Tag: 2013 Cadillac ATS

Today the brand Cadillac has just introduced the new 2013 Cadillac ATS. This is an all-new compact luxury sports sedan which has the aim to challenge the world’s best premium cars. It was developed with lightweight vehicle architecture and will go on sale this summer. What is so special about this vehicle is that the rear-drive ATS brings Cadillac’s blend of technologically driven performance, elegance and design. Its sophisticated driving experience is improved with Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience that merges intuitive design with industry-first controls and commands for information and media data. This new Cadillac ATS is an expression of Cadillac’s Art & Science execution philosophy. Moreover it was built on a foundation of driving dynamics and mass efficiency. It is the most agile and lightweight Cadillac, with one of the lowest weights in the segment – less than 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg).

In order to make the best out of the vehicle, contributing components and features include nearly 50/50 weight balance; cadillac’s first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs; a multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar; driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping; underbody aerodynamic shields; premium (belt driven) electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems; four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes; available all-wheel drive.

The first of the engines used, is the two four-cylinders and a V-6 (for North America) which delivers a strong power to the ATS and capitalizes on the car’s lightweight structure to complement its performance with efficiency. The optional engines include an 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 270 horsepower (201 kW) and Cadillac’s award-winning 3.6L V-6, estimated at 318 horsepower (237 kW). To go into details the new 2.0T is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry. In addition ATS will offer both manual and automatic transmission options, along with rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. The ATS will deliver peak highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg.

ATS is significantly lighter than other cars in the same segment. Thus there is refined driving experience. The low weight gives the ATS a more nimble and controllable feel, while also optimizing the performance and efficiency of the powertrains. In order to make the weight less the designers have included an aluminum hood, magnesium engine mount brackets and even lightweight, natural-fiber door trim panels. They all contribute to the ATS’s low overall mass. Moreover engineers found they could improve fuel economy with a cast iron differential rather than a lighter aluminum version. This focus on load management and straight links gave the opportunity of huge weight savings without using alternate materials. This helps offset the weight of the engine and transmission at the front of the vehicle, helping the ATS deliver its near-perfect 50/50 weight balance, while also contributing to lower noise and vibration. A similar approach was taken on the wheels, where extra structural aluminum was strategically added to further reduce vibration.

Furthermore another highlight about 2013 Cadillac ATS is that it is an absolute embodiment of Cadillac’s Art & Science design language. A long, 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase and wide front/rear tracks are the cornerstones of the ATS’s firmly planted stance, which is enhanced by short overhangs and taut sheet metal that appears to wrap tightly around the tires. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard and 18-inch wheels are available. In addition vertical lighting elements are included. For example there is new LED front signature lighting detail, as well as illuminating door handles and active grille shutters. The grille shutters close at certain highway speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and enhance fuel economy.

And what about the interior: it is all driver-focused. It features integrated technology and crafted materials which complements the exterior elements and supports the ATS’s driving experience. Available performance seats have power-adjustable bolsters to optimize lateral support during high-load cornering. Another improvement in the interior is an instrument panel that wraps into the doors and a center stack in the mid-instrument panel that flows into the center console. LED lighting for the bold gauge cluster enables clear, at-a-glance viewing in all lighting conditions, while ambient lighting accents functional elements of the console and doors. There is also used real wood, plated metal plating and carbon fiber trim and Cadillac’s cut-and-sew instrument panel, console and doors. To make it perfect for the customer, there is the choice of many interior color themes, each with unique accent trim material.

The ATS is offered with Cadillac CUE. This is a comprehensive, in-vehicle experience which merges intuitive design with auto industry-first controls and commands for information and entertainment data. Here everything is developed to be unique for each consumer. To go further into details CUE (Cadillac User Experience) pairs entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. However the heart of the CUE is the eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, mounted into the top of the central instrument panel and a motorized fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area. The LCD screen displays CUE’s home page, which resembles a smart phone’s screen by using large, easy-to-target icons to execute commands. Additionally to the CUE, the ATS has other technologies included: bluetooth phone connectivity with voice recognition; USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports; SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription; Keyless access and keyless push-button start; reconfigurable 5.7-inch instrument panel cluster display; full-color reconfigurable heads-up display. The ATS is offered as a standard model or in Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections. A Bose® Cabin Surround audio system is offered on the standard model, as well as Luxury and Performance Collections. It is standard with the Premium Collection. A navigation system is also available with Luxury and Performance Collections and standard with the Premium Collection. According to safety issues, the ATS is based on Cadillac’s “control and alert” which features radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Moreover the safety features put more attention to road hazards, and intervenes to help the driver avert potential crashes. For example Cadillac’s advanced crash-avoidance systems will act without the driver, such as automatic braking, which will activate based on information indicating potential hazards.

However one of the most sophisticated features in the vehicle is the Front and Rear Automatic Brakes. It relies on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary. On the other hand there are some optional advanced safety features, which include: full speed range adaptive cruise control, intelligent brake assist, forward collision alert, brake pre-fill automatic collision preparation, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear vision camera with dynamic guidelines, adaptive forward lighting, hill hold/start assist (standard, manual transmission). These advanced technology safety features complement the ATS’s roster of other safety features, including eight standard air bags (10 with optional features), safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS.

2013 CADILLAC ATSPRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
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*SAE certified.

Source: Cadillac