Environment

A Peek into the Environmental Credentials of 2013’s North American Car of the Year

Jan 25, 2013 10:15 AM ET
Campaign: GM Greener Vehicles

GM BeyondNow

The verdict is in: The 2013 Cadillac ATS luxury sport sedan is the winner of the North American Car of the Year award. Having competed against every new car released in the past year, you’ll likely think of its performance, luxurious amenities and sleek design; however, its unassuming sustainable features play a role, too.

The new ATS is the lightest car in its class, which leads to better fuel efficiency and nimble driving. The vehicle’s efficient four-cylinder engine is the most advanced for Cadillac to date. Such efficiency was partly due to lower engine friction, which was reduced using new technologies such as a variable-displacement oil pump and, with the 2.5L, an actively controlled thermostat. An all-new combustion system with a higher compression ratio also helped boost efficiency. The ATS is also available with a powerful and efficient six-cylinder engine.

Additionally, all of the engines feature direct injection and dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing, which help optimize power and efficiency, as well as reduce emissions.

The ATS was assembled at the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant, one of 30 GM plants to meet  the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR© Challenge for Industry which challenged plants to cut energy intensity by 10 percent within five years; Lansing Grand River cut 25 percent in three years, avoiding 35,736 tons of greenhouse gases during that span.  The plant, like more than 40 others, also supports GM GREEN, a program where employees mentor youth on how their actions impact local water systems.

“This is a very meaningful honor for the entire Cadillac team, especially the men and women who build the ATS in Lansing, Michigan, and our dedicated and talented designers and engineers,” said Bob Ferguson, GM vice president, global Cadillac. “A car like ATS is the result of incredible commitment and focus. That’s the only method for creating a great performing luxury car.”

The ATS was also was named Car of the Year by Esquire and the Motor Press Guild.