Cadillac is planning to enter the low end premium market with its new car dubbed as the ATS. This sedan is planned for a 2012 debut and will be competing with the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C class. These cars are also available in performance variants. Naturally, Cadillac wants to compete with these cars in every aspect and thus will also be offering the performance version of the ATS. The performance version of the ATS has been rumored to debut in 2013 as a 2014 model and is dubbed as the ATS-V.

Details of the ATS-V are scarce as of now. But some interesting details regarding the powertrain of this car have surfaced in the World Wide Web. The ATS-V is rumored to be powered by a 6.2-liter pushrod direct-injection V8 engine producing 470 horsepower and 438 pound-feet of torque. The engine will be mated with either a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox. The estimated fuel-economy figures are 16 mpg and 25 mpg in highway and city driving, respectively. These numbers are better than its primary rival- the BMW M3.

The ATS range is expected to comprise of a sedan, a coupe and a convertible version of the ATS-V. The sedan is expected to be available in 2012 while the ATS-V coupe will hit the market in 2013, followed by the convertible in 2014.

Although these are based on rumors, there is one thing we can be sure of. The entry level premier market will turn hotter with the arrival of the Cadillac ATS-V.
Apart from more power I do hope the Cadillac revamps the interior to be sportier. Revamps the suspension to be sportier and makes the body kit more aggressive and aerodynamic. It's about time someone challenged the BMW M3 properly.