Big sedans and chrome-laden SUVs may be the first thing we think of now when it comes to Cadillacs, but the luxury auto brand just wouldn't be the same without its coupes. And General Motors just revealed its latest two-door model at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. The new Cadillac ATS Coupe puts the American brand up against the likes of the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 in a segment it has never competed in before. It's based on the existing ATS sedan — itself a rival to the 3 Series and A4 but cuts two of its doors out of the equation to make for a smaller Cadillac coupe than any it has ever made before (and a far cry from the tail-finned boulevard cruisers of old).
Forgoing the sedan's base 2.5-liter V6, Cadillac is offering the new ATS Coupe with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (rated at 272 horsepower and 295lb-ft of torque) or a 3.6-liter V6 (with 321hp and 275lb-ft). Both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, though all-wheel drive is available — as is a manual transmission for the turbo model.
Either way, you're looking at near 50/50 weight distribution for perfect balance and advanced aerodynamic elements situated in the vehicle's undercarriage to help it cheat the wind without the need for look-at-me spoilers. In fact, the whole design is much more low-key than you might expect, taking a lower profile than the CTS Coupe, ELR hybrid or XLR convertible we've seen until now. But while it may look less cutting edge, it still packs all the latest technological advancements you could expect of a brand-new premium product from one of the largest automakers in the world. Tick the right boxes on the options sheet and you'll be looking at adaptive LED headlamps, Magnetic Ride Control, an eight-inch multi-touch LCD in the dashboard, 4G LTE cellular internet, a color head-up display, and so much more.
"The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is a natural step in the brand's progression, and another distinctive, fun-to-drive and technologically advanced product for a new generation of drivers extending our target groups," says Cadillac marketing director Uwe Ellinghaus. "It is an exclusively distinctive American alternative, unique in its class, yet delivering a sporty and sophisticated driving experience rivaling the world's best."
