Cadillac ATS Confirmed With 270-HP 2.0T 4-Cylinder [Video]

GM has announced the official debut of the anticipated Cadillac ATS at the upcoming 2012 Detroit Auto Show. According to GM, the Cadillac ATS will be available in three different engine trims. A new 3.6-liter V6, a 2.5-liter four cylinder, and a new-generation 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four.

While a relaxed, naturally aspirated V6 and a fuel efficient inline-four comes as no surprise, the new 2.0 turbo caught our attention. The high-performance, direct-injection 2.0 turbo is tuned to produce 270-hp. Translating to 135-hp/liter, GM boasts that its power dense engine has greater horsepower per liter than the BMW M3, Porsche 911 GTS, or Lamborghini Aventador (although these are all lack forced induction). Most importantly, the turbo 4-cylinder ATS packs 30-hp more than the turbo 4-cylinder found in the 2012 BMW 328i.

GM powertrain officials noted that the 2.0T Ecotec found in the ATS is 95 percent brand new compared to the 2.0T found in the Buick Regal GS. The new 2.0T features direct-injection, four-valves/cylinder with continuously variable valve timing, twin-scroll turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler, forged steel crankshaft with modular balance shaft system, and a two-stage variable displacement oil pump with jet-spray piston cooling.

In short, Cadillac vice president of Global Marketing Don Butler says, “This engine is the perfect match for the new ATS, which will be a refined performance luxury sedan. The 2.0T has an exceptionally smooth and responsive power curve that will make the ATS, nimble, quick and fun to drive.”

Chief engineer of the 2.0T, Mike Anderson, adds, “The 2.0T is one of the most advanced and efficient engines of its kind and contributes to the ATS’s exceptional balance of performance and great fuel efficiency.”

Check out the video introducing the new 2.0T after the jump: