Big sedans and chrome-laden SUVs may be the first thing we think of now in relation to Cadillacs, but the luxury auto brand just wouldn’t end up being the same without its coupes. And General Motors just revealed its latest two-door model on the 2014 North American International Auto Show. Before, the latest Cadillac ATS Coupe puts the American brand facing the likes of the BMW 4 Audi and Series A5 in a segment it has never competed in. It’s in line with the existing ATS sedan – itself a rival to the 3 Series and A4 but cuts two of its doors from the equation to produce for a smaller Cadillac coupe than any it has ever produced before (and a far cry from the tail-finned boulevard cruisers of old).

Cadillac ats coupe

Forgoing the sedan’s base 2.5-liter V6, Cadillac is offering the new ATS Coupe with either a 2.-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (rated at 272 horsepower and 295lb-ft of torque) or a 3.6-liter V6 (with 321hp and 275lb-ft). They are both mated into a six-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, though all-wheel drive is available – as it is a manual transmission for that turbo model.

Cadillac ats coupe

Either way, you’re looking at near 50/50 weight distribution for perfect balance and advanced aerodynamic elements situated in the vehicle’s undercarriage to help it cheat the wind without the need for look-at-me spoilers. In fact, the full design is far more low-key than you might expect, taking a lower profile compared to the CTS Coupe, ELR hybrid or XLR convertible we’ve seen until now. But although it may look less innovative, it still packs all the latest technological advancements you could expect of a brand-new premium product from among the largest automakers in the world. Tick the right boxes on the options sheet and you’ll be looking at adaptive LED headlamps, Magnetic Ride Control, an eight-inch multi-touch LCD from the dashboard, 4G LTE cellular internet, a color head-up display, and so much more.

Cadillac ats coupe

“The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe can be a natural part of the brand’s progression, and the other distinctive, fun-to-drive and technologically advanced product for a new generation of drivers extending our target groups,” says Cadillac marketing director Uwe Ellinghaus. “It is really an exclusively distinctive American alternative, unique within its class, yet delivering a sporty and sophisticated driving experience rivaling the world’s best.