2012 Cadillac ATS Still in the Works

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

2012 Cadillac ATS Still in the Works

DETROIT — Cadillac is moving forward with the often-teased ATS, a model slated for a 2012 debut and aimed straight at the Infiniti G37, Mercedes C-Class and other German and Japanese competitors in the entry-premium segment.

"We're finalizing the four-door showcar of the ATS first," a well-placed source told Inside Line. "Then we'll follow quickly after with a wagon, a coupe and a convertible."

A debate regarding the convertible is whether to go with a folding hardtop or a sturdy weight- and space-saving ragtop in the style of the last Audi A4 and the new A5/S5. The source said Cadillac is currently "not too sure about the compromises of a folding hardtop."

Whether we see the ATS sedan prototype in October in Paris or December in Los Angeles remains unclear, but the source hinted at L.A. as the right spot for the biggest splash.

Inside Line says: The crisis and GM bankruptcy seemingly haven't made Cadillac falter in its plans. — Matt Davis, Correspondent

link:

http://www.insideline.com/cadillac/ats/2012-cadillac-ats-still-in-the-works.html

[loki]

first alpha car?

[dwightlooi]

first alpha car?

I hope they...

Keep it simple and keep it light (no more than 3300 lbs)

Stick to steel springs, strut suspension, 17~18" wheels

Keep it high quality and don't go overboard with gimmicky features

Stuff it with the 270hp 3.0V6 for the standard model and a Small Block V8 for the V

Forget the manual option and stick to a 6-speed auto as standard

Stick to 3 trim levels no options -- ATS, ATS w/navigation, ATS-V

[67impss]

I hope they...

Keep it simple and keep it light (no more than 3300 lbs)

Stick to steel springs, strut suspension, 17~18" wheels

Keep it high quality and don't go overboard with gimmicky features

Stuff it with the 270hp 3.0V6 for the standard model and a Small Block V8 for the V

Forget the manual option and stick to a 6-speed auto as standard

Stick to 3 trim levels no options -- ATS, ATS w/navigation, ATS-V

Why not use the composite spring from the 'vette?

[Z-06]

I hope they...

Keep it simple and keep it light (no more than 3300 lbs)

Stick to steel springs, strut suspension, 17~18" wheels

Keep it high quality and don't go overboard with gimmicky features

Stuff it with the 270hp 3.0V6 for the standard model and a Small Block V8 for the V

Forget the manual option and stick to a 6-speed auto as standard

Stick to 3 trim levels no options -- ATS, ATS w/navigation, ATS-V

I personally think it should come with Dual Clutch Semi-Manual transmission.

Keeping the weight around 3,300 lbs is going to be a lot of challenge, but I can see the car shed 500 lbs over sigma and zeta.

[Intrepidation]

• They shouldn't keep it simple. It's a Cadillac. Leave the simple cars to Chevy.
  
• It should have plenty of tech, tech is becoming a bigger and bigger selling factor (just ask Ford about Sync)
  
• They should make more use of aluminum and other strong, lightweight materials. That'll also help keep it lighter VS steel components.
  
• 18" wheels should be standard. 17" would no doubt look too small.
  
• Doesn't need a V8, would be a cool but a twin turbo 3.6 would be cool too.
  
• It should get a manual and automatic options...a DSG would be cool though.
  

[balthazar]

+1 on Dodgefan's list.

[smk4565]

They have the body styles right. Hopefully the car isn't super heavy like most GM cars, and it needs a great V6, and I'd like to see a V8, but I suppose a twin turbo V6 would do for the V-series. The M3 is rumored to return to a straight 6. The car should not be simple though, there are something like 1 million ways to order a 3-series, the ATS needs some various trims and option packages and a few engine choices.

I'll just throw this out there, the new 5-series transmission has 5 clutches, if that is on the 535i, how long before it hits the 335i. And I believe 2012 is the year for a new 3-series sedan. Cadillac has to aim high and load it with engineering and technology. Can't bring a knife to a gunfight like they did with the STS.

[regfootball]

• They shouldn't keep it simple. It's a Cadillac. Leave the simple cars to Chevy.
  
• It should have plenty of tech, tech is becoming a bigger and bigger selling factor (just ask Ford about Sync)
  
• They should make more use of aluminum and other strong, lightweight materials. That'll also help keep it lighter VS steel components.
  
• 18" wheels should be standard. 17" would no doubt look too small.
  
• Doesn't need a V8, would be a cool but a twin turbo 3.6 would be cool too.
  
• It should get a manual and automatic options...a DSG would be cool though.
  

yup

[SoCalCTS]

I hope they...

Keep it simple and keep it light (no more than 3300 lbs)

Stick to steel springs, strut suspension, 17~18" wheels

Keep it high quality and don't go overboard with gimmicky features

Stuff it with the 270hp 3.0V6 for the standard model and a Small Block V8 for the V

Forget the manual option and stick to a 6-speed auto as standard

Stick to 3 trim levels no options -- ATS, ATS w/navigation, ATS-V

A Cadillac without standard navigation after 2011 will be a huge mistake. Look at what Ford is putting in their low end cars. Cadillac needs to come up with some great SYNCH or iFord type interface soon. Its getting clear the GM is sooooo far behind in the Technology department.