Cadillac Slots updated 3.6-liter engine and transmission into 2016 ATS and CTS

By Miles Branman October 12, 2015

2015-cadillac-ats-coupe — Cadillac ATS Coupe Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cadillac has announced a pair of updates for its 2016 model year ATS, and CTS that will make them more efficient.

Both vehicles will get cylinder deactivation, stop/start technology, and an eight-speed transmission for all variants. The results of the above changes will be an increase in fuel economy of approximately 9 percent and a reduction of CO2 emissions by about 6 percent.

Presently, the 2015 ATS achieves up to 21 city and 33 highway miles per gallon, off the pace of rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. As for the CTS, even in its most fuel efficient guise, it only manages up to 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, which is significantly less frugal than BMW’s 5 Series, Audi’s A6, and Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class.

2015-cadillac-cts — Cadillac CTS Image used with permission by copyright holder

The stop/start function, available on both the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6 will use a “voltage-stabilization system powered by ultracapacitors to restart the engine.” This is in contrast to the industry standard of using the battery to kill and restart the engine. Cadillac says its way of doing things makes restarts smoother and quicker.

Unsurprisingly, cylinder deactivation is reserved for the V6 engine-equipped models, which temporarily shifts to four-cylinder power when optimal performance isn’t required. Speaking of the V6, Cadillac will use the same 3.6-liter unit for 2016, but with an additional 12 horsepower and 7 pound-feet of torque for a total of 333 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque.

Beyond engine and transmission updates, styling for the 2016 model years of both the ATS and CTS should remain the same, and so will their starting prices. The 2015 Cadillac ATS sedan kicks off at $33,215 with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while the 2015 Cadillac CTS starts at $46,340 for the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder version.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.