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" On Sale Date: Fall 2012 Price: $33,900 to $42,090 Competitors: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Powertrains: (example) 2.5-liter I-4, 202 hp, 191 lb-ft; 2.0-liter I-4 turbo, 272 hp, 260 lb-ft; 3.6-liter V-6, 321 hp, 275 lb-ft; six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, RWD or AWD EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 19\u201322/28\u201332 (est.) What&amp;#039;s New: The ATS represents another step in Cadillac&amp;#039;s campaign to match the performance and catch up to the sales numbers of the premium German sports sedans, in particular the long dominant BMW 3 Series. It&amp;#039;s a compact sedan\u2014the lightest Caddy in decades\u2014developed on all-new architecture that&amp;#039;s smaller than the midsize CTS. The ATS is basically rear-wheel drive, with the option of sending power to all four wheels. It comes to Cadillac showrooms in mid-August with three engine choices, two transmissions (automatic and manual, both six-speed), and a wide variety of trim and infotainment options. The softened styling is consistent with the design language established by the CTS.  The body shell is a masterpiece of designing for high chassis rigidity and simultaneous weight reduction. Materials include an alchemist&amp;#039;s recipe of high-strength steel, aluminum, and a pinch or two of magnesium, painstakingly whittled and shaved\u2014a gram here, a gram there\u2014to minimize curb weights. Those weights range from just over 3300 pounds to 3629 for all-wheel drive and V-6 power, according to Cadillac. At the same time, the symphony of structural materials, spot welds, rivets, and structural adhesives yields a very stiff body shell, up to 40 percent stiffer than the midsize CTS. Chassis rigidity is the key to all vehicle dynamics, and the ATS delivers.  Tech Tidbit: Infotainment electronics keep getting more sophisticated, more graphically attractive, and more easily accessible. Cadillac CUE (for Cadillac User Experience) is the latest example. It&amp;#039;s capable of pairing data from up to 10 Bluetooth mobile devices, USB plug-ins, SD cards, and MP3 players, with fewer buttons and larger icons.  Driving Character: Cadillac&amp;#039;s ATS strategy was simple: Duplicate BMW 3 Series dynamics, including its eager responses, supple ride, quiet interior, and surgically precise steering. The ATS nails most of that list, particularly because of Cadillac&amp;#039;s auto-damping magnetorheological shocks (better known as Magnetic Ride Control), part of the FE3 suspension. Body motions are well controlled, with limited roll, great balance, right-now transient response, and powerful fade-free braking. The manual transmission (turbo only) amplifies the bond between car and driver. Though there could be improvement on one particular attribute (see Driver&amp;#039;s Grievance), the ATS generally inspires confidence, simultaneously delivering all-day comfort. Favorite Detail: In a competitive set that prioritizes decisive responses, Cadillac&amp;#039;s FE3 suspension package, with Magnetic Ride Control damping, limited-slip differential, and Brembo brakes, puts the ATS on an equal dynamic footing with its German rivals. This combination, with the 2.0-liter turbo and manual transmission, would not be out of place at track-day events.  Driver&amp;#039;s Grievance: Cadillac&amp;#039;s electric rack-and-pinion power steering varies assist, but tactile information is all but absent. The Tremec six-speed manual gearbox makes the most of the turbo&amp;#039;s torque, but shift engagements could be more positive. The Bottom Line: The ATS&amp;#039;s engine trio, distinctive styling, and other highlights give it the chops to be the first truly competitive compact luxury sports sedan from the U.S. It also delivers a broad range of trim and feature choices, across a price ladder that climbs from $33,900 to $42,090. Best in class? To be determined. A contender? No question. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/a7862/2013-cadillac-ats-test-drive-10152611/>