Thoughts on the Cadillac ATS 2.0 Standard AWD?

[hattaresguy]

The 2.0T seems to be like a better package than the 320I. Interior is nicer, has almost 100hp more, and looks to be an all around better car.

I just looked at all the small sedans yesterday at the NY Auto Show, the ATS wins hands down.

To get a better German car you have to spend $50k, ie 335I with lots of options.

Oh and the new CTS is WOW, can't wait to test drive one with that 420hp V6...should go like stink. They had that new engine a stand, its a little light looking motor. Should take a lot of weight off the front axle so I bet the new CTS has near 50/50 weight distribution.

Audi and Cadillac are running away from the competition in this $30k-$40k market. BMW and MB can't quite cut it, and the Japanese are not even in the same business anymore. Lexus and Acura just have rebaged FWD Camry's and Accords.

I can't wait until GM makes an ATS V, which everyone knows is coming soon. I hope they put their garbage can lid size carbon ceramic brakes on it! A car that light with those massive brakes on it should throw occupants threw the windshield at full lock!

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Lexus and Acura just have rebaged FWD Camry's and Accords.

FYI, Lexus has the IS which is RWD. No manual trans option though.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy

I can't wait until GM makes an ATS V, which everyone knows is coming soon. I hope they put their garbage can lid size carbon ceramic brakes on it! A car that light with those massive brakes on it should throw occupants threw the windshield at full lock!


+1

 

[mechanicx]

In regard to the AWD or RWD, I would not want a driver's car like that some what mared and weighed down with AWD. To me it would be like having FWD when RWD is a big part of what makes a car desirable.

I understand it can be a little harder going in snow and slick weather with RWD and all season tires vs FWD and AWD, but for many years that's all you had was RWD and a lot of light in the back pick ups. I think with traction control and 50/50 weight distribution the ATS with RWD should have decent snow traction.

I think you should drive the RWD model before making a decision.

 

[barlowc]

Hmm... and maybe I should think about the TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission too? I know how to drive a stick; just never owned one.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: barlowc
Hmm... and maybe I should think about the TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission too?

If you're looking for a more sporty and engaging driving experience, I think you definitely should. It doesn't hurt to test drive it. Let us know what you think.

 

[whip]

If I was buying it, I'd get a manual with RWD. I live in northern Ohio, so I know about snow. I've never needed AWD.

 

[Spazdog]

It's too close in price to the 328ix or G37x. Well established nameplates

For a few dollars more than 2.0 Turbo Standard All-Wheel Drive, you can get a Taurus SHO.

Personally, I would save a few thousand and get the RWD manual. Perhaps use the money I saved on winter tires and wheels if I lived in a climate that needed winter tires.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
It's too close in price to the 328ix or G37x. Well established nameplates

For a few dollars more than 2.0 Turbo Standard All-Wheel Drive, you can get a Taurus SHO.

Personally, I would save a few thousand and get the RWD manual. Perhaps use the money I saved on winter tires and wheels if I lived in a climate that needed winter tires.


I'll forgive the first line! Methinks cadillac qualifies as a well established nameplate!

Who wants an SHO? At 4350 pounds it is a gargantuan bloated whale of a car, very Hyundai in its deep content but no real driving dynamics. A great car as long as you are not a "spirited" driver! Goes like stink in a straight line...

The ATS defines the entire segment. No one can match the dynamics, and Caddy is tuning this platform to the max so it will get even better!

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
It's too close in price to the 328ix or G37x. Well established nameplates

For a few dollars more than 2.0 Turbo Standard All-Wheel Drive, you can get a Taurus SHO.

Personally, I would save a few thousand and get the RWD manual. Perhaps use the money I saved on winter tires and wheels if I lived in a climate that needed winter tires.


I'll forgive the first line! Methinks cadillac qualifies as a well established nameplate!



I meant that the G and the 3-er were well established. ATS is not.....yet.

Poor choice of words on my part.

 

[barlowc]

I stayed up too late last night looking through all the information on Cadillac's site, including the "Cadillac ATS vs The World" videos and reading through every word on every page of their brochure. I realize it's all marketing information, but it has me impressed.

I then couldn't sleep because my brain was thinking about RWD and the manual transmission. The more I think about it, the more I think RWD would be perfectly fine. I can probably count the number of days on one hand where we had bad road conditions due to snow each of the past few years. My Dad has been driving a RWD CTS since 2008 and never has any problems. You just need to exercise caution and intelligence when driving in such conditions, and really that needs to be done whether you're driving RWD, FWD, or AWD. Saving a couple thousand in the process is a nice bonus.

The manual transmission part intimidates me a bit. While I know how to drive a stick just fine, I've never owned one and therefore I don't consider myself having "skills" in that department. I just don't know if it's one of those things that I'll learn to be good at and then enjoy, or whether I'll find it a pain and end up regretting it.

I'm planning another trip to the dealer to drive a few different trims. Since I'm now thinking RWD, I'll probably give the 2.5 a spin. Then the 2.0 in both auto and manual. Also need to wash, photograph, and list my Nissan.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: barlowc
The manual transmission part intimidates me a bit. While I know how to drive a stick just fine, I've never owned one and therefore I don't consider myself having "skills" in that department. I just don't know if it's one of those things that I'll learn to be good at and then enjoy, or whether I'll find it a pain and end up regretting it.

This one's tough to answer as it's a very personal thing. The "skills" aren't hard. You get a hang of it fairly quickly. The only time I've seen people complain about manual is in cases where they commute in heavy stop-and-go traffic a lot. Personally, even that does not dissuade me, but I understand how it could.

See if the dealer would allow you to keep the tester (with manual trans) for a day or two so that you could practice commuting in it.

 

[mechanicx]

This sounds like really good thinking and you seem like a real car guy.

It would be hard to say if you should jump into a manual for the first time on such a substantial car purchase. They are not as popular with the market as they even use to be whatever that's worth. But I'm definitely behind going with RWD.

 

[hattaresguy]

People cry about RWD but European RWD cars are excellent in the snow with proper snow tires. I don't see why the Caddy would be any different.

IMHO I wouldn't spring for AWD, save the money or use it for the bigger engine.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Looked at the pics of it and I just don't like it. Fake wood and cheap carbon fiber,yuck! Plus I'd rather have a RWD V8 in a sedan that size. 4 bangers should be left for Ford Focus,etc.

 

[PhillyJoe]

The Buick Regal and Verano also have that 2.0T engine. If it moves the ATS, the Verano must lay wheels every time you hit the pedal. The ATS is on the plus side of $50k, so a look at the Regal might balance your sporty sedan and thrifty wallet needs.
Also, check on the sticker for where the transmission is made.
I've seen some of these turbo cars mated with Chinese transmissions. With the warranties going from 5 yr/100k to 3 yr/36k that's something to keep in mind.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete

See if the dealer would allow you to keep the tester (with manual trans) for a day or two so that you could practice commuting in it.


This.

I won't buy a car if I can't get an extended test drive. 20 minutes is not long enough, my LX test drive was 2 weeks long!

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: PhillyJoe
The Buick Regal and Verano also have that 2.0T engine. If it moves the ATS, the Verano must lay wheels every time you hit the pedal. The ATS is on the plus side of $50k, so a look at the Regal might balance your sporty sedan and thrifty wallet needs.
Also, check on the sticker for where the transmission is made.
I've seen some of these turbo cars mated with Chinese transmissions. With the warranties going from 5 yr/100k to 3 yr/36k that's something to keep in mind.


Note that the Buicks are a bit heavier and FWD. Much less powerful tune on their engine. Could not be more different.

GM autobox is built in-house.

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: PhillyJoe
check on the sticker for where the transmission is made. I've seen some of these turbo cars mated with Chinese transmissions. With the warranties going from 5 yr/100k to 3 yr/36k that's something to keep in mind.

My understanding is the the 6-speed automatic transmission used is the GM 6L45 Hydra-Matic which certainly isn't a cheap, Chinese-made transmission. I believe BMW sources that transmission from GM and uses it in some of their models, or at least used to. The 6-speed manual transmission is from Tremec and was design for the ATS.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete

See if the dealer would allow you to keep the tester (with manual trans) for a day or two so that you could practice commuting in it.


This.

I won't buy a car if I can't get an extended test drive. 20 minutes is not long enough, my LX test drive was 2 weeks long!


Agree!!