It’s become reddily apparent that Cadillac is out for blood. Kick started by Bob Lutz’ original mission to bring Cadillac back from the brink of obsolescence, Cadillac rose from the ashes of limp FWD full-sized retirement sedans to light, nimble BMW 5-series fighting sedans and coupes with the CTS series. Heck, we just saw the battle-ready CTS-V race car dressed in warpaint and looking ever-so-menacing. Now, Cadillac – satisfied that its put a big enough dent in BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi mid-sized sedan sales is now aiming for the compact luxury sedan.

Normally populated with BMW 3 Series, Audi A4s and Mercedes-Benz C-Classes, Cadillac will be entering the fray with their ATS. Expected to exhibit the same gumption and guile as the CTS, the ATS will offer a series of engines including a choice of four, six or eight cylinders. Of course, the big news is that Cheers & Gears has reported that Cadillic’s final salvo will culminate with a ATS-V.

Equipped with a 6.2-liter pushrod V8 engine grinding out 470 horsepower and 438 pound-feet of torque through either a six-speed automatic or a manual gearbox. Of course, the ATS will get the same 3.6-liter direct injected V6 engine that powers the majority of CTS’s, making 330 horses and 280 lb-ft. This time around, the ATS will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission.

What’s peculiar is the rumor of a turbocharged four-cylinder displacing 2.0 liters and putting out 270 horsepower and 250 lb-ft that will serve as the base engine for the ATS. Together with the same eight-speed automatic, the combo is estimated to get 22 city/32 highway on premium gas.