We get it: Cadillac wants the world to know that its new ATS compact sedan is as good as a BMW 3-Series sedan. We’ll reserve judgement until we actually get a chance to drive an ATS (preferably back-to-back with a comparable, 2012 BMW 3-Series), but we sincerely hope that Cadillac doesn’t pull a bait-and-switch on us. The 3-Series line includes a lot of different models, so if you’re emphasizing the “sport sedan” characteristics of the ATS, it’s only fair to throw down against the new 3-Series Sport Line, with the variable sport steering and the adaptive M suspension.
And while we’re complaining, enough with using the “Green Hell” Nürburgring Nordschleife reference in every single ad. That horse has been flogged to death; in fact, it’s been flogged to death, buried, dug up, flogged some more and then buried again. It’s clear: you tested the ATS on one of the world’s most challenging racetracks to fine-tune the suspension, chassis, throttle and brake settings. That should yield a sedan with impressive handling, but we won’t know until we drive one.
We’ve got some concerns about the 270-horsepower turbo four that Cadillac is using in the ATS, too. We’ve driven the engine in Buick Regal GS trim, and to be honest, it wasn’t that impressive. Granted, the ATS is a lighter car, and its rear-drive platform will certainly improve handling. Still, we can’t help but think that Cadillac is setting some unreasonable expectations of the new ATS before the car even hits the streets.
If it’s as good as you’re telling us, finding buyers won’t be a problem. If it isn’t, all the “Green Hell” references in the world won’t help to move inventory.
