Cadillac’s been in a bit of a funk this year. They axed the DTS/STS sedans, killed the Northstar V-8 and effectively painted themselves into a corner with a 3 model lineup and thinnest portfolio in recent memory. This last six months must have been the longest on record for Caddy execs but the wait is over as the entry level ATS sport sedan will soon buff up the aforementioned puny product line. GMInsideNews  brings us one of the first road tests of the new “baby Caddy.”

Starting at $33,900.00, the ATS will offer three engines at launch. A 202 HP 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 270 HP 2.0-liter turbo 4 and range-topping 320 HP 3.6-liter V-6. All models will come with the choice of either RWD or AWD.  The verdict from this first drive is the GM’s new Alpha architecture is lightweight, tossable and well executed in this ATS iteration. Expect a full line of body styles as well including a coupe, convertible and V-Series models following after initial launch. There’s a cool configurator at Cadillac.com with a dizzying array colors, equipment and trim levels.

F-body fans should get acquainted with the lightweight Alpha based ATS and it’s power train line up as it will migrate over to the next iteration of the Camaro for 2016.  LS power is promised to fit the engine bay so we can expect performance versions of  both the ATS and Camaro. Not only will the ATS shake up the status quo in the sports sedan segment, a 500lbs lighter Camaro will up the stakes in the retro pony car wars as well.