The convertible version of Cadillac’s 2014 3 Series-fighter, being designed under the codename ATS, will be a soft top, rather than a folding hardtop model. While the current BMW 3 Series convertible has a folding metal top, Cadillac’s decision saves money, complexity, and weight while lending the car a classic ragtop look. The ATS, a rear-drive car that will be smaller than the current Cadillac CTS, will be offered in sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon body styles. It’s unlikely that all body styles will be offered when the car is launched some time in ’13, and the wagon may be offered in Europe only, depending on the sales success of the current CTS Sportwagon.
There has been a lot of speculation on what engine a Cadillac ATS-v (not its final name) would have. We’ve heard Cadillac is considering a twin-turbo 3.2-liter V-6, though recent reports suggest it will be the CTS-v’s supercharged 6.2-liter small-block V-8, making 470 horsepower. The 3.2-liter engine would be based on the V-6 GM developed with Fiat for Alfa Romeo models, reoriented to a longitudinal layout for the RWD Caddy.
The ATS-v may be a ’14 model, but we’ll predict that, like the CTS-v, it will launch up to a year after the standard ATS, as a ’15. That gives Cadillac a bit more time to decide between the two engines. Because it’s an overhead valve engine, the supercharged small block would fit and wouldn’t add too much weight to the ATS while competing with Mercedes AMG models. The twin-turbo V-6, though, would compete more directly with the next-generation M3 in terms of balancing power and responsible fuel efficiency.
Thanks to: Motor Trend