Cadillac ATS to Offer Fewer Engine Options for 2017 Model Year
If Cadillac loyalists really want an ATS with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, they better act fast
Photo: © General Motors
Despite winning the North American Car of the Year and Esquire Car of the Year awards following its release in 2013, the Cadillac ATS has never experienced the type of sales that Cadillac expected when the vehicle was initially being designed to compete with European luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW.
Now, with year-over-year sales of the ATS down 23% through May, Cadillac has decided to streamline the 2017 ATS by eliminating the base 2.5-liter engine. The new entry-level motor will be the 272-horsepower turbo-four that was available with last year’s model, which actually packs more power that any turbocharged four-cylinder currently being offered for either the Mercedes C-Class or BMW 328i.
In addition to eliminating the previous base engine, Cadillac will also be making its CUE infotainment system a standard feature for 2017. The CUE system provides technologies such as myCadillac Mobile App, Teen Driver, and Cadillac Collection, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Furthermore, Cadillac will be cutting prices by as much as $1,100 on 2017 ATS models compared to what the American automaker was asking for similarly equipped 2016 ATS coupes and sedans.
Auto News (subscription required) reported the reasons for the Cadillac ATS’ sales struggles were due to being overpriced upon its release, as well as the fact that Cadillac overproduced the vehicle starting out. So, in order to get ATS models off its lots, dealerships began offering lease deals in the $300 range, but now that production has been reduced, consumers are balking at ATS leases of north than $400. Auto News also reported these high lease amounts are due to the dropping resale value of the ATS.
For 2017, the ATS sedan and coupe will be offered in four trims levels: ATS, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Premium Performance.
The 2017 Cadillac ATS, equipped with the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine, is expected to carry a starting MSRP of $35,590.
Gallery: Check Out the Compact Cadillac ATS
News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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