Test-driving the 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0 liter Turbo

I recently had the opportunity to test-drive the boss’s 2014 Cadillac ATS 2.0 liter turbo. What a treat! I had been admiring it for weeks whenever I saw it on the lot at our dealership, and finally I was going to get my chance to drive it. 

I planned ahead for the weekend, choosing a 100+ mile loop through the winding hills of  northwestern Pennsylvania. I figured that my choice of roads would give me every imaginable type of condition to test the car...from straight and narrow Interstate, to looping, roller-coaster, winding side roads, as well as a few with less than perfect surfaces. 

The ATS surprised me at every turn. On the flat, straight highways, I tested acceleration and ride comfort. The vehicle accelerated smoothly and reached speeds of 90+ so quickly that I was startled, especially because the ride was so smooth and the acceleration so effortless. The only shortcoming I could find was a slight turbo-lag, but it’s so slight as to barely be noticeable. 

The winding hills were another story entirely. I’m used to most cars being on the edge of control when taking turns a bit too fast. With the ATS, I often found myself experiencing strong G-forces, and discovering to my surprise that I was driving about 20 to 30 mph faster than I’d normally take turns. The car hugged the road perfectly, and with the exception of the sideways tug of G-forces, I had little other indication that I was taking a turn at high speeds. 

To put it simply, I was blown away by the ATS and its handling. Years ago I owned a SAAB SPG and felt I’d never own another car that was so much fun to drive. I’m please to say that I’ve found it, and it’s the Cadillac ATS. I hear a 3.6 liter coupe may be in the works, and I’m already trying to imagine how that’s going to handle.