2013 Cadillac ATS Revealed as BMW 3 Series Rival: 2012 Detroit Auto Show

[Autoguide.com]

Cadillac has been steadily improving its products for a decade, shedding its old man stigma in favor of a new brand identity, favoring luxury with a performance twist. After all this time, on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, the GM luxury division is finally ready to put its money where its mouth is, launching the ATS as a direct rival to the segment leading BMW 3 Series.

With a choice of a 4-cylinder, turbo 4-cylinder or V6, the ATS matches solid power with one of the lowest curb weights in the segment, with Caddy claiming the ATS will come in at under 3,400 lbs.

Weight reduction was key in the development of the ATS, helping to maximize the performance and efficiency of the powertrains while making the vehicle more nimble overall. Cadillac says every component of the vehicle was checked to see if a lighter alternative could be found. To help keep weight to a minimum the ATS features an aluminum hood, magnesium engine mounts and "natural-fiber" door trim panels. The result shows in the vehicle's balance as well, with a 51/49 weight distribution.

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[Vseries]

If the ATS-V can get 400-500 HP and say at or under 3400lbs it should do well on the 1/4 mile or circuit track. It will be interesting to see it battle the M3.

Can't wait to see a ATS-V vs M3 battle!!