Cadillac is not…horsing around with its soon-to-be revealed 2013 ATS as the Detroit automaker will offer the compact sports saloon with a newly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing an estimated 270-horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque (353 Nm) straight from launch.

The 2.0T is a different engine than the one used on the current Buick Regal GS, with the ATS being the first GM model to receive the force-fed powerplant.

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

The Cadillac-tuned four-cylinder unit employs several technologies including a twin-scroll turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler, direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and a two-stage variable-displacement oil pump with jet-spray piston cooling.

Cadillac says that overall engine friction is reduced by up to 16 percent, which results into significant gains in fuel economy.

“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,” said Mike Anderson, chief engineer for the 2.0T engine. “It has the exhilarating, responsive power available when you want it, yet can provide the fuel efficiency that will make the ATS a fully competitive vehicle in global markets,” he added.

Cadillac noted that at 135HP per liter, the 2.0T engine “has the highest power density among key competitors” providing a somewhat befuddling list that includes the M3’s naturally aspirated V8 but not the new 328i’s 240HP 2.0-liter unit:

  • Audi A4’s 2.0L turbo (105.5 hp/L)
  • BMW M3’s V-8 (103.5 hp/L)
  • Lexus IS F’s V-8 (83.2 hp/L)
  • Mercedes-Benz C250’s 1.8L turbo (111.6 hp/L)

Along with the 2.0T, Cadillac will also offer a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter V-6 engine in the ATS, which will make its world premiere the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January.

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