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Cadillac ATS
Cadillac introduced
the 2013 ATS, an all-new compact luxury sports sedan intended to
challenge the world's best premium cars. Developed on an all-new,
lightweight vehicle architecture, Cadillac's entry into the world's most
significant luxury car segment goes on sale in summer 2012.
The
rear-drive ATS brings Cadillac's blend of technologically driven
performance, elegance and design to a new audience of spirited drivers.
Its sophisticated driving experience is enhanced with Cadillac CUE, a
comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience that merges intuitive design
with industry-first controls and commands for information and media
data.
2013 Cadillac ATS |
The Cadillac ATS is a new
expression of Cadillac's Art & Science execution philosophy, built
on a foundation of driving dynamics and mass efficiency. It is the most
agile and lightweight Cadillac, with one of the lowest curb weights in
the segment - less than 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg).
Germany's famed
Nürburgring served as one of the key testing grounds, along with
additional roads, racetracks and laboratories around the globe, ATS
engineers balanced performance with Cadillac's trademark refinement.
Contributing components and features include:
- Nearly 50/50 weight balance
- Cadillac's first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
- A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
- Driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping
- Underbody aerodynamic shields
- Premium (belt driven) electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
- Four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes
- Available all-wheel drive
"More
than just another new entry, the Cadillac ATS aims to change the status
quo of the European-dominated segment," said Butler. "That is why our
approach in all elements of its development is so extensive and
focused."
A broad lineup of engines - including two four-cylinders
and a V-6 for North America - delivers strong power to the Cadillac ATS
and capitalizes on the car's lightweight structure to complement its
performance with efficiency. The optional engines include an all-new
2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 270 horsepower (201 kW) and
Cadillac's award-winning 3.6L V-6, estimated at 318 horsepower (237 kW).
At
135hp/L, the new 2.0T is one of the most power-dense engines in the
industry, topping engines from European competitors. Cadillac ATS will
offer both manual and automatic transmission options, along with
rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations.
The Cadillac ATS will deliver peak highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg.
A spirit of lightness and balance
Making
the Cadillac ATS one of the segment's lightest cars was a fundamental
criterion for and the guiding principle during its development, but it
was done in a nuanced manner that ensures a refined driving experience.
"Low
weight gives the Cadillac ATS a more nimble and controllable feel,
while also optimizing the performance and efficiency of the
powertrains," said David Masch, ATS chief engineer. "But we were careful
to manage the weight while maintaining Cadillac's signature levels of
refinement."
Optimizing the Cadillac ATS's mass was the result of a
four-pronged philosophy that included strict adherence to original
architectural goals, measured load management throughout the vehicle,
benchmarking components to see if lighter solutions were available and
an overall culture that "weighed" the mass of every component in the car
against all aspects of its development.
An aluminum hood,
magnesium engine mount brackets and even lightweight, natural-fiber door
trim panels contribute to the Cadillac ATS's low overall mass - and
reflect the systematic approach of evaluating every gram that went into
the car. But some weight was deemed not only beneficial, but essential
to the Cadillac ATS's driving experience. An example is the cast iron
differential: Engineers found they could improve fuel economy with a
cast iron differential rather than a lighter aluminum version.
And
while the rear suspension is mostly steel, the focus on load management
and straight links enabled significant weight savings without using
alternate materials. This helps offset the weight of the engine and
transmission at the front of the vehicle, helping the Cadillac ATS
deliver its near-perfect 50/50 weight balance, while also contributing
to lower noise and vibration. A similar approach was taken on the
wheels, where extra structural aluminum was strategically added to
further reduce vibration.
"We approached development by counting
all the grams in the ATS," said Masch. "We minimized them where we could
and put them to the best use where they were needed."
Tailored design weaves in signature style and refinement
The
2013 ATS interprets Cadillac's Art & Science design language in a
new proportion, tailoring the signature styling and refinement cues for
the most compact Cadillac while upholding - and advancing - the
exemplary attention to detail and technological elements for which the
brand is known.
A long, 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase and wide
front/rear tracks are the cornerstones of the Cadillac ATS's firmly
planted stance, which is enhanced by short overhangs and taut sheet
metal that appears to wrap tightly around the tires. Seventeen-inch
wheels are standard and 18-inch wheels are available.
Bold
vertical lighting elements - including new LED front signature lighting
detail - as well as illuminating door handles and active grille shutters
lend technologically advanced style and function to the Cadillac ATS.
The grille shutters close at certain highway speeds to reduce
aerodynamic drag and enhance fuel economy.
A driver-focused
interior with integrated technology and crafted materials complements
the exterior elements and supports the ATS's driving experience.
Everything from the placement of the pedals to the position of the
shifter is designed for effortless and intuitive performance driving.
Available performance seats have power-adjustable bolsters to optimize
lateral support during high-load cornering.
Contributing to the
interior's intuitive feel is an instrument panel that wraps into the
doors and a center stack in the mid-instrument panel that flows into the
center console. LED lighting for the bold gauge cluster enables clear,
at-a-glance viewing in all lighting conditions, while ambient lighting
accents functional elements of the console and doors.
Real wood,
plated metal plating and carbon fiber trim and Cadillac's cut-and-sew
instrument panel, console and doors enhance the emotional connection to
the Cadillac ATS. Choices of many interior color themes, each with
unique accent trim material, cover a wide range of flavors - from light,
open and warm to black and serious, to bold, technical and sporty.
CUE and ATS technologies
The
ATS is offered with Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle
experience that merges intuitive design with auto industry-first
controls and commands for information and entertainment data. It is
designed to be unique for each consumer, from the "simple user" to the
fully connected "super user."
CUE, which stands for Cadillac User
Experience, pairs entertainment and information data from up to 10
Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a
vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized
information, voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. For
example, most of today's luxury cars have around 20 buttons controlling
the radio and entertainment functions. CUE has only four.
The
heart of CUE is the eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen,
seamlessly integrated into the top of the central instrument panel and a
motorized fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L
storage area. The vibrant LCD screen displays CUE's home page, which
resembles a smart phone's screen by using large, easy-to-target icons to
execute commands. Capacitive technology refers to using electrodes to
sense the conductive properties of objects, such as a finger.
In addition to CUE, the ATS is offered with other technologies, including:
- Bluetooth phone connectivity with voice recognition
- USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription
- Keyless access and keyless push-button start
- Reconfigurable 5.7-inch instrument panel cluster display
- Full-color reconfigurable heads-up display.
The
Cadillac ATS is offered as a well-equipped standard model and in
Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections. A Bose® Cabin Surround
audio system is offered on the standard model, as well as Luxury and
Performance Collections. It is standard with the Premium Collection. A
navigation system is also available with Luxury and Performance
Collections and standard with the Premium Collection.
'Control and alert' safety strategy
Safety
in the ATS is based on Cadillac's "control and alert" strategy that
employs advanced technologies - including radar, cameras and ultrasonic
sensors - to help prevent crashes.
The safety features bolster
driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and intervenes to help the
driver avert potential crashes. In some cases, Cadillac's advanced
crash-avoidance systems will act without the driver, such as automatic
braking, which will activate based on information indicating potential
hazards.
Among the most sophisticated of the features is Front and
Rear Automatic Brakes. This relies on short-range radar technology and
ultrasonic sensors to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed
collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking,
if necessary.
Optional advanced safety features include:
- Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
- Intelligent Brake Assist
- Forward Collision Alert
- Brake Pre-Fill Automatic Collision Preparation
- Lane Departure Warning
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines
- Adaptive Forward Lighting
- Hill Hold/Start Assist (Standard, manual transmission)
The
advanced technology safety features complement the Cadillac ATS's
roster of other safety features, including eight standard air bags (10
with optional features), safety belt pretensioners and load limiters,
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control
and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS.
2013 Cadillac
ATS also features OnStar standard for one year. It can use GPS and
cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of
a crash. OnStar service also includes myCadillac and OnStar myLink
mobile apps, which offer vehicle information, controls and OnStar
services via the customer's iPhone or Android smart phone.
ATS Delivers New Levels of Control and Refinement
The
2013 Cadillac ATS delivers a driving experience that advances the
brand's performance legacy with a balance of racetrack-honed control and
uncompromising refinement.
That experience is supported by new
chassis and suspension systems, excellent power-to-weight ratios across
ATS's power-dense powertrain lineup and a robust body structure that
enables finer chassis tuning and greater crash protection. Highlights of
the chassis and suspension features include:
- Cadillac's first five-link independent rear suspension, using high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
- A multi-link, double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
- Driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping
- Premium electric variable-effort steering gear by ZF Steering Systems
- Four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes
- Available all-wheel drive.
Before
selecting even the first fastener, engineers launched targeted research
projects that helped determine the best design and optimal geometries
for the front and rear suspensions. Early suspension prototype vehicles
were constructed and tested in diverse environments, before complete
Cadillac ATS prototypes hit the pavement at GM's global proving grounds,
as well as highways and racetracks around the world.
"ATS
engineers built on the legacy of the acclaimed CTS-V Series and picked
up the challenge of well-established competitors to create an American
sports sedan to rival Europe's finest," said Chris Berube, lead
development engineer. "More than the roster of its chassis components,
the Cadillac ATS's driving experience is derived from the whole of the
car - a low curb weight, optimal balance and excellent dynamics refined
during countless hours of racetrack testing."
Proportion and
balance are definitely on the ATS's side, with a low curb weight of less
than 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg) and power-dense powertrains that are also
lightweight to achieve a 50/50 weight distribution and a greater
power-to-weight ratio. They complement wide front and rear tracks -
59.5-inch/1,512mm (front) and 60-inch/1,548mm (rear) - for a lower
center of gravity that promotes greater stability.
The low curb
weight also helped engineers optimize performance by not having to go
big on components that contribute to unsprung weight, including the
wheels, tires and brake components.
"A heavy car needs larger
wheels and tires and larger brakes to account for its overall mass,"
said Berube. "With the ATS, its low weight meant we didn't have to spec
the largest wheels and brakes in the segment - the performance is among
the best in the segment with smaller, optimized parts that save weight
and enhance efficiency."
Low vehicle mass and optimal brake sizes
are expected to give the ATS's braking performance that is among the
best in the segment, with Brembo brakes contributing to 60-0 performance
of approximately 129 feet (39.3 meters).
A strong body structure
is the backbone for the Cadillac ATS's driving experience. It ties the
chassis and suspension elements together with great stiffness that
enabled a higher degree of tuning precision.
"This is a rock-solid
architecture that supports a rock-solid driving experience," said
Berube. "But even the stiffest body can't ensure great ride and
handling. That comes from an optimal suspension geometry and advanced
damping control - and the ATS packs both."
Dual ball joints, five links and a limited-slip diff
Up
front, a multi-link double-pivot suspension - based on the MacPherson
strut design - is used for a more precise feeling of control, including
more linear and communicative steering, and a smoother ride. It also
improves impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces.
The
double-pivot system incorporates a pair of ball joints and lower control
arms - one in tension and the other in compression - to replace a
conventional wishbone at each wheel. The control arms, the spindle and
the body form an effective four-bar link for each side of the front
suspension, creating virtual pivot points for greater camber control.
There is also a direct-acting stabilizer bar.
The front
suspension's design also enables a longer spindle, larger pivot center
and positive-offset steering geometry for optimal steering control,
excellent straight-line stability and a more refined ride.
High-durometer rubber and hydraulic bushings are used with the front
suspension for an excellent balance of ride comfort and precise response
when corning.
"The kinematics of the ATS's front suspension are
more complicated, but the payoff is worth it in the way the car drives,"
said Berube. "The driver will feel directly connected to what the front
wheels are doing, but with a comfortable degree of isolation that makes
the Cadillac ATS a great touring car for long drives."
At the
rear of the ATS is the first five-link independent suspension in a
Cadillac. It's a design that helps reduces roll center motion, enables
positive lateral control, reduces "squat" during acceleration and
promotes excellent dynamic stability. In short, it helps keep the tires
planted on all surfaces and during all hard-cornering maneuvers.
Four
handling links (upper and lower control arms) are used at each side to
control wheel motion and a toe link at each wheel provides additional
horizontal control - particularly during hard cornering. The upper and
lower links create an effective double-wishbone design, although the
links are mounted independently.
As with the front suspension, the
five-link design creates virtual pivot points that the ATS's engineers
used for geometry optimization. The stiff links are mounted on a cradle
that contributes to a smoother, quieter and more isolated ride. The
cradle is made of steel (with hydroformed side rails) to help optimize
the car's structural stiffness and mass.
"Using an aluminum cradle
would have reduced the ATS's overall weight, but we found a few extra
pounds at the rear suspension helped get the front/rear weight balance
closer to the optimal 50-50 ratio," said David Masch, ATS chief
engineer. "We also added mass to other areas of the car where it was
necessary to achieve performance."
Seventeen-inch (17x8-inch)
wheels used with 225/40-series tires are standard and 18x8-inch wheels
and 255/35-series rubber are offered on the Cadillac ATS, with run-flat
tires. Models with the FE3 suspension feature 18x9-inch rear wheels.
A
mechanical limited-slip differential is a feature not matched by all
other competitors and gives the ATS an edge when it comes to ensuring
all of the powertrain's torque is applied to the tires during hard
cornering. It is standard with the six-speed manual transmission and
included with the FE3 sport suspension package. It is housed in a robust
8.6-inch carrier. Other models feature a 7.67-inch carrier.
MRC, electric power steering and other advanced control systems
Supporting the ATS's new suspension designs are advanced damping, steering and braking systems, including Magnetic Ride Control.
Magnetic
Ride Control (MRC) is the heart of the FE3 Sport Suspension package,
which is included on the Premium Collection and also includes a
mechanical limited-slip differential, high-capacity cooling system and
18-inch summer-performance tires. MRC is a real-time damping system that
delivers more precise body motion control. It "reads" the road every
millisecond and can change damping in only five milliseconds.
With
MRC, the conventional mechanical-valve shocks and struts are replaced
with electronically controlled units filled with a magneto-rheological
fluid, which contains minute iron particles. Under the presence of a
magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance
almost instantly. Sensor input determines the amount of resistance
required, varying the magnetic charge to optimize damping.
Adjustable
settings for the FE3 suspension allow the driver to select different
ranges of damping for Magnetic Ride Control, including a competitive
mode that also adjusts the intervention of the stability control and
traction control systems.
All Cadillac ATS models come with a
premium electric, variable-assist power steering gear from ZF Steering
Systems. It is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center
characteristics, while also saving fuel because engine power isn't
directly required to assist gear movement - as is the case with
conventional hydraulic systems.
The steering gear has great
torsional stiffness and lower operating friction, which enhance the
steering feel with almost perfect linear response. Additionally, the
steering column and intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting and
low-friction ball bearing designs. That means there is almost no "lash"
in the entire steering system, for a more immediate and
connected-to-the-road feel for the driver.
Four-wheel disc brakes
are standard on all models, with Brembo performance brakes available on
the standard model and included on the Luxury, Performance and Premium
collections. They are matched with a four-channel ABS system that is
integrated with standard StabiliTrak stability control and full-function
traction control.
All-wheel drive is available, for even greater traction assurance on wet and icy road surfaces.
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