Cadillac ATS Continues to Rack Up Car of the Year Awards

ANDOVER, MASS. (11/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Cadillac began production of its all-new ATS sport sedan this past summer in hopes of bringing legitimate American competition to German luxury mainstays like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. As 2012 wraps up and the experts start to pick the best models of the year, it appears that the 2013 Cadillac ATS is on track to reach that goal, recently earning big nods from the Motor Press Guild and Popular Mechanics magazine.

Naming the ATS its 2013 Car of the Year, the Motor Press Guild honored the new Cadillac for its fun-to-drive demeanor both on the track and the street, as well as its stylish, high-quality interior. As North America's largest automotive media association, the Guild evaluated six finalist vehicles on their performance, technology, safety and quality before determining the 2013 ATS the winner.

"If you compare the ATS side-by-side with the 3 Series and C-Class on paper, their specs look pretty similar, but Cadillac has managed to infuse a uniquely American personality into the ATS," said Bill DeLuca IV, vice president of Bill DeLuca's Woodworth Chevrolet Cadillac, an Andover, MA Cadillac dealership. "What that means is that everything is designed as a reminder that driving is supposed to be fun, whether it's the ATS' ZF premium steering or its bolder interior trim."

Popular Mechanics was equally impressed by the Cadillac ATS, giving it the title of 2013 Luxury Car of the Year. Beyond praising the car's affordability, lightweight chassis and "iPhone-like" CUE touchscreen, editors noted that the 321-horsepower V6 models perform just as well, if not better, than their German rivals when equipped with the top FE3 suspension, Magnetic Ride Control damping and Brembo brakes.

Another publication, Motor Trend magazine, recently went so far as to test the ATS alongside the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its "Head 2 Head" video series. After putting each car through its paces, Senior Features Editor Jonny Lieberman chose the Cadillac ATS 3.6 over the BMW 335i and Mercedes-Benz C350, saying that its superior chassis, steering and brakes make it the best sport sedan in its price range right now.

While those new accolades join a 2012 Esquire Car of the Year award in the Cadillac ATS' trophy case, the most telling evidence of the car's appeal may be in the sales data. During the model's first full month on sale in October, 70 percent of ATS buyers that traded in their previous vehicle came over from another car brand.

"The Cadillac ATS has quickly proven that it can not only beat its competitors on the road, but also transcend dated perceptions of the brand on the sales floor," added DeLuca. "Combine those things with the fact that it is a more affordable and technologically advanced option, and you get some worried German automakers."

About Bill DeLuca's Woodworth Chevrolet Cadillac:

Located on Main Street in Andover, Massachusetts, Bill DeLuca's Woodworth Chevrolet Cadillac is a premier new and used Chevrolet and Cadillac dealer. They offer a wide variety of Chevrolet cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as the entire line of luxury Cadillac vehicles, and their expert service staff can diagnose and quickly repair any issue their customers have. Interested buyers can browse their current Chevrolet and Cadillac inventory online at www.woodworthmotors.com, stop by their dealership at 339 N. Main Street in Andover, or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WoodworthMotors. Their friendly staff can also be reached by phone at 978-296-4145 to answer any questions.