GM confirms the Cadillac XTS and ATS for 2012

The automotive world has known for some time now that General Motors is planning on rolling out two all new Cadillac sedans and yesterday while speaking at the 2011 Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars, GM’s North American President Mark Reuss confirmed that 2012 will bring about the new Cadillac XTS and Cadillac ATS.

The Cadillac XTS made its first public appearance in 2010 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, when it was known as the XTS Platinum Concept. When this sleek concept rolled out, it was powered by a hybrid drivetrain mated to an advanced all wheel drive system and while there was no mention of a hybrid setup in the 2012 Cadillac XTS; GM did state that it would offer both front and all-wheel drive. The 2012 Cadillac XTS, hybrid or not, will serve as the flagship for the brand – replacing the aging STS and DTS sedans with a launch date expected sometime in the Spring of 2012. The XTS will be built at General Motors’ Oshawa, Ontario production facility and to make that happen, the plant will be the recipient of roughly $117 million for retooling and preparation.

The Cadillac ATS has been rumored for ages now, with spy shots of what was being called the “BMW 3 Series fighter” all but confirming that existence of the ATS. Thanks to the comments made by Mr. Reuss at the 2011 MBS in Traverse City, Michigan, we know that the 2012 Cadillac ATS will hit the road in the Summer of 2012 as a true competitor for the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class and the Audi A4. The 2012 Cadillac ATS will be the luxury automakers first recent C segment competitor, ranging just under the popular CTS family and while little information is given on the new luxury sport sedan, we know that it will be rear wheel drive – most likely powered by the 3.6L V6 that has been so popular in the CTS lineup. This V6 offers anywhere from 302-323 horsepower depending on the current application and with the most powerful BMW 3 Series being the 300 horsepower 335i – GM’s tried and true 3.6L V6 would serve as a fine competitor to BMW’s twin turbo mill.

While General Motors offered up an enticing amount of information in addition to the announcement that the Cadillac XTS and ATS are on their way, they did not specify whether they would be 2012 or 2013 model year vehicles nor did they offer up any images other than the shadowy teaser shown above. Based on the expected launch date for these two new Caddys, you would expect that they would be 2013 models but we are likely to find out more as we get into the auto show season. With a release date of Spring and Summer of 2012, the Detroit Auto Show would make for a great stage for the two newest Cadillac luxury sedans.

Other 2011 CAR News:
Marchionne could leave Chrysler position in 2015/2016
CAR Business Seminar starts with large attendance
2011 CAR Management Briefing Seminar Update: Economic plan overriding Obama mileage plan
2011 CAR Management Briefing Seminar looks at connected vehicles vs safety
2011 CAR MBS Day 2 addresses Advanced Powertrains session

Other GM News:
General Motors to sell Chevy Spark in the US
Chevy Cruze helps GM lead the industry in July 2011 sales
The Camaro outsells the Mustang, Challenger, 370Z in July 2011
The Nissan Leaf clubs the Chevy Volt in July 2011
Production of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic begins