Cadillac ATS roadster might hit the market

 Cadillac is planning to develop a new roadster model, based on the ATS’s platform, in order to expand the lineup.

According to Khabarkhodro,

After the new Cadillac ATS has been officially presented at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, rumors that a roadster model might be developed on the same platform have appeared. According to the guys over at insideline.com, the new Cadillac ATS might stand on the basis of developing a roadster model, on the same platform, which will most likely be targeted against the European rivals from BMW or Mercedes-Benz if it hits the production line. Our source is also telling us that the roadster will be rear-wheel drive, but that’s just about all the info we’ve got on the model.

As a reminder, the Cadillac ATS is a direct competitor to the BMW 3-Series, the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, weighing 3.400 pounds. Power to the ATS is coming from a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated inline-four, which is developing a total output of 200 horsepower and it has a peak torque of 188 lb-ft, returning over 30 mpg on the highway. The optional 2.0 liter direct injected turbocharged engine, with its 270 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque will also be available for the ATS.