ATS Coupe 2.0T Gets More Torque Output, Equipment

New Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist safety systems available

DETROIT – Greater torque output in the 2015 ATS Coupe and ATS Sedan equipped with the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine, and available safety-enhancing lane-changing and lane-keeping technologies, highlight the new model year for the luxury sport models.

The additional torque – 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) and 272 horsepower (203 kW) – was achieved through engine calibration that results in increased boost pressure for improved performance over the class-competitive torque level available at the launch of the ATS Sedan.

“The ATS is already the most agile vehicle in its respective classes,” said David Masch, Cadillac ATS chief engineer. “The additional torque works to further improve on an already dynamic vehicle.”

At 136hp/L, the 2.0L Turbo is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry. It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 3000 rpm and the full 295 lb-ft of peak torque (400 Nm) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. The broad torque band is supported by high boost levels in the speed range, which is designed to give the lightweight ATS Coupe a feeling of immediate power on demand.

The 2015 ATS also offer Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist.

Lane Change Alert works in tandem with the available Side Blind Zone alert to warn drivers of rapidly approaching vehicles, looking approximately 82 feet (25 meters) from the side mirror. Drivers are warned that it may not be safe to change lanes with a flashing symbol in the side mirror, depending on which turn signal has been activated.

The Lane Keep Assist system operates above 37 mph, using a forward-facing camera that detects if the vehicle leaves the lane unintentionally. When detected, the system engages the electric power steering to give a momentary nudge and prevent crossing the lane markings, aligning the vehicle in the lane.

Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist are available on both the 2015 ATS Coupe and Sedan Performance and Premium Collection equipped with the Driver Assist Package; Lane Change Alert is also available on Luxury, Performance and Premium Collection ATS vehicles with the Driver Awareness Package.

ZF Lenksysteme Steering Enhances 2015 ATS Coupe

Premium electric power steering refines 2015 ATS Coupe ride without sacrificing handling

2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe

DETROIT – Cadillac and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH, a leading supplier of automotive steering systems, have teamed to create world-class dynamic handling and steering for all models of the 2015 ATS.

Starting with the excellent mechanical steering system, the electronic power assist steering gives a wider range of assist, resulting in an incredibly communicative, well-weighted and responsive steering experience, said Kevin Woodward, global key account at ZF Lenksysteme.

For 2015 ATS models, including the all-new ATS Coupe, the feel of the electronic power-assisted steering, designed with ZF Lenksysteme, has been improved through revised programming within the electronic control unit. The result is an incredibly communicative, well-weighted and responsive steering experience.

For 2015 ATS models, including the all-new ATS Coupe, the feel of the electronic power-assisted steering has been improved through revised programming within the electronic control unit. New programming broadens the range of steering assist at low and high vehicle speeds, based on wheel speed, steering angle and even the car’s chassis mode.

“It means that you don’t have to sacrifice parking lot feel for spirited driving feel,” Woodward said. “The new software change illustrates our ability to balance the goal of spirited performance, nimble and quick-responding steering with the premium luxury feel expected by Cadillac owners.”

The electric, variable-assist power steering system from ZF Lenksysteme is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics while saving fuel since engine power isn’t directly required to assist gear movement – as is the case with conventional hydraulic systems.

“Premium electric power steering by ZF Lenksysteme steering gear has great torsional stiffness and low operating friction to enhance the steering feel with almost perfect linear response,” Woodward said. Additionally, the steering column and intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting and low-friction ball bearing designs for a more immediate, connected-to-the-road feel for the driver.

Cadillac Sales: Crossovers and Trucks Do Well in June

The Cadillac SRX continued to dominate Cadillac Sales in June at 4,652 sold, followed by Escalade sales which were not quite 3K.   Clearly the market for luxury cross-overs and trucks has recovered somewhat in this period of relatively low gas prices.

Cadillac notes in the GM press release:

Cadillac sales were up, with Escalade up 57 percent and SRX up 19 percent. It was Cadillac’s best June since 2008, and 57 percent of customers did not trade in a Cadillac.

Cadillac’s sedan sales were down, with total sales led by ATS, CTS, and XTS in that order.  ATS sales were down 32%, CTS 10%, and XTS 24%.  The ATS Coupe is just reaching the market.  Cadillac is making changes to the logo to drop the wreath on new sedans.  No word of other substantial changes to address slow sedan sales.

  June (Calendar Year-to-Date)
January – June
  2014 2013 %Change Volume   2014 2013 %Change Volume  
ATS 2,358 3,459 -31.8   14,910 19,183 -22.3  
CTS 2,174 2,416 -10.0   16,008 15,133 5.8  
DTS 0 16 ***.*   0 19 ***.*  
ELR 97 0 ***.*   390 0 ***.*  
Escalade 1,907 1,035 84.3   6,671 5,677 17.5  
Escalade ESV 1,058 667 58.6   3,735 3,827 -2.4  
Escalade EXT 2 186 -98.9   49 1,159 -95.8  
SRX 4,652 3,912 18.9   28,864 23,990 20.3  
STS 0 4 ***.*   0 7 ***.*  
XTS 1,693 2,234 -24.2   11,490 14,684 -21.8  
Cadillac Total* 13,941 13,929 0.1   82,117 83,679 -1.9  

The Cadillac ELR had its best month yet at 97 delivered to happy new Electric Cadillac owners.   Dealers are offering substantial discounts on new ELRs which bring the pricing down from the $75-82K sticker.  The ELR would have been well placed price-wise at $55K.

Cadillac Sales Summary

Where are the new V-Series?  Cadillac is missing the long-expected ATS-V and the updated CTS-V.  Although these would sell around 15-20% of each line, they offer some halo appeal.   People are drawn into the showroom or sales consideration by  fire-breathing, athletic Cadillac models, even if they “settle” for a less expensive selection.

Cadillac can address ATS sales by getting the model priced aggressively.    Get the 2.5L standard model under $30K to compete there.  Get the fully loaded premium 2L Turbo under $40K, and the 3.6L Premium under $45.  The ATS as the entry level small Cadillac should not cost almost as much at the upper line CTS (!!).

What do you think?  How would you improve sedan sales within the year?