GM has released details on a new engine that will power the new 2013 Cadillac ATS sedan. It's a new turbocharged 2.0-liter that tentatively rated at 270-horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque.
Those are huge numbers for an engine of that size. BMW's latest 2.0-liter turbo engine only makes 240 horsepower although its does deliver the same 260 lb-ft of torque. The new Cadillac engine used direct injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger and an air-to-air intercooler to achieve its lofty power numbers.
And now for the bad news. At the same presentation where the new engine was announced, Cadillac also noted that the ATS would also offer a base 2.5-liter four cylinder engine along with the already announced 3.6-liter V8 on the top end. No specifics were given, but the 2.5-liter is probably a variation of the engine slated for use in the Chevrolet Malibu.
It's probably a perfectly good engine, but if Cadillac is going after BMW why not tackle the 3 Series head on with a similar lineup and forget the cheapo base models that do nothing but bring down the image of the brand? Probably because they want to sell more ATSs, but at what cost?
stovt001 says:
05:14 PM, 12/14/11
Isn't that supposed to be 3.6L V6?
I'd bet a 4th option is coming in a V series trim as well.
The 2.5L base engine doesn't seem right for a Cadillac, but stuff like that is common overseas and we're starting to see that come over hear with rising gas prices and increased environmental regulation so I'm not too surprised. We very well could see BMW and Mercedes start offering some of their base engines here as well.
iancar says:
05:47 PM, 12/14/11
Wait a minute: traverse mounted? This is a FF or FR car?
louiswei says:
06:39 PM, 12/14/11
Price it couple grands below the 328i then it'll be ok. An ATS-V packs 380 hp and priced similar to a 335i M-sport would be a winner in my opinion.
billt9 says:
09:13 PM, 12/14/11
BMWs come with 136 hp gasoline engines in their home turf in Europe.
Same that Cadillac should offer the wimpy engines here.
aznraptor says:
01:52 AM, 12/15/11
This engine looks really good for Cadillac. Twin Scroll Turbo/DI, 270hp. Wouldn't mind seeing this engine being used throughout the whole GM lineup
lostboyz says:
03:39 AM, 12/15/11
I'm confused, the ATS is to be a an FR setup, why are they showing off a transversely mounted 4 cylinder?
addicted2sp33d says:
08:44 AM, 12/15/11
ATS Wagon 2.0T 6MT? Please?
Otherwise I'll have no-other choice but to order an F30 328iT 6MT before the end of 2012.
threemopars says:
09:10 AM, 12/15/11
"I'm confused, the ATS is to be a an FR setup, why are they showing off a transversely mounted 4 cylinder?"
Look at how the exhaust is routed, and the Wreath and Crest is located on the engine cover. It's a RWD motor.
lostboyz says:
09:20 AM, 12/15/11
Ah, I see it, just seemed odd to have the wording on the engine cover sideways.
sandcountry360 says:
04:13 PM, 12/15/11
Why is the 2.5 such a bad idea? As long as the NVH isn't an issue (which it won't be), and it has 200+ horsepower, nobody will care. I think most entry luxury drivers would happily trade a little bit of speed for a few more horsepower and a few grand off the sticker price. Low power didn't seem to stop too many people from buying Lexus IS250s. And as for why they don't just do whatever everyone else is doing- could it be they want to be at the head of the curve this time?
bodyblue says:
10:56 AM, 12/16/11
"As long as the NVH isn't an issue (which it won't be)"
You sure about that? GM four bangers are some of the worst for NVH.
csubowtie says:
12:38 PM, 12/16/11
This sounds good for the mid-level model. But I'm waiting to see what the ATS-V is going to be packing. I'm not going to be happy if they are planning something like this as the V-engine (see Regal GS).
coolb944 says:
01:14 PM, 12/16/11
@csubowtie
Read the article again.
It's going to be :
2.5L Base
2.0T Mid-level
3.6L V6 (not a V8, that's a typo) Top trim
There's no mention of the V Series here, though you can bet that the V won't have a smaller engine than the 3.6L top trim regular model.
I'd guess the V series will have an LS3 V8, or whatever the new internal designation will be for the new small block V8 for the Corvette with direct injection.
agentorange says:
07:46 PM, 12/16/11
Cadillac probably have to use the 2.5 motor to help with their overall CAFE rating.