2013 Cadillac ATS

Cadillac is not the first name to come to mind when you think of compact luxury sport, but the new Cadillac ATS for 2013 seems a pretty strong contender in a segment long-dominated by nameplates like BMW, Mercedes and Audi.  With an official base curb weight of 3,315lbs/1,503kg (when equipped with automatic transmission), the ATS is lighter than BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4.  The low curb weight is achieved through through such features as an aluminum hood, aluminum components in the front suspension, magnesium engine mounting brackets, and door trim panels made from natural fibers.  Other features that help the ATS achieve the “spirited driving experience” that ATS engineers were shooting for are a 50/50 weight distribution, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and Brembo brakes up front that stop the ATS from 60-0 in 129 feet.

That’s all fine and dandy, but really, why is Speedmeister.com covering this car?  Because it has the goods where they count most.  Engine options appear to be a 6-cylinder and two 4-cylinder flavors.  The 3.6L V6 has been preliminarily rated at 321 horsepower and when equipped with the  manual 6-speed transmission, the ATS sprints from 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds.  That’s respectable enough to put the unobtrusive ATS in Speedmeister territory.  Fuel economy is respectable, as well, with the 2.5L and 2.0L 4-cylinder versions estimated fuel economy at 32mpg highway/22mpg city.  And the ATS is rear-wheel drive, like nature intended.