Sleek Cadillac ATS Coupe Takes on Germany’s Best

Cadillac has been invading German territory since 2002 when it released the first generation CTS sedan. That model line expanded to include a coupe, wagon and high performance variants, matching what BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer. Still, Cadillac needed a vehicle to slot below the CTS and beginning in 2013 it had one: the ATS sedan.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

As expected the Cadillac ATS line is growing with the introduction of the 2015 ATS Coupe at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. The latest model has been designed to take on the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, two vehicles that define the segment. It is the first-ever luxury compact coupe from Cadillac, a new model that goes on sale in summer 2014.

Like the sedan, the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine upgraded to deliver 14 percent more torque over 2014 specifications. It is SAE certified at 272 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 295 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 to 4,600 rpm. Premium fuel is recommended, but it is not required.

ATS Coupe shoppers can also consider a normally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 engine making 321 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 275 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard; a six-speed TREMEC manual transmission is available with the turbo. Cadillac says that the coupe will go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

Dimension and Weight Distribution

The ATS Coupe, like the sedan, sits on a 109.3 inch wheelbase, but the vehicle measures approximately one inch wider and has shorter overhangs than the sedan. That design allows the coupe to claim a nearly perfect 50-50 front to rear weight distribution as well as a low center of gravity. The standard 18-inch wheels are a coupe exclusive.

Inside, the coupe brings forth several familiar sedan design attributes including a driver-focused cabin, handcrafted cut-and-sewn upholstered interior combinations, leather, aluminum, real wood, and carbon fiber treatments, and decorative stitching. Available features include fourth generation OnStar with Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, a voice-controlled audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, a fully configurable head up display, and standard Bose premium audio with active noise cancellation technology.

The rear-wheel drive coupe features 2+2 seating with bucket seats up front and a split bench seat in the rear. Its 10.4 cubic foot trunk space is significantly less than the 15.7 cubic feet found in the 4 Series. Then again, the Cadillac has a spare tire while the BMW relies on run flats.

Available Safety Features

Both the ATS sedan and coupe offer numerous safety features including front and rear automatic braking that utilizes a combination of radar, camera, and ultrasonic technology to help the driver avoid low-speed front and rear collisions. A series of alerts are made and complete braking is attained if the driver does not act fast enough. Other features such as safety alert seat, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, forward collision alert and a rear view camera are part of a Driver Awareness package.

The new coupe aligns with GMs strategy to compete more effectively against Europe’s finest automakers says Matt Keegan, editor and publisher of Auto Trends Magazine.

The ATS and CTS lines provide the 1-2 punch that Cadillac needs to attract luxury car buyers, Keegan says. The ATS, like the BMW 3/4 Series is the natural gateway to the Cadillac line, with the CTS offering a step up. Cadillacs position as a legitimate luxury mark continues to coalesce around these two model lines.

Pricing: To be Determined

Pricing for the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe will be announced closer to its release date. The 2014 sedan is priced from $33,065 to $58,760 with the coupes prices expected to align closely to the sedans.

See Also — GM Seeks to Breath New Life Into the Cadillac ATS