Please Buy Me: Cadillac to Ditch ATS Base Engine, Slash Trims, Boost Value
The Cadillac ATS has a fever, and the only cure — according to Cadillac — is more value.
Hoping to reverse a sales slide that’s plagued the automaker’s smallest sedan since its debut, Cadillac plans to simplify the model’s configurations and pack each trim level with more goodies, according to a report in Automotive News.
The first thing to drop from the lineup in 2017 is the ATS’s base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. By removing the Chevrolet-sourced powerplant, the model’s entry price will rise (by about $1,500), but it allows the automaker to market the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine — one that packs competitive power figures.
Adding must-have features like a Bose surround-sound audio system to the base model boosts its value, and would allow the company to (possibly) spur sales without the use of incentives. Cadillacs suffer from so-so resale values, and new vehicle incentives do nothing to help that. Earlier this year, brand president Johan de Nysschen spoke about the company’s need to find a better way to move new models.
The 2017 makeover of the ATS lineup goes further than just a new base trim. Total engine and model configurations shrink from 16 to seven, with prices and trim levels tweaked throughout the lineup. Each offering above the entry-level model should cost between $650 and $1,100 less than before.
Cadillac hopes the strategy makes up for the ATS’s poor launch, which saw criticism leveled at the vehicle’s high price. The launch was followed by rapidly swelling inventories, which required incentives to move the oversupply. That hampered resale values, turning off potential buyers.
As of June 1, the automaker had a 100-day supply of new ATS models.
More by Steph Willems
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the cadillac only makes top of the line car
There is hope. I got a 328i loaner car yesterday when my 330i was in the shop for wheel alignment (bring a 3 with over 300k to my local dealer and they act all puppies and kitties probably because you are the polar opposite of the typical service customer ). Some odd quirk of fate got me a car with two options...the parking assist and sport package. Alas, still autobox. The trans was great. The steering was electric, and there was too much slop in the suspension (it was an Xi)...my ancient 3 is better, back to back. The four makes good power but with way too much drama at that price point. My CTS is actually tighter driving... Kinda funny, the sport seat is exactly the same as my 03-but cloth still takes over "sensa-vinyl". I'd like to drive the GM turbo four for comparison. My HFV6 isn't quite as sweet as the I-6 in BMW but worlds better than the blown four in the current 3. Caddy, take another shot !!! BMW isn't moving !!!!
I've owned a 04 330i zhp, g37S 6mt sedan,e36 M, and I thought the ATS 2.0T 6sp was as dynamic as all of those. I didn't buy it because I was wanting to step away from sedans for a bit. At 6ft even, I could sit behind myself actually more comfortably than the g37 because of indented footwell allowed my feet to slip under the front seats better. I do wish the 2.0T sounded more refined at revs than the n20, EA series VWs.I wish it made meaningful pull to redline like those other motors. Just know a turbo upgrade from Vermont Turbo will easily give 300whp.So theres aftermarket also. This should improve if the Camaro 2.0t gets a following.
I had one of these as a dealership loaner a few years back. A little bit too small for me, but great handling and really fun to drive -- but the base engine is a complete joke and not nearly adequate for the car's excellent handling. No power, 12-13 seconds to 60 etc.