Skip to main content

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

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

Miles Branman
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…
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.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more
Don’t let the gimmicks fool you. The Ioniq 5 N is a serious track car
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N drifting.

We’re finally getting to the fun part of automakers’ methodical quest to replicate their lineups with electric cars.

Performance versions of ordinary cars have been a staple of the auto industry for decades. But while we’ve already seen some variants of EVs boasting more power and more impressive stats — think Tesla Model S Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire — the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first to truly apply that format to an EV.

Read more