Cadillac Sub-ATS Still Under Consideration
Cadillac is still considering adding a compact luxury sedan model to its lineup.
With more luxury automakers creating cheaper entry-level models such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the Audi A3, Cadillac has been thinking of adding a sub-ATS model to its lineup for over a year now. Though the compact luxury class is relatively new in the U.S., it has become the fastest-growing segment in the luxury market. Unlike other entries in the market that are front-wheel drive, Cadillac’s offering would be rear-wheel drive and even all-wheel drive where appropriate.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Review
In an interview with Car and Driver, Cadillac marketing head Uwe Ellinghaus confirmed that the American automaker acknowledges the advantage of a cheaper front-wheel drive platform, but Ellinghaus feels that there are other advantages to using a rear-wheel drive platform. In addition, the chief marketing officer also realizes that the general consumer doesn’t “care about front- or rear-wheel drive,” but stated that “rear-wheel drive offers you the proportions for a better-looking and better-driving car that people indeed recognize.”
If the model is to come to fruition, it will likely be built on the American automaker’s Alpha architecture that currently underpins the ATS and CTS models and will also be used in the next-generation Camaro. Unfortunately, don’t expect it to debut anytime soon as Cadillac has more than enough on its plate for next year with the launch of the ATS-V, CTS-V, LTS flagship and the new SRX.
Cadillac has never followed up on the ULC concept (above), examining a sub-compact model.
GALLERY: Cadillac ATS-V Spy Photos
GALLERY: Cadillac ULC Concept
[Source: Car and Driver]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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