2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe favors cleanliness over radical lines

Tue, 14 Jan 2014

Though you might not know it from looking at vehicles like the XTS and Escalade, if you take a broader look at history, you'll see that Cadillac models have gotten a lot smaller from the tail-finned highway cruisers of old. At least when it comes to coupes, anyway. The Eldorado, in particular, kept getting smaller until it disappeared, its place taken in recent years by decidedly more compact XLR, CTS Coupe and ELR hybrid. What you see here, however, is Cadillac's smallest coupe yet.

Revealed today at the Detroit Auto Show is the new 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe, the brand's first compact two-door coupe, and the first production car to wear the brand's all-new crest. It shares the same platform and wheelbase as the existing ATS sedan, but packs a wider track and unique bodywork that's decidedly more conservative and less unique in its angular styling than the CTS Coupe that it's likely to ultimately displace in the Cadillac lineup. Styling aside, the all-American luxury marque has engineered the ATS Coupe with a focus on reducing weight to the benefit of both performance and fuel economy, giving it near 50/50 weight balance front to rear with underbody aerodynamic elements helping it cheat the wind.

Buyers will be able to choose between two engines: a 2.0-liter turbo four and a 3.6-liter V6.

Buyers will be able to choose between two engines: a 2.0-liter turbo four and a 3.6-liter V6. The base 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four offered in the sedan is dropped together with the rear doors, and while the V6 carries over unchanged at 321 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, the turbo four has been optimized. It still produces the same 272 horsepower, but with 295 pound-feet on tap, now offers 14-percent more torque, enough to help the turbo coupe hit 60 in 5.6 seconds. (We expect the upgrades to be applied to the turbo sedan in short order as well.) A six-speed automatic transmits the power in both versions, though the turbo can be had with a six-speed manual and either can be had with all-wheel drive instead of the standard rear traction.

Although a Vsport model has yet to be announced, Brembo brakes come standard and enthusiasts can upgrade to an optional FE3 sport suspension that includes Magnetic Ride Control, a mechanical limited-slip differential and upgraded engine cooling. Adaptive LED headlamps are also on offer, and the interior, decked out in handcrafted leather, wood, aluminum and carbon-fiber trim, can be fitted with Cadillac's CUE infotainment system (complete with eight-inch multitouch LCD), OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and onboard wifi, color head-up display and a Bose audio system that both cancels out background noise and pipes engine sounds into the cabin.

Like what you've read so far? There's more to digest in the press release below, along with the full batch of images in the gallery above, so check 'em out.

Cadillac Introduces 2015 ATS Coupe

- Cadillac's first compact luxury Coupe, infused with ATS sedan's agility
- 2.0L Turbo model is segment's lightest, with increased torque for faster acceleration
- Launching in summer 2014, continuing Cadillac's ongoing expansion

DETROIT – Cadillac today introduced the all-new 2015 ATS Coupe, a quicker and more personal addition to the award-winning ATS product line. Lighter, more agile and more engaging than its competitors, it extends Cadillac's product-driven growth and the brand's tradition of dynamic luxury Coupes.

Cadillac's first-ever compact luxury Coupe goes on sale this summer, offering drivers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the power from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6L six-cylinder. In all combinations, ATS Coupe takes advantage of its lightweight and strong structure to deliver exhilarating performance with efficiency, with a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio.

"The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is a natural step in the brand's progression, and another distinctive, fun-to-drive and technologically advanced product for a new generation of drivers extending our target groups," said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac. "It is an exclusively distinctive American alternative, unique in its class, yet delivering a sporty and sophisticated driving experience rivaling the world's best."

Like the sedan, the ATS Coupe's driving dynamics are rooted in mass efficiency, which helps make it one of Cadillac's lightest and most agile models ever – and the lightest car in the compact luxury Coupe segment. In fact, the 2.0L Turbo engine is upgraded from the current ATS sport sedan to deliver nearly 14 percent more torque for 2015, taking it to 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). This gives the standard ATS Coupe an advantage in power and weight over similarly equipped Coupes such as the BMW 428i.

Greater torque means greater pulling power, for a greater feeling of responsiveness at low speeds, and helps the ATS Coupe achieve an estimated 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds.

"More power with less weight is always a better combination for performance, and the ATS Coupe offers one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the segment, making it feel lighter, more direct and responsive," said David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer. "Engineers vetted the ATS's performance on the track and the Coupe benefits from that exhaustive validation – all matched with Cadillac's trademark refinement."

Elements that contribute to the ATS Coupe's balanced performance and responsive characteristics include:

- Nearly perfect 50/50 weight balance and low center of gravity
- Five-link independent rear suspension featuring lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
- A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
- Underbody aerodynamic shields
- Premium, belt-driven electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
- Brembo front brakes
- Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels
- Available all-wheel drive.

A driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension is available and includes Magnetic Ride Control, a mechanical limited-slip differential, high-capacity engine cooling system and 18-inch summer-performance tires. Magnetic Ride Control is a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control. It "reads" the road and can change damping every millisecond.

Design details

The 2015 ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as the sedan, but features its own bodywork. The roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid are unique to the Coupe, along with a specific front fascia and front fenders that accommodate a wider track than the sedan. It is also the first production model to wear Cadillac's revised crest.

The Coupe also has an aggressive stance, with wider front/rear tracks than the sedan, enhanced by short overhangs and sheet metal that wrapping tautly around the tires. Standard 18-inch wheels are exclusive to the Coupe.

Bold lighting elements are a Cadillac signature feature and the ATS Coupe advances that tradition with available LED headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting. Base models feature projector-beam headlamps, while high-intensity-discharge headlamps and front vertical LED light signatures are included on all collections above the standard model. Illuminating outside door handles on Performance and Premium collections lend technologically advanced style and function to the distinctive Coupe. All models feature LED technology for the taillamps and rear-center stop lamp.

The ATS Coupe also includes capless fueling.

Inside, the sedan's driver-focused cabin carries over to the Coupe, featuring handcrafted cut-and-sewn upholstered interior combinations, decorative stitching and authentic materials, including leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and wood, which enhance the emotional connection to the driving experience.

Choices of many interior color themes, each with unique accent trim materials, cover a wide range – from light, open and warm to dark and serious, and bold technical and sporty.

Available interior features include:

- OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in WiFi hotspot
- Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity with natural voice recognition
- Text-to-voice converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers
- USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription
- Reconfigurable 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display
- Full-color reconfigurable head-up display.

A Bose ® premium audio system with Active Noise Cancelation technology is standard on all models and includes electronic sound enhancement on models equipped with the available premium surround sound audio system. Exclusive to ATS Coupe and differing from other manufacturers' system that pipe recorded engine sounds through the audio system, Cadillac's system enhances only the car's authentic powertrain sounds to enhance the performance experience.

The 12-speaker surround sound upgrade is available on Standard and Luxury, and it is included with Performance and Premium collections. It includes Bose Audio Pilot, which continuously monitors ambient sounds and adjusts the music volume and program content to optimize the listening experience

Additionally, a navigation system is also available on Luxury and Performance collections, and it is standard with the Premium Collection.

Enhanced Cadillac CUE leads technologies

Cadillac CUE is the centerpiece of the ATS Coupe's comprehensive collection of technologies designed to enhance the driving experience and complement customers' increasingly connected lifestyles. It is available on base models and standard on Luxury, Performance and Premium collections, with enhanced connectivity and convenience for 2015, including a new Text-to-Voice feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.) and Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users enhance connectivity and convenience. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity – and helps keep phones in pockets and hands on the wheel.

The heart of CUE is the eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, integrated into the top of the central instrument panel and featuring a motorized, fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area. CUE's vibrant LCD screen resembles a smartphone's screen, with large, easy-to-target icons to execute commands.

Complementing CUE is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, featuring a new built-in WiFi hotspot that can connect up to seven devices at once. The new 4G LTE connection can also be used to power CUE Collection, a new in-car app marketplace coming to Cadillac vehicles this year.

Additional technologies that make life with the ATS Coupe more convenient include the capability of remotely starting the engine or lowering the windows with the key fob or the owner's smartphone. EZ Key passive entry and push-button starting is standard, too, so the key never needs to leave the driver's pocket or purse.

Power-dense powertrains

The engine lineup includes a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and available 3.6L V-6. The award-winning 2.0L Turbo is rated at 272 horsepower (203 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The award-winning 3.6L V-6 is rated at 321 horsepower (239 kW) and 275 lb-ft of torque (373 Nm).

At 136hp/L, the 2.0L Turbo is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 5400 rpm and the full 295 lb-ft of peak torque (400 Nm) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. The broad torque band is supported by boost levels as high as 18 psi (1.26 bar) in the speed range, which is designed to give the lightweight ATS Coupe an exhilarating feeling of immediate power on demand.

Both engines feature direct injection and dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing, which help optimize power and efficiency, as well as reduce emissions. And each is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6L45 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control. A six-speed manual is also available with the 2.0L Turbo.

Advanced safety features

ATS Coupe provides the same safety technologies that earned the sedan NHTSA 5-Star all-around and overall crash safety ratings – the highest available.

Additionally, Cadillac provides available advanced safety based on Cadillac's "control and alert" strategy, which employs up to two cameras, eight ultrasonic sensors and six radar signals to help prevent crashes. The safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and can even assist to help the driver avert potential crashes. In certain situations, Cadillac's advanced crash-avoidance systems, such as automatic braking, can pre-fill and automatically apply braking in response to potential hazards.

Among the most sophisticated of the features is Fr ont and Rear Automatic Braking . It relies on radar, camera and ultrasonic technology to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.

Many of the advanced safety features are bundled in the Driver Awareness and Driver Assist Packages. The Driver Awareness package is available on Luxury and included in Performance and Premium Collections. It includes:

- Safety Alert Seat
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist – new to Cadillac for 2015
- Intellibeam ® high-beam control
- Front and rear park assist
- Rear-vision camera with dynamic guidelines.

The Driver Assist package is available on Performance and Premium collections and includes all of the Driver Awareness package content, plus:

- Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic Collision Preparation
- Motorized safety belts – new to Cadillac for 2015
- Electronic Park Brake
- Front and Rear Automatic Braking
- Enhanced Side Blind Zone Alert – new to Cadillac for 2015
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Full-color head-up display.

The advanced technologies complement other ATS safety features, including eight standard air bags, safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with full-function traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, patented rotor coating protection and auto-dry functionality .

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com .

2015 CADILLAC ATS COUPE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model:	Cadillac ATS Coupe
Body style / driveline:	2-door luxury sport luxury sedan, RWD or AWD
Construction:	unitized welded steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension
GM vehicle class:	compact luxury car

Engines

	2.0L Turbo DI VVT	3.6L V-6 DI VVT
Displacement (cu in / cc):	122 / 1998	217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86	3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing	DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Fuel delivery:	direct high-pressure fuel injection	direct high-pressure fuel injection
Compression ratio:	9.5:1	11.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	272 / 203 @ 5500 (SAE certified)	321 / 239 @ 6800 (SAE certified)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):	295 / 400 @ 3000-4600 (SAE certified)	275 / 373 @ 4800 (SAE certified)
Recommended fuel:	premium recommended but not required	regular unleaded or E85
Maximum engine speed (rpm):	7000	7200
Cadillac-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):	21 / 31	19 / 28

Transmissions

	TREMEC TR3160	Hydra-Matic 6L45
Type:	fully synchronized six-speed manual with single overdrive	six-speed, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch
Gear ratios (:1):
First:	4.12	4.06
Second:	2.62	2.37
Third:	1.81	1.55
Fourth:	1.30	1.16
Fifth:	1.00	0.85
Sixth:	0.80	0.67
Reverse:	3.75	3.20
Final drive ratio:	3.27	3.27

Chassis / Suspension

Configuration:	rear-wheel drive
Differential:	open (FE2); mechanical limited-slip (FE3)
Front suspension:	FE2: MacPherson-type with dual lower ball joints, twin-tube struts and direct-acting stabilizer bar FE3: Magnetic Ride Control with monotube inverted struts
Rear suspension:	FE2: independent five-link with twin-tube shock absorbers FE3: Magnetic Ride Control with monotube shocks
Steering type:	ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable assist
Steering ratio:	FE2: 16.8:1 FE3: 15.3:1
Steering turns, lock to lock:	FE2: 3.16 FE3: 2.86
Turn circle (ft / m):	FE2 RWD: 36.38 / 11.09 FE3 RWD: 35.99 / 10.97 FE2 AWD: 38.05 / 11.60
Chassis control:	four-channel StabiliTrak w/ brake assist and traction control

Wheels and Tires

Wheel size and type:	18 x 8-inch aluminum (machined-face) 18 x 8-inch aluminum (polished) 18 x 9-inch aluminum (FE3 rear)
Tire size:	225/40R18 92V run-flat all-season 225/40R18 88W / 255/35R18 90W run-flat summer-only

Brakes

Type:

four-wheel disc with sliding calipers on base; four-channel ABS/TCS w/ DRP; Brembo brakes with fixed calipers on Luxury, Performance and Premium collections 18 x 9-inch aluminum (FE3 rear)

Rotor type and thickness (in / mm):

standard front: 11.8 x 1.02 (300 x 26) vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance

standard rear: 12.4 x 0.90 (315 x 23) vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance

uplevel front: 12.6 x 1.18 (321 x 30) vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance

uplevel rear: 12.4 x 0.90 (315 x 23) vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	109.3 / 2775
Length (in / mm):	183.6 / 4663
Height (in / mm):	54.8 / 1392 (roof) 55.1 / 1399 (with antenna)
Width (in / mm):	72.5 / 1841
Track (in / mm):	front: 60.3 / 1532 rear: 61.7 / 1568
Curb weight (lb / kg):	3418 / 1550
Weight distribution (% front / rear):	51 / 49

Interior

Legroom (in / mm):	front: 42.3 / 1074 rear: 33.5 / 850
Headroom (in / mm):	front: 37.6 / 954 rear: 35.1 / 891
Shoulder room (in / mm):	front: 54.1 / 1375 rear: 51.1 / 1298
Hip room (in / mm):	front: 54.1 / 1374 rear: 44.5 / 1131

Capacities

Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 2
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):	83.9 / 2377
EPA trunk volume (cu ft / L):	10.4 / 295
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):	1000 / 454 (3.6L)
Fuel tank (gal / L):	16 / 60.5
Engine oil (qt / L):	2.0L RWD: 5 / 4.7 (RWD) 2.0L AWD : 6 / 5.7 (AWD) 3.6L: 6 / 5.7
Cooling system (qt / L):	8.1 / 7.7 (2.0L) 11 / 10.4 (3.6L)

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication. Please visit http://media.gm.com for updates.

By Noah Joseph