Detroit Delight: Cadillac ATS Named 2012 Esquire Car of the Year

ANDOVER, MASS. (09/28/2012)(readMedia)-- Cadillac started with a blank slate to create the 2013 Cadillac ATS, the automaker's all-new compact luxury sedan, and as reviews start to come in, it looks like all that hard work might be paying off. Esquire magazine recently named the ATS its 2012 Car of the Year, calling it "perhaps the single most important thing Detroit has built in years."

Esquire recognized the ATS for its buttoned-down exterior design that still manages to look soulful, an American mix its editors found irresistible. Inside, the magazine praised the futuristic center console, commending the Cadillac CUE touchscreen infotainment system for working effortlessly. When it came to performance, editors found that the available engines in the ATS have the technical excellence to compete with the car's German counterparts.

"The ATS is stylish, powerful and packed with technology, three reasons why it was able to top cars like the new BMW 3 Series for Esquire's award," said Bill DeLuca III, president of Bill DeLuca's Woodworth Chevrolet Cadillac, an Andover, MA Cadillac dealership. "Cadillac has a car for every type of driver, and the ATS is a perfect fit for motorists who appreciate luxury but need a smaller ride for navigating the city."

Weighing in at less than 3,400 pounds, the ATS is one of the lightest cars in its class, featuring a 50/50 weight distribution for ideal handling. Engine options start with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 202 horsepower, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit generates 272 horsepower and is available with a manual transmission to appeal to driving enthusiasts. At the top level, there is an award-winning 321-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, which Esquire described as a "smooth piece that rips into the asphalt the moment you toe the throttle."

Inside the cabin, the ATS' CUE technology includes industry-first capacitive controls on its eight-inch LCD touchscreen, allowing the interface to respond much like a smartphone's screen. Also available is Cadillac's new Front and Rear Automatic Braking system, which automatically activates the brakes as a last resort if a low-speed crash is imminent. Meanwhile, other optional safety systems include lane departure warning, side blind zone alert and full-speed adaptive cruise control.

Cadillac recently used the appeal of its ATS to support a good cause. Earlier this month, the automaker auctioned off the first production model of its sporty new sedan to benefit Team Joseph, a nonprofit that funds research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The entire $50,000 winning bid went to the charity organization, as Barrett-Jackson, the auctioneer, waived its commission fee. Duchenne is a form of muscular dystrophy that affects one in every 3,500 male births around the world, often proving fatal to children and teenagers.

"As a Cadillac dealer, we're proud to be connected to a company that gives back to its communities, especially for a cause that could improve the lives of so many children globally," added DeLuca. "Given the recent acclaim for the ATS, it is satisfying to know that all the positive buzz is being put to good use."

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.