2013 ATS Teased

Cadillac is finally ramping up to the release of the new baby-Caddy, and has even confirmed its name (sort of). Available in dealer showrooms in the summer of 2012, the ATS was confirmed to be a rear-driver with optional all-wheel drive. In this highly shadowed picture, we can see the car that Cadillac is now officially calling the car 'code named ATS'. With a little creative lightening (see below), we can see the mesh grills in the bumper and giant wheels that peg this particular car as the ATS-V (it appears that in the V that there will be vents in the bumper that flare toward their outer edges and feature the mesh inserts we know as a V trademark) The vents are a nice detail change from the large single opening in the bottom of the bumper we have seen in models prior, such as the CTS-V and the STS-V and XLR-V. The V is expected to pack either a forced-induction V-6 (perhaps twin turbo) though a possible normally aspirated V-8 is also rumored. The base ATS models are expected to be 4-cylinder (likely turbo and direct injection) with a normally aspirated V-6 as a mid-level offering. Body styles for the ATS are rumored to include a coupe, sedan, and a possible convertible. A wagon offering is also an outside chance for a year or two after its initial debut. Official press release to follow:Cadillac will expand its model lineup in 2012 with a new entry in the compact luxury segment codenamed ATS. General Motors North America President Mark Reuss released this sketch of the model today at the Center for Automotive Research’s Management Briefing Seminars. The small Cadillac will begin production next summer at Lansing Grand River, the same Michigan assembly plant that builds the award-winning midsize Cadillac CTS sedan, coupe and wagon. The plant received a $190 million investment and 600 jobs for the new model. “The car we codenamed ATS is being developed to be a driver's car on an all-new Cadillac-specific RWD-AWD architecture,” Reuss said. “We have extensively and exhaustively studied the competitive segment, and we have benchmarked the best. And when this car comes out, that will be readily apparent.”