 3.6DI 304hp was tested by regular fuel and GM always limits their engine by a stupid air box for certain reasons, but CTS did have one very big disadvantage: it's weight.
Some tested the 3.6DI with 91 premium it outputs about 314~315hp.
Spend less than $100 bucks get a nice high flow filter.
Improve it's air flow and take that stupid air box out; pour nice engine oil and add "premium" or "super" gas.
330hp is a $100 bucks thing, seriously.
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lions208487 says:
04:11 PM, 04/21/2010
The CTS already competes against the G37. I love the newer Caddies, but in all honesty, they don't even stack up to the current Infiniti. 328 base HP at a starting under 40K, where a 3.6 DI CTS starts over 40K. the Infiniti offers many more standard features for the money. Don't get me wrong, the CTS is a fantastic car, but it's over priced. The ATS better come with enough HP to compete with Lexus IS line, because it doesn't sound like they will make a dent against the G37.
If the used the same platform they did with the G8 as BTR mentioned, thenthat could definitely work. I hope GM makes this world class, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. They better not go Catera on us!
pontiaksolsice says:
01:53 PM, 01/27/2010
@ btrdayz - I believe they are using a shortened Sigma II platform for the ATS, and I only think this because I don't know what else they could have developed in such a short time and profitably. The Solstice was never profitable.
And in regards to the hardtop thing, GM did this with the Pontiac G6. The car didn't have tons of room for bags in the trunk, I think it was just barely acceptable to call it a trunk. But in all reality are buyers of this car going to use all 4/5 seats, fill the trunk and then have the desire to put the top down? Probably but this is a car that compromises must be made, it won't work well in any car in this class.
Of course Pontiac also made the Solstice with a soft folding roof and that also proved to be less than space efficient. I think GM better just stick with a hardtop, it fits in with the level of prestige that Cadillac should have.
srlracing says:
01:33 PM, 01/27/2010
Dear Cadillac,
As an avid convertible buyer I have your answer. A ragtop! Scott Oldham knows I drive in even the coldest conditions with the top down on my CLK, even when he deemed it too cold in the Corvette Grand Sport. I always have the top down on my Miata. And for anything else with a folding top in my garage? If it is warm enough the top is down. Look at the Bentley GTC and Rolls drop-head, when money is the least of your worries the ragtop is king. So to be the Cadillac of the entry level luxury segment I believe a ragtop is the way to go. A trunk eating folding hard top might just take the ATS out of consideration for me.
Sincerely,
SRL
btrdayz says:
01:22 PM, 01/27/2010
Did GM develop a new platform for the ATS, or did they use something existing like the G8 or Solstice Kappa platform?