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Cadillac ATS, Ram Take Top Honors at Detroit Show
DETROIT -- The 2013 Cadillac ATS and 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 were named car and truck of the year, respectively, at the North American International Auto Show.
The Cadillac ATS is offered in four trim options with rear- and all-wheel drive versions, with an option of a four- or six-cylinder engine, getting 272 and 321 horsepower, respectively.
It's also offered with CUE -- Cadillac's "comprehensive, in-vehicle experience" for information and entertainment, with capacity for up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, as well as ports for USB devices and MP3 players. Navigation is optional. CUE is controlled by an 8-inch LCD touch screen featuring bright, large icons for command selection.
"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."
This is the second time the Ram pickup took the honor in the 20 years the awards have been given. The first was in the inaugural year of the awards, 1994. For 2013, the Ram 1500 offers 25 mpg with the option of a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine or a Pentastar V-6.
"For the Ram Truck brand, this ranks as one of the proudest days in our history," said Fred Diaz, president and CEO of Ram Truck brand and Chrysler de Mexico. “Every truck maker aspires to win the North American Truck/Utility of the Year. I tip my hat to the folks who worked behind the scenes to make the 2013 Ram 1500 a technological triumph.”
It’s the first in its segment to offer an eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, which include grille shutters and active air suspension. The Ram 1500 is available in nine trim variations and starts at $23,585. In 2012, Ram pickup sales were up 16% over 2011.
To be eligible for the North American Car and Truck of the Year award, vehicles must be all new or substantially changed from the previous model. A panel of 49 automotive journalists narrowed down the field to 11 cars and 10 trucks/utility vehicles.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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