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Cadillac ATS

Cadillac

Cadillac ATS: Compact rear-drive sport sedan (2013-2019). Built to chase the BMW 3-Series, with a sharp Alpha-platform chass
Photo: M 93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Compact rear-drive sport sedan (2013-2019). Built to chase the BMW 3-Series, with a sharp Alpha-platform chassis.

The Cadillac ATS was the brand serious attempt at the BMW 3-Series, a compact rear-drive sport sedan on the new Alpha platform. Light, balanced, and available with a turbo four or a 3.6 liter V6, it earned praise for genuinely competitive handling, even if its cabin and tech lagged the Germans. It laid the groundwork for the high-performance ATS-V. On WhipJury, the ATS appears as an underrated, well-handling used sport sedan, especially in V6 or manual turbo form.

ATS specifications

2.0 liter turbo four or 3.6 liter V6. Rear-wheel drive or AWD. 6-speed manual or automatic. Alpha platform, also available as an ATS Coupe.

Frequently asked questions about Cadillac ATS

Is the ATS rear-wheel drive?
Yes. The ATS is built on GM rear-drive Alpha platform, with all-wheel drive optional. The rear-drive layout is central to its sport-sedan handling.
Does the ATS come with a manual?
Yes, a 6-speed manual was offered with the 2.0 liter turbo four, which is the enthusiast pick.
How does the ATS compare to a BMW 3-Series?
On handling, it was genuinely competitive and praised by reviewers. It trailed the 3-Series on interior quality and infotainment, which is part of why it is a value buy used.
Is the ATS reliable?
Generally acceptable, with the V6 viewed as more robust than the early turbo four. Standard age-related items and electronics are the main considerations.
What is the difference between ATS and ATS-V?
The ATS-V is the high-performance version, with a 464 horsepower twin-turbo 3.6 liter V6 and serious chassis upgrades, versus the standard ATS milder engines.

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