Cadillac ATS Takes On The 'ring
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…
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Ed, did you mean for the first paragraph to start with the article, To?
After comparing the two videos I noticed the ATS has hardly any body roll and the shock dampening takes any oscilations out over the bumps where the 3-series suspensions looks like a pogo stick double and tripling before settling down. Granted this ATS has a roll bar in it and is a test car.
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.
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?