Cadillac introduced the 2013 ATS, an all-new compact luxury sports sedan intended to challenge the world's best premium cars. Developed on an all-new, lightweight vehicle architecture, Cadillac's entry into the world's most significant luxury car segment goes on sale in summer 2012.

The rear-drive ATS brings Cadillac's blend of technologically driven performance, elegance and design to a new audience of spirited drivers. Its sophisticated driving experience is enhanced with Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience that merges intuitive design with industry-first controls and commands for information and media data.

"Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac's portfolio into a crucial global segment," said Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac. "For a new group of luxury consumers, this is a car that will fit their lifestyle and challenge the segment's status quo."

The Cadillac ATS is a new expression of Cadillac's Art & Science execution philosophy, built on a foundation of driving dynamics and mass efficiency. It is the most agile and lightweight Cadillac, with one of the lowest curb weights in the segment - less than 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg).

Germany's famed Nürburgring served as one of the key testing grounds, along with additional roads, racetracks and laboratories around the globe, ATS engineers balanced performance with Cadillac's trademark refinement. Contributing components and features include:

Nearly 50/50 weight balance
Cadillac's first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
Driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping
Underbody aerodynamic shields
Premium (belt driven) electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
Four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes
Available all-wheel drive

"More than just another new entry, the Cadillac ATS aims to change the status quo of the European-dominated segment," said Butler. "That is why our approach in all elements of its development is so extensive and focused."

A broad lineup of engines - including two four-cylinders and a V-6 for North America - delivers strong power to the Cadillac ATS and capitalizes on the car's lightweight structure to complement its performance with efficiency. The optional engines include an all-new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 270 horsepower (201 kW) and Cadillac's award-winning 3.6L V-6, estimated at 318 horsepower (237 kW).

At 135hp/L, the new 2.0T is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. Cadillac ATS will offer both manual and automatic transmission options, along with rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The Cadillac ATS will deliver peak highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg.

• A spirit of lightness and balance
• Tailored design weaves in signature style and refinement
• CUE and ATS technologies
• 'Control and alert' safety strategy
• ATS Delivers New Levels of Control and Refinement
• Dual ball joints, five links and a limited-slip diff
• MRC, electric power steering and other advanced control systems