2016 Cadillac ATS Sedan Now With 8 Speed Automatic

Cadillac really shuffled things around for the better for its 2016 Cadillac ATS Sedan this year and according to GM Authority, one of the biggest changes is the availability of an 8-speed automatic.

Gone is the 6-speed automatic and in its place is an extra two gears. For a while there, it looks like GM only planned to bless the ATS-V with an 8-speed, but it looks like even the base 2.5 Liter four-cylinder can be paired with the fuel-sipping transmission.

Other notable changes include the colors Majestic Plum Metallic, Black Diamond Tricoat, and Opulent Blue Metallic being replaced by Cocoa Bronze Metallic, Moonstone Metallic, and Stellar Black Metallic.

In the engine department, gone is the old LFX engine and in its place is GM’s fourth generation high feature LGX engine. According to Wikipedia, ” These new engines have redesigned block architectures with bore centers increased from 103 mm (4.1 in) on prior HFV6 engines to 106 mm (4.2 in). They also incorporate engine start-stop technology, cylinder-deactivation, and updated variable valve timing featuring intermediate park technology for late intake valve closure.”

Finally, changes to safety and convenience are added as well including lane change assist and lane monitoring.

What does this all mean? It’s a widely known fact that Cadillac benchmarked against the BMW 3-series.

BMW’s as of late, especially the 3-series, have been getting flack lately for not being what they once were, dynamic driving vehicles. On the other hand, Cadillac has come up a lot these past few years in offering potential BMW buyers a clear and good alternative.

The 2016 Cadillac ATS won’t sway the BMW faithful, but it just might grab a few from the brink when they see the improved fuel economy ratings and take one out for a test drive.