Cadillac ATS coupe bows at Detroit auto show

Cadillac's ATS range grows into an even stronger BMW 3-series/4-series competitor with the introduction of the coupe model, which marks the first time GM's luxury division has taken the plunge into the compact luxury coupe segment.

The ATS coupe's 109.3-inch wheelbase is shared with its sedan brethren, but wears a lot of its own bodywork including a unique roof, doors, fenders, trunk lid and front fascia to not only give the coupe its own distinctive look, but to dress the wider track the coupe gets over the sedan. The ATS Coupe will be the first production Caddy to wear the division's new crest when it goes on sales this summer.

Providing power in base models is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 making 272-hp and 295-lb-ft of torque on 18 pounds of boost to outmuscle the BMW 428i coupe's 2.0-liter turbo and its 240-hp and 255-lb-ft ratings. Cadillac claims the ATS coupe with the base turbo four-cylinder will hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds thanks not only to its ample power, but its light base curb weight of 3,418 pounds which makes the compact luxury coupe segment's lightest entry. For those looking for more power, a 3.6-liter V6 is offered with 321-hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

On the transmission front, the four-cylinder is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the V6 is only offered with the automatic.

Excellent handling dynamics come courtesy of a suspension that consists of MacPherson struts up front and a five-link rear, nearly 50/50 weight distribution, a ZF variable electric steering system, standard 18-inch wheels and tires and Brembo front brakes. For an even sharper handling character, a FE3 sport suspension package is available that adds magnetic ride control, a mechanical limited-slip differential, higher-capacity engine cooling and performance tires. All-wheel drive is also available.

The interior gets a standard Bose premium audio system with active noise cancellation. An extensive list of optional features includes Cadillac's Cue system (standard on Luxury, Performance and Premium collection models), OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth phone and audio with voice recognition, text-to-voice, satellite radio, configurable 5.7-inch instrument cluster display, color reconfigurable head-up display and navigation.

Now we just have to keep our fingers crossed for the ATS-V models to get here soon.

The North American International Auto Show, known to most as the Detroit auto show, continues to serve as a barometer for the entire industry. This year, we'll expect to see the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the 2015 Ford Mustang and the BMW M3 and M4. The 2014 Detroit auto show is held at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Mich., and is open to the public Jan. 18-26.

By Jonathan Wong