(Photo by Sam Sharpe for Cadillac)
Cadillac is completing preparations for the all-new 2013 ATS, including finalizing key performance specifications.
According to the vehicle maker, the ATS with the 2.5L engine and automatic transmission has an official base curb weight of 1,503 kg (3,315 lbs) — making it one of the lightest vehicles in the Canadian segment that includes the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
The all-new compact luxury sport sedan translates that mass efficiency into nimble, quick performance, added the vehicle maker. The 1,573 kg (3,461-lb.) rear-wheel-drive ATS achieves 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration in 5.4 seconds — among the fastest in its segment compared to mainstream competitor variants — when equipped with a 3.6L V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission.
“Being quick and agile are highly valued qualities in the compact luxury sport sedan segment,” said David Masch, ATS chief engineer, in a statement. “We designed and engineered ATS’s all-new vehicle architecture to deliver a spirited driving experience that builds on Cadillac’s sport heritage and success with its performance-tuned CTS-V.”
An aluminum hood and front suspension parts, magnesium engine mount brackets and natural-fibre door trim panels contribute to ATS’s light weight. The ATS development team also reduced weight in the rear suspension by using specially engineered straight steel links with mass-reducing holes instead of using aluminum.
ATS’s performance also benefited from efficient 50-50 mass distribution between the front and rear. ATS’s lower curb weight enabled the use of optimized high-strength aluminum 18-inch wheel forgings and front Brembo brakes that deliver a 60-0 (97-0) stopping distance of approximately 39.3 metres (129 ft).
ATS also uses an acoustically laminated windshield and side windows that are lighter than standard tempered glass and provide better wind and powertrain noise reduction for a quiet interior. Acoustically laminated glass also offers almost double the amount of ultraviolet ray protection.
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