Cadillac ATS Takes On The 'ring

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

The constant frustration of almost everyone in the automotive media, is getting scooped by the fanboys. And yet it inevitably, it keeps happening. While the usual German ‘ring-watching suspects were enjoying their Messe, ATSforum.com grabbed an apparent web exclusive video of the Cadillac ATS at the Nürburgring… three days ago.

Despite the endless sturm und drang surrounding ‘ring records, I think videos like this are what makes the ‘ring “matter”: they show not-yet-for-sale cars being pushed on challenging, degraded road. As Jack points out though, the driver makes a huge difference in ‘ring times, and therefore, the performance you’re seeing in this video. Your ‘ring mileage may vary. Still, it’s worth remembering that this is a Cadillac on the Nürburgring. I’m not making apologies, it’s just… typing that still feels strange (yes, even after the CTS-V). Anyway, there’s some fairly comparable 2012 BMW 3er footage after the jump, so… y’know…

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Rentonben Rentonben on Sep 20, 2011

    When I heard of the ATS, I had visions of a tarted up Cobalt for some reason and was sort of dreading that Cadillac was going to be just another trim level on a corporate platform again. I'm impressed, really impressed. I'm happy to see they kept the harsh angles even if it doesn't look 'pretty' - there's to many soap-bars with flame surfacing in the world already.

  • Advance_92 Advance_92 on Sep 20, 2011

    How can one make a car that boxy and still make outward visibility so bad you can't stay in your own lane on a roundabout?

  • 1995 SC I wish them the best. Based on the cluster that is Ford Motor Company at the moment and past efforts by others at this I am not optimistic. I wish they would focus on straigtening out the Myriad of issues with their core products first.
  • El Kevarino There are already cheap EV's available. They're called "used cars". You can get a lightly used Kia Niro EV, which is a perfectly functional hatchback with lots of features, 230mi of range, and real buttons for around $20k. It won't solve the charging infrastructure problem, but if you can charge at home or work it can get you from A to B with a very low cost per mile.
  • Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh haaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahaha
  • Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh *Why would anyone buy this* when the 2025 RamCharger is right around the corner, *faster* with vastly *better mpg* and stupid amounts of torque using a proven engine layout and motivation drive in use since 1920.
  • Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh I hate this soooooooo much. but the 2025 RAMCHARGER is the CORRECT bridge for people to go electric. I hate dodge (thanks for making me buy 2 replacement 46RH's) .. but the ramcharger's electric drive layout is *vastly* superior to a full electric car in dense populous areas where charging is difficult and where moron luddite science hating trumpers sabotage charges or block them.If Toyota had a tundra in the same config i'd plop 75k cash down today and burn my pos chevy in the dealer parking lot
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