A mechanical limited-slip differential is a feature not matched by all other competitors and gives
the ATS an edge when it comes to ensuring all of the powertrain’s torque is applied to the tires
during hard cornering. It is standard with the six-speed manual transmission and included with
the FE3 sport suspension package. It is housed in a robust 8.6-inch carrier. Other models
feature a 7.67-inch carrier.
Supporting the ATS’s new suspension designs are advanced damping, steering and braking
systems, including Magnetic Ride Control, which is the heart of the FE3 Sport Suspension
package (included on the Premium Collection) that also includes a mechanical limited-slip
differential, high-capacity cooling system and 18-inch summer-performance tires. MRC is a real-
time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control
. It “reads” the road every
millisecond and can change damping in only five milliseconds.
Adjustable settings for the FE3 suspension allow the driver to select different ranges of damping
for Magnetic Ride Control, including a competitive mode that also adjusts the intervention of the
stability control and traction control systems.
All ATS models come with a premium electric, variable-assist power steering gear from ZF
Steering Systems. It is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics,
while also saving
fuel because engine power isn’t directly required to assist gear movement –
as is the case with conventional hydraulic systems.
The steering gear has great torsional stiffness and lower operating friction, which enhance the
steering feel with almost perfect linear response. Additionally, the steering column and
intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting and low-friction ball bearing designs. That means
there is almost no “lash” in the entire steering system, for a more immediate and connected-to-
the-road feel for the driver.
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models, with Brembo performance brakes available
on the standard model and included on the Luxury, Performance and Premium collections. They
are matched with a four-channel ABS system that is integrated with standard StabiliTrak stability
control and full-function traction control.
ATS safety features
Safety in the ATS is based on Cadillac’s “control and alert” strategy that employs advanced
technologies
– including radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors – to help prevent crashes. The
safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and intervenes to help the
driver
avert potential crashes. In some cases, Cadillac’s advanced crash-avoidance systems will
act without the driver, such as automatic braking, which will activate based on information
indicating potential hazards.
Among the most sophisticated of the features is Front and Rear Automatic Brakes. This relies
on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver prevent front and rear
low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.
Optional advanced safety features include:
Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
Intelligent Brake Assist
Forward Collision Alert
