Cadillac coupes have always carried a certain degree of dignity and romance, often underlined with performance and imposing design. Think Don Draper's '62 Coupe de Ville.

Now comes the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe, the two-door version of the sedan launched last year as a BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class fighter.

These are true spy shots: camo and black cladding set against a barbed wire fence. Cue the cloak and dagger. But the coupe carries significance for Cadillac as it will be positioned as the sporty take on the ATS—at least until we see an ATS-V. Competitors are updating their own portfolios too; BMW isn't going to give up its spot at the top of the pecking order without a fight and the 2-Series and 4-series coupes should be strong sellers.

Evidence that this is the ATS coupe is found in the relatively short wheelbase—it looks too tight to be a CTS coupe—and the timing is perfect for a two-door ATS variant.

The ATS coupe is based on the same front-engine, rear-wheel chassis we loved in the ATS sedan. Expect the powertrain to be fairly similar to the sedan, likely including the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder and turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The gearboxes will likely include six-speed automatic and manual units. A possible ATS-V could run a potent 3.0-liter V6.

Cadillac Introduces 2015 ATS Coupe

• Cadillac's first compact luxury Coupe, infused with ATS sedan's agility
• 2.0L Turbo model is segment's lightest, with increased torque for faster acceleration
• Launching in summer 2014, continuing Cadillac's ongoing expansion

DETROIT – Cadillac today introduced the all-new 2015 ATS Coupe, a quicker and more personal addition to the award-winning ATS product line. Lighter, more agile and more engaging than its competitors, it extends Cadillac's product-driven growth and the brand's tradition of dynamic luxury Coupes.

Cadillac's first-ever compact luxury Coupe goes on sale this summer, offering drivers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the power from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6L six-cylinder. In all combinations, ATS Coupe takes advantage of its lightweight and strong structure to deliver exhilarating performance with efficiency, with a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio.

"The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is a natural step in the brand's progression, and another distinctive, fun-to-drive and technologically advanced product for a new generation of drivers extending our target groups," said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac. "It is an exclusively distinctive American alternative, unique in its class, yet delivering a sporty and sophisticated driving experience rivaling the world's best."

Like the sedan, the ATS Coupe's driving dynamics are rooted in mass efficiency, which helps make it one of Cadillac's lightest and most agile models ever – and the lightest car in the compact luxury Coupe segment. In fact, the 2.0L Turbo engine is upgraded from the current ATS sport sedan to deliver nearly 14 percent more torque for 2015, taking it to 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). This gives the standard ATS Coupe an advantage in power and weight over similarly equipped Coupes such as the BMW 428i.

Greater torque means greater pulling power, for a greater feeling of responsiveness at low speeds, and helps the ATS Coupe achieve an estimated 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds.

"More power with less weight is always a better combination for performance, and the ATS Coupe offers one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the segment, making it feel lighter, more direct and responsive," said David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer. "Engineers vetted the ATS's performance on the track and the Coupe benefits from that exhaustive validation – all matched with Cadillac's trademark refinement."

Elements that contribute to the ATS Coupe's balanced performance and responsive characteristics include:

• Nearly perfect 50/50 weight balance and low center of gravity
• Five-link independent rear suspension featuring lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
• A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
• Underbody aerodynamic shields
• Premium, belt-driven electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
• Brembo front brakes
• Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels
• Available all-wheel drive

A driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension is available and includes Magnetic Ride Control, a mechanical limited-slip differential, high-capacity engine cooling system and 18-inch summer-performance tires. Magnetic Ride Control is a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control. It "reads" the road and can change damping every millisecond.

Design details

The 2015 ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as the sedan, but features its own bodywork. The roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid are unique to the Coupe, along with a specific front fascia and front fenders that accommodate a wider track than the sedan. It is also the first production model to wear Cadillac's revised crest.

The Coupe also has an aggressive stance, with wider front/rear tracks than the sedan, enhanced by short overhangs and sheet metal that wrapping tautly around the tires. Standard 18-inch wheels are exclusive to the Coupe.

Bold lighting elements are a Cadillac signature feature and the ATS Coupe advances that tradition with available LED headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting. Base models feature projector-beam headlamps, while high-intensity-discharge headlamps and front vertical LED light signatures are included on all collections above the standard model. Illuminating outside door handles on Performance and Premium collections lend technologically advanced style and function to the distinctive Coupe. All models feature LED technology for the taillamps and rear-center stop lamp.

The ATS Coupe also includes capless fueling.

Inside, the sedan's driver-focused cabin carries over to the Coupe, featuring handcrafted cut-and-sewn upholstered interior combinations, decorative stitching and authentic materials, including leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and wood, which enhance the emotional connection to the driving experience.

Choices of many interior color themes, each with unique accent trim materials, cover a wide range – from light, open and warm to dark and serious, and bold technical and sporty.

Available interior features include:

• OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in WiFi hotspot
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity with natural voice recognition
• Text-to-voice converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers
• USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription
• Reconfigurable 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display
• Full-color reconfigurable head-up display

A Bose ® premium audio system with Active Noise Cancelation technology is standard on all models and includes electronic sound enhancement on models equipped with the available premium surround sound audio system. Exclusive to ATS Coupe and differing from other manufacturers' system that pipe recorded engine sounds through the audio system, Cadillac's system enhances only the car's authentic powertrain sounds to enhance the performance experience.

The 12-speaker surround sound upgrade is available on Standard and Luxury, and it is included with Performance and Premium collections. It includes Bose Audio Pilot, which continuously monitors ambient sounds and adjusts the music volume and program content to optimize the listening experience

Additionally, a navigation system is also available on Luxury and Performance collections, and it is standard with the Premium Collection.

Enhanced Cadillac CUE leads technologies

Cadillac CUE is the centerpiece of the ATS Coupe's comprehensive collection of technologies designed to enhance the driving experience and complement customers' increasingly connected lifestyles. It is available on base models and standard on Luxury, Performance and Premium collections, with enhanced connectivity and convenience for 2015, including a new Text-to-Voice feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.) and Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users enhance connectivity and convenience. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity – and helps keep phones in pockets and hands on the wheel.

The heart of CUE is the eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, integrated into the top of the central instrument panel and featuring a motorized, fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area. CUE's vibrant LCD screen resembles a smartphone's screen, with large, easy-to-target icons to execute commands.

Complementing CUE is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, featuring a new built-in WiFi hotspot that can connect up to seven devices at once. The new 4G LTE connection can also be used to power CUE Collection, a new in-car app marketplace coming to Cadillac vehicles this year.

Additional technologies that make life with the ATS Coupe more convenient include the capability of remotely starting the engine or lowering the windows with the key fob or the owner's smartphone. EZ Key passive entry and push-button starting is standard, too, so the key never needs to leave the driver's pocket or purse.

Power-dense powertrains

The engine lineup includes a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and available 3.6L V-6. The award-winning 2.0L Turbo is rated at 272 horsepower (203 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The award-winning 3.6L V-6 is rated at 321 horsepower (239 kW) and 275 lb-ft of torque (373 Nm).

At 136hp/L, the 2.0L Turbo is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 5400 rpm and the full 295 lb-ft of peak torque (400 Nm) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. The broad torque band is supported by boost levels as high as 18 psi (1.26 bar) in the speed range, which is designed to give the lightweight ATS Coupe an exhilarating feeling of immediate power on demand.

Both engines feature direct injection and dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing, which help optimize power and efficiency, as well as reduce emissions. And each is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6L45 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control. A six-speed manual is also available with the 2.0L Turbo.

Advanced safety features

ATS Coupe provides the same safety technologies that earned the sedan NHTSA 5-Star all-around and overall crash safety ratings – the highest available.

Additionally, Cadillac provides available advanced safety based on Cadillac's "control and alert" strategy, which employs up to two cameras, eight ultrasonic sensors and six radar signals to help prevent crashes. The safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and can even assist to help the driver avert potential crashes. In certain situations, Cadillac's advanced crash-avoidance systems, such as automatic braking, can pre-fill and automatically apply braking in response to potential hazards.

Among the most sophisticated of the features is Fr ont and Rear Automatic Braking . It relies on radar, camera and ultrasonic technology to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.

Many of the advanced safety features are bundled in the Driver Awareness and Driver Assist Packages. The Driver Awareness package is available on Luxury and included in Performance and Premium Collections. It includes:

• Safety Alert Seat
• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist – new to Cadillac for 2015
• Intellibeam ® high-beam control
• Front and rear park assist
• Rear-vision camera with dynamic guidelines

The Driver Assist package is available on Performance and Premium collections and includes all of the Driver Awareness package content, plus:

• Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic Collision Preparation
• Motorized safety belts – new to Cadillac for 2015
• Electronic Park Brake
• Front and Rear Automatic Braking
• Enhanced Side Blind Zone Alert – new to Cadillac for 2015
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Full-color head-up display

The advanced technologies complement other ATS safety features, including eight standard air bags, safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with full-function traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, patented rotor coating protection and auto-dry functionality.



2015 CADILLAC ATS COUPE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

2.0L Turbo DI VVT

• Displacement (cu in / cc): 122 / 1998
• Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86
• Block material: cast aluminum
• Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
• Valvetrain: DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
• Fuel delivery: direct high-pressure fuel injection
• Compression ratio: 9.5:1
• Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 272 / 203 @ 5500 (SAE certified)
• Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 295 / 400 @ 3000-4600 (SAE certified)
• Recommended fuel: premium recommended but not required
• Maximum engine speed (rpm): 7,000
• Cadillac-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): 21 / 31

Transmission Type: TREMEC TR3160 fully synchronized six-speed manual with single overdrive

Gear ratios:

• First: 4.12
• Second: 2.62
• Third: 1.81
• Fourth: 1.30
• Fifth: 1.00
• Sixth: 0.80
• Reverse: 3.75
• Final drive ratio: 3.27

3.6L V-6 DI VVT

• Displacement (cu in / cc): 217 / 3564
• Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
• Block material: cast aluminum
• Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
• Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
• Fuel delivery: direct high-pressure fuel injection
• Compression ratio: 11.5:1
• Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 321 / 239 @ 6800 (SAE certified)
• Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 275 / 373 @ 4800 (SAE certified)
• Recommended fuel: regular unleaded or E85
• Maximum engine speed (rpm): 7200
• Cadillac-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): 19 / 28

Transmission Type: Hydra-Matic 6L45 six-speed, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch

• Gear ratios:
• First: 4.06
• Second: 2.37
• Third: 1.55
• Fourth: 1.16
• Fifth: 0.85
• Sixth: 0.67
• Reverse: 3.20
• Final drive ratio: 3.27

Chassis / Suspension

Configuration: rear-wheel drive

Differential: open (FE2); mechanical limited-slip (FE3)

Front suspension:Rear suspension:Steering type: ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable assist

Steering ratio:Steering turns, lock to lock:Turn circle (ft / m):Chassis control: four-channel StabiliTrak w/ brake assist and traction control


Wheels and Tires

Wheel size and type:Tire size:
Brakes

Type:Rotor type and thickness (in / mm):
Dimensions

Exterior

• Wheelbase (in / mm): 109.3 / 2775
• Length (in / mm): 183.6 / 4663
• Height (in / mm): 54.8 / 1392 (roof) ; 55.1 / 1399 (with antenna)
• Width (in / mm): 72.5 / 1841
• Track (in / mm): front: 60.3 / 1532 ; rear: 61.7 / 1568
• Curb weight (lb / kg): 3418 / 1550
• Weight distribution (% front / rear): 51 / 49

Interior

• Legroom (in / mm): front: 42.3 / 1074 ; rear: 33.5 / 850
• Headroom (in / mm): front: 37.6 / 954 ; rear: 35.1 / 891
• Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 54.1 / 1375 ; rear: 51.1 / 1298
• Hip room (in / mm): front: 54.1 / 1374 ; rear: 44.5 / 1131

Capacities

• Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 2
• EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 83.9 / 2377
• EPA trunk volume (cu ft / L): 10.4 / 295
• Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): 1000 / 454 (3.6L)
• Fuel tank (gal / L): 16 / 60.5
• Engine oil (qt / L): 2.0L RWD: 5 / 4.7 (RWD) ; 2.0L AWD : 6 / 5.7 (AWD) ; 3.6L: 6 / 5.7
• Cooling system (qt / L): 8.1 / 7.7 (2.0L) 11 / 10.4 (3.6L)

Cadillac introduced a new ATS Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show this week, but missing from the automaker’s stand was a high-performance ‘V’ version. We know Cadillac still plans to launch an ATS-V, initially as a sedan and then as a coupe, and the choice of powerplant for these cars is a twin-turbocharged V-6.

Now we have an idea of how much power to expect. Motor Trend is reporting that the upcoming ATS-V models will feature a 425-horsepower version of the twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 found in the CTS Vsport and XTS Vsport models.

That matches the output of BMW’s new M3 and M4 models and is less than the output of the Lexus RC F, and it’s likely to be lower than the output of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, but the ATS-V models should be lighter than their rivals thanks to the base ATS’ Alpha underpinnings. The ATS-V models are also said to benefit from a seven-speed manual transmission (GM's new eight-speed auto is likely to be an option).

The story doesn’t end there, however. The ATS-V models are also reported to come in more potent ‘plus’ flavor. These will reportedly receive a different engine altogether, tipped to be a V-8.

Motor Trend is also reporting that Cadillac’s next CTS-V will get a twin-turbocharged version of the Corvette Stingray’s 6.2-liter LT1 V-8. This engine is alleged to appear in a successor for the C6 Corvette ZR1, though we’re unlikely to see such a car for several years still.

A launch date for the ATS-V, meanwhile, remains uncertain; Cadillac has a lot of new product coming onto the market this year including the new Escalade, ELR electric and new ATS Coupe, though we could still see the launch of an ATS-V later this year or early next.