MotorTrend.com is speculating about the details of the new BMW 3-Series fighter from Cadillac (which everyone is calling the ATS).

They are suggesting that the drop-top version will go with a fabric roof vs. the retractible hardtop that is popular with BMW (in the 3-Series) but is not by any means universal (witness the soft-tops from Audi and Mercedes). The advantages of a fabric roof are easier packaging as well as keeping a heavy top mechanism and its adverse impact on handling dynamics (by keeping the center of gravity low) in a car that is going to sell on its superior handling.

Interestingly, in the MT article, they are suggesting that the previous rumor of the 6.2l V-8 making it into the ATS-V with 400+ hp is not a done deal. There may be V-6 with forced induction in the cards (with similar output) to bring better fuel economy if not lower weight (all the forced induction hardware will likely make a V-6 of this type practically as heavy as a normally aspirated, OHV V-8 like the 6.2.

Expect the ATS to reach production in a couple years as a 2014 (later for the V, coupe, and convertible).

Source: MotorTrend.com

Categories: ATS, News, Rumored Models
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The good folks over at GMInsideNews.com have broken a story that makes the discontinuation of the 2.8l turbo SRX seem more logical.

It appears that the 2012 model will drop the 3.0l V-6 which has been soundly panned by critics as not up to the task of moving the SRX with much authority. In its place with be the next version of the 3.6l Direct Injection V-6 that is expected to put out something in the area of 330hp.

This will become the SRX’s only powerplant at that time.

This is a very nice bump from the 3.0l’s 265hp and also simplifies the SRX offerings from the prior 2-engine lineup.

This also likely previews a bump in output to the other models currently offering the 3.6 (-cough- CTS -cough-).

Source: GMI

Categories: News, Rumored Models, SRX
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