Exactly one year ago, Cadillac boss Johan de Nysschen confirmed the brand would launch a compact sedan to take on the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA. He also confirmed that the car would come with rear-wheel drive to differentiate it from rivals which are all based on front-wheel-drive platforms.
Not much has been heard about the Cadillac baby sedan since then but that doesn’t mean it’s off the radar. In fact, Cadillac chief engineer David Leone has hinted at the car once again during a recent interview with Road & Track.
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He is reported to have said that Cadillac is working on something below the ATS small sedan. When pressed further, he said one of Cadillac’s strengths in sedans is being known for rear-wheel drive.
Rather than develop a whole new platform for the car, Cadillac will likely adopt a shortened version of the current Alpha platform found in the ATS and CTS as well as the Chevrolet Camaro. It’s too early to talk pricing but somewhere around $30k is likely considering this is the price point rivals start at. However, as mentioned above, none of the rivals have the rear-wheel-drive dynamics that for so many years has been a cornerstone of premium sedans.
Note, a new sedan isn’t the only car Cadillac plans to slot in below its ATS. The brand is also planning a compact crossover that last we heard is coming in 2018. The compact sedan is expected to follow the crossover by about a year. Also due from Cadillac in the coming years is a long-overdue large crossover with third-row seats.
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