Topic: Preview: 2013 Cadillac ATS

[Autos_Editor]

On sale this summer, the compact, rear-wheel drive Cadillac ATS has the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class in its sights.

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[sailor723]

I have to think that it's going to be tough to go head to head with BMW or MB when they're selling these out of a Chevy dealership complete with a "Chevy" level sales and service experience.

it may be different in the US of course where Cadillac is sold out of stand alone stores.

[nlm]

I think more potential BMW/MB buyers would cross shop against Cadillac than Chevy, even if the guts are the same. There is a reason most folks look at BMW/MB types and it ain't necessarily for what's under the skin or label.

Would be nice to know what the powertrain combos are. If no manual, 2.0T and AWD combination, its a pass for me.

[Vmango]

If the car is great I could care less about the "dealership experience." Also, at least in Waterloo, the Cadillac dealer is on par in terms of service and feel with some of the others.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Some BMW/Mercedes dealerships have great customer service. Some wouldn't walk across the showroom floor to on you if you were on fire.

Mainline dealerships vary wildly, regardless of brand.

Lexus dealers seem to be pretty top notch across the board.

[airbalancer]

At least with a Caddy you do not have to look for a dealer between Barrie and Winnipeg or Ajax to Ottawa/ Montreal
That is one think about M-B they do allow dealers in small town

[dougjp]

I think this Caddy ticks all the right boxes for the segment its going after, except styling where its pushing the same brand "psychology". I think that will turn off most people interested in BMW/Audi/MB.  

Then there is the issue of getting across the image change this car represents, which again is made very difficult by the familiar styling clues. My guess is that it will sell "on price" mainly. And if it isn't priced less, then it won't sell very many.  

[D70]

Its been a while since there was a 4 cylinder Cadillac, the Cimarron, I hope it fares much better. Always like to see the older models http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/1712738306/

[whaddaiknow]

Then there is the issue of getting across the image change this car represents, which again is made very difficult by the familiar styling clues. My guess is that it will sell "on price" mainly. And if it isn't priced less, then it won't sell very many.  

+1
Looks like a very attractive package. However, only if it's priced right (a bit less than German competition which already starts at a very competitive price point mid- to high $30's). If not, I'll pass. Tough call for GM.

And the NA 2.5l 4-cyl in a Caddy??? PALLEASE!!!

[opg210]

Its been a while since there was a 4 cylinder Cadillac, the Cimarron, I hope it fares much better. Always like to see the older models

Oh boy, if the GM people read these blogs I bet they're crying to see that name reappear. It's kind of like having a criminal record - no matter how hard you're trying these days, if people remember that dirty little secret from 30 years ago you're doomed.

[5 Wheel Drive]

I was just reading about this in the new Car & Driver last night.  This looks like a pretty appealing package.  Weight will be around 3400lbs, not bad.  If they can undercut the  competition on price by a wide enough margin they should do well with it.  They've got to get the word out too, I don't see too many Cadillac ads or commercials.  They've got to get people into the showroom to look at it and test drive it

I'll take the 2.0l turbo with a 6 speed manual please. 

[hemusbull]

Doesn't matter what type of buyers are target - I think ATS buyers are gravitating more around Lincoln, Saab, Volvo and Acura. BMW, MB, Lexus and even Audi are much more established and higher rate in the minds of all customers on the market. Only playing with ...the price and consistent reliability, quality and options, Cadillac can go up on the top again. This car here is tottaly newcomer and price game can be the only option for many years ahead (if it doesn't die like Catera or, don't mind, Cimarron).

[wing]

That 2.0-litre turbo is going to be awesome.  In the Regal it is just too much power for the front wheels.  RWD FTW!

[SaskSpecV]

If they can undercut the  competition on price by a wide enough margin they should do well with it. 

I'll take the 2.0l turbo with a 6 speed manual please. 

I would also be interested in the 2.0/6MT - ESPECIALLY if the rumoured hatch/wagon version of the ATS shows up (but what are the odds you could get the "proper" body style and powertrain together?  Slim to none I'm thinking...)

But I seriously doubt GM will undercut the competition.  They believe (and want consumers to as well) that their product is equivalent to MB/BMW/AUDI/Lexus, so they should charge equivalently.  I'm guessing the base ATS (2.5L) will come in around 32K - about the same as the Lexus IS250.  But the 2.0 and 3.6?  I'd estimate 40K and 43K respectively (likely with more standard equipment though).  Add some (likely overpriced) option packages, and I bet the ATS will easily top 50K (just like the other "premium" brands...) 

The 2.0L ATS likely won't undercut the Regal GS, which runs well into the 40s (very well equipped).  GM is always "ambitious" (euphemism alert) with their pricing at first (see Sonic, Orlando, Regal), but soon follows it up with residual-value-busting incentives.  I would love to be wrong about my guesses for the ATS pricing though, and see them come out with "value" pricing from the start to drive initial sales.  But I'm not holding my breath...

[nlm]

I'm thinking the V6 will be the base and the 2.0L will be priced higher.

[articsteve]

Then there is the issue of getting across the image change this car represents, which again is made very difficult by the familiar styling clues. My guess is that it will sell "on price" mainly. And if it isn't priced less, then it won't sell very many

THAT and the sorry fact that for anyone under 60 years of age the Caddilac BRAND is DOA.  And I'm talking AMERICANS.

Consequently, if you're gonna launch a new piece of metal aimed at the "pre social security" crowd you gotta BRAND it accordingly.  Same applies to Buick.  Get rid of that friggin name (brand) already.

Overall GM USA sales were down in January 6% to give you a base line.  Caddilac down 29%, Buick down 23%.

Audi up 20%, MB up 23%, BMW up 3%.

 


http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120201/RETAIL01/120209995/1491

[lebowski]

Then there is the issue of getting across the image change this car represents, which again is made very difficult by the familiar styling clues. My guess is that it will sell "on price" mainly. And if it isn't priced less, then it won't sell very many

THAT and the sorry fact that for anyone under 60 years of age the Caddilac BRAND is DOA.  And I'm talking AMERICANS.

Wow, tired cliches much? Who do you suppose is buying CTS's and CTS-V's? Not many over-60's, if my last visit to the states was anything to go by. Fact is, younger folks dig the "new" cadillac just fine, especially  CTS   - and especially the V-series.  Bit by bit, Cadillac is being re-perceived as a legit luxury/sport sedan maker.

[articsteve]

I was just in California/Nevada/Arizona et al and you see few.  My Kentucky brother-in-law bought a 2011 CTS on a trade for his STS (or the one very similar to that).  Appalling.  My rental Impala had less drive line noise.  Could not believe it, because usually if anything, Cadillacs are very quiet.

However, that is all besides the point.  Forget the actual car.  It's the BRAND.  It's dying.

Look at those January numbers.   

[aquadorhj]

It's the BRAND.  It's dying.

Look at those January numbers.   

it's true, Caddy's don't have a lot to be proud of at the moment, but the CTS is selling pretty well in cowtown, i think..  lots of them around.

i think ATS looks good.  depending on the price and trim level, it COULD be a contender.

though, if i were caddy, i would have started with STS replacement instead of 3 series competitor.  2 flavors of grandaddy caddy.  one for S-class crowd, one for avalon/lexus crowd.

[lebowski]

I was just in California/Nevada/Arizona et al and you see few.  My Kentucky brother-in-law bought a 2011 CTS on a trade for his STS (or the one very similar to that).  Appalling.  My rental Impala had less drive line noise.  Could not believe it, because usually if anything, Cadillacs are very quiet.

However, that is all besides the point.  Forget the actual car.  It's the BRAND.  It's dying.

Look at those January numbers.   

Hey, I won't argue with the #'s - Cadillac's are in the dumps, no argument there, but I still disagree the brand is dead. I seem to recall a certain German automaker whose brand was beyond-DOA in the early 90's, following a negative PR sh*tstorm. We all know the rest of that story: said automaker was shortly thereafter reborn thanks to their introduction of....wait for it..... an ultra-competitive, sporty, entry-level luxury sedan. See what i did there

All that to say, don't count 'em out just yet!

I have never owned an American car, but if the ATS is better than the 3-series in key metrics, I'd have no problem buying one.