Never heard of ATS? Nope, we're not talking about the Cadillac sports sedan. We're talking about Automobili Turismo e Sport, an Italian automaker formed by a group of renegade Ferrari staffers in the mid-'60s. ATS was only on the map for a couple of years, producing models like the 2500 GT and competing in a handful of grands prix. But ATS (not unlike Mini and Bugatti) was revived a couple of years ago, hitting the scene with the ATS Sport with a number of other projects (not the least of them being similarly reviving De Tomaso). Here we have its followup.
Called the ATS Leggera, the two-seat roadster was previewed late last year but is now ready to cruise down the Italian coastline. Inspired by classic European roadsters of the 1950s and 60s, the ATS Leggera packs a 1.6-liter turbo four in a front-mid position for 50/50 weight distribution within a stainless steel tubular frame.
The base-spec ATS 300 Leggera drives 210 horsepower to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and Quaife rear differential, riding on 16-inch machined alloys packing six-piston calipers up front and gripping ventilated discs out back, fitted to a double wishbone suspension with adjustable Ohlins shocks and front and rear anti-roll bars. Weighing just 1,400 pounds, even the 300 model (so named for its power-to-weight ratio) is capable of reaching 62 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds en route to a top speed of 137 mph.
Those looking for a little more performance can opt for the ATS 365 Leggera with 240 hp. The first five customers, however, will have the opportunity to order the ATS 420 Super Leggera SS, packing a 2.2-liter Honda engine tuned by Spoon to produce 290 hp. With a chrome molybdenum frame, it weighs even less at 1,323 pounds for a power-to-weight ratio of 420 hp/tonne.
Both left- and right-hand-drive versions will be offered, with a cockpit trimmed in soft Italian leather, Nardi wood steering rim and Smiths instruments. But track-day enthusiasts (or those interested in entering in qualifying racing series) can opt for a six-speed sequential gearbox, semi-slick tires, carbon buckets, racing harnesses and an FIA roll cage to replace the chrome hoops among the long list of options. Scope out all the details in the press kit below and the images in the gallery above for a closer look.
Called the ATS Leggera, the two-seat roadster was previewed late last year but is now ready to cruise down the Italian coastline. Inspired by classic European roadsters of the 1950s and 60s, the ATS Leggera packs a 1.6-liter turbo four in a front-mid position for 50/50 weight distribution within a stainless steel tubular frame.
The base-spec ATS 300 Leggera drives 210 horsepower to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and Quaife rear differential, riding on 16-inch machined alloys packing six-piston calipers up front and gripping ventilated discs out back, fitted to a double wishbone suspension with adjustable Ohlins shocks and front and rear anti-roll bars. Weighing just 1,400 pounds, even the 300 model (so named for its power-to-weight ratio) is capable of reaching 62 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds en route to a top speed of 137 mph.
Those looking for a little more performance can opt for the ATS 365 Leggera with 240 hp. The first five customers, however, will have the opportunity to order the ATS 420 Super Leggera SS, packing a 2.2-liter Honda engine tuned by Spoon to produce 290 hp. With a chrome molybdenum frame, it weighs even less at 1,323 pounds for a power-to-weight ratio of 420 hp/tonne.
Both left- and right-hand-drive versions will be offered, with a cockpit trimmed in soft Italian leather, Nardi wood steering rim and Smiths instruments. But track-day enthusiasts (or those interested in entering in qualifying racing series) can opt for a six-speed sequential gearbox, semi-slick tires, carbon buckets, racing harnesses and an FIA roll cage to replace the chrome hoops among the long list of options. Scope out all the details in the press kit below and the images in the gallery above for a closer look.
PRESS PACK - ATS LEGGERA
In the 50s and 60s in western countries, small Italian sports cars depopulated in race events and on the street. Americans liked to call them "Etceterini cars", compact, lightweight and snappy cars engined from tiny 4-cylinder with few horses but able to offer great driving fun and pleasure.
The various Bandini, Osca, Stanguellini, Ermini, Siata but also the firsts Ferrari and Maserati had stunning lines that have made the history of the automobile in the world, inspiring all the major car manufacturers of the period and beyond.
The ATS LEGGERA is born with the idea to revive the concept of Italian sports car that now disappeared but that is still alive in the memories of millions of fans. A tribute to the knowledge of how to build works of art on four wheels typically Italian together with the use of modern components and engineering solutions. The beauty of unity to performance and security.
The ATS LEGGERA is the first model to mount the engine in the front midcenter position to optimize weight distributions, amounting to 50% -50% between front and rear axles. Not only it has a stainless steel tubular frame chassis with large diameter tubes, it is lightweight but sturdy, and is already designed to obtain any passport CSAI / FIA for competitions. The suspension is double wishbone with adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers and an optional kit can be fitted with Unibals to make the adjustments to custom set up.
The hubs are machined from solid aluminum and the brake system with 6-piston calipers front and rear, ventilated discs are the same as that fitted to the ATS SPORT that have been tested extensively in strict tests on the track.
The ATS LEGGERA keeping true to its name only weighs 650 kg and is equipped with a modern Turbo 1600 engine with a power of 210cv and 240CV, which determine the two versions, the 300 and 365 LEGGERA having the number determines the weight / power ratio of the new ATS "barchetta".
The top version is offered as standard with selectable dual map Road / Race and launch control.
The transmission is a 5-speed manual reinforced to handle the generous torque of 30kgm at 1750 rpm but on request for the most technical customers are available even a streightcut gearbox and a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The 7" rear differential is offered as standard and is produced by Quaife while the exhaust system is made entirely of stainless steel on custom design. The intercooler and water radiator, both in aluminum, ensure a perfect use of the ATS LEGGERA even with warmer climates and in intensive track day use.
The 16" alloy wheels (8" wide) are offered as standard, alternatively, the customer can opt for a set of classic wire wheels made exclusively for ATS or technical split rims from billet. The tires can be semi-slick or full road specs depending on the type of use required by the driver.
As for the interior, the leather seats are manufactured specifically for ATS and lined with soft Italian leather, as well as all the interior panels and can be packaged with finishes and colors on request. The wooden steering wheel, rigorously-Nardi Torino, is an homage to traditional Italian style of the product while the Smiths instrument marked ATS centrally located, are clear and easy to read. The 3-point seat belts are provided, but can upgrade to 4 points version combined with lightweight carbon seats for track use. On request it is also possible to obtain a full FIA approved roll bar in place of the more traditional dual chrome rollbars.
As standard is also included an adjustable aluminium pedalbox with brake balance knob as option like on ATS SPORT, a shift knob and an aluminum fuel cap, chrome mirrors, aluminum switches, LED rear lights, front and rear anti-roll bars, stainless steel fuel tank and solid painting.
The long list of accessories includes in addition to the choice of colors tailored for the interior and for the body work, even the chrome rear luggage compartment or the trunk with lock, hood and side windows, LED headlights and xenon headlights, bigger brakes, Ohlins TTX shock double adjustable, tonneau cover, digital instrumentation with AIM data logging, set of bespoke ATS bags, steering rack 2.2, 25CrMo frame chassis and everything that can come up to the customer to customize their new ATS LEGGERA.
The performance of the ATS LEGGERA offer for the basic version a 4.3 sec. 0-100 kmh and 220 kmh top speed but even more important is the excitement of driving sensations to open air use, from ultra-low center of gravity that gratifies the maximum road handling and driving in oversteering style.
The ATS LEGGERA is already available on the market in both left and right-hand drive, it is also offered in an initial limited edition of only 5 cars with an Official Honda Spoon drive train, powered by a naturally aspirated 2200cc 290cv at 9000 rpm, 6-speed gearbox and race limited-slip differential, 25 chrome molybdenum frame chassis which reduces the weight of the car at little more than 600 kgs.
This version is called ATS 420 SUPER LEGGERA SS that will provide incredible sensations of driving with 420 hp per tonne on a real race chassis.
More information on ATS products can be found at www.ats-autosport.com or email us at info@ats-autosport.com
In the 50s and 60s in western countries, small Italian sports cars depopulated in race events and on the street. Americans liked to call them "Etceterini cars", compact, lightweight and snappy cars engined from tiny 4-cylinder with few horses but able to offer great driving fun and pleasure.
The various Bandini, Osca, Stanguellini, Ermini, Siata but also the firsts Ferrari and Maserati had stunning lines that have made the history of the automobile in the world, inspiring all the major car manufacturers of the period and beyond.
The ATS LEGGERA is born with the idea to revive the concept of Italian sports car that now disappeared but that is still alive in the memories of millions of fans. A tribute to the knowledge of how to build works of art on four wheels typically Italian together with the use of modern components and engineering solutions. The beauty of unity to performance and security.
The ATS LEGGERA is the first model to mount the engine in the front midcenter position to optimize weight distributions, amounting to 50% -50% between front and rear axles. Not only it has a stainless steel tubular frame chassis with large diameter tubes, it is lightweight but sturdy, and is already designed to obtain any passport CSAI / FIA for competitions. The suspension is double wishbone with adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers and an optional kit can be fitted with Unibals to make the adjustments to custom set up.
The hubs are machined from solid aluminum and the brake system with 6-piston calipers front and rear, ventilated discs are the same as that fitted to the ATS SPORT that have been tested extensively in strict tests on the track.
The ATS LEGGERA keeping true to its name only weighs 650 kg and is equipped with a modern Turbo 1600 engine with a power of 210cv and 240CV, which determine the two versions, the 300 and 365 LEGGERA having the number determines the weight / power ratio of the new ATS "barchetta".
The top version is offered as standard with selectable dual map Road / Race and launch control.
The transmission is a 5-speed manual reinforced to handle the generous torque of 30kgm at 1750 rpm but on request for the most technical customers are available even a streightcut gearbox and a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The 7" rear differential is offered as standard and is produced by Quaife while the exhaust system is made entirely of stainless steel on custom design. The intercooler and water radiator, both in aluminum, ensure a perfect use of the ATS LEGGERA even with warmer climates and in intensive track day use.
The 16" alloy wheels (8" wide) are offered as standard, alternatively, the customer can opt for a set of classic wire wheels made exclusively for ATS or technical split rims from billet. The tires can be semi-slick or full road specs depending on the type of use required by the driver.
As for the interior, the leather seats are manufactured specifically for ATS and lined with soft Italian leather, as well as all the interior panels and can be packaged with finishes and colors on request. The wooden steering wheel, rigorously-Nardi Torino, is an homage to traditional Italian style of the product while the Smiths instrument marked ATS centrally located, are clear and easy to read. The 3-point seat belts are provided, but can upgrade to 4 points version combined with lightweight carbon seats for track use. On request it is also possible to obtain a full FIA approved roll bar in place of the more traditional dual chrome rollbars.
As standard is also included an adjustable aluminium pedalbox with brake balance knob as option like on ATS SPORT, a shift knob and an aluminum fuel cap, chrome mirrors, aluminum switches, LED rear lights, front and rear anti-roll bars, stainless steel fuel tank and solid painting.
The long list of accessories includes in addition to the choice of colors tailored for the interior and for the body work, even the chrome rear luggage compartment or the trunk with lock, hood and side windows, LED headlights and xenon headlights, bigger brakes, Ohlins TTX shock double adjustable, tonneau cover, digital instrumentation with AIM data logging, set of bespoke ATS bags, steering rack 2.2, 25CrMo frame chassis and everything that can come up to the customer to customize their new ATS LEGGERA.
The performance of the ATS LEGGERA offer for the basic version a 4.3 sec. 0-100 kmh and 220 kmh top speed but even more important is the excitement of driving sensations to open air use, from ultra-low center of gravity that gratifies the maximum road handling and driving in oversteering style.
The ATS LEGGERA is already available on the market in both left and right-hand drive, it is also offered in an initial limited edition of only 5 cars with an Official Honda Spoon drive train, powered by a naturally aspirated 2200cc 290cv at 9000 rpm, 6-speed gearbox and race limited-slip differential, 25 chrome molybdenum frame chassis which reduces the weight of the car at little more than 600 kgs.
This version is called ATS 420 SUPER LEGGERA SS that will provide incredible sensations of driving with 420 hp per tonne on a real race chassis.
More information on ATS products can be found at www.ats-autosport.com or email us at info@ats-autosport.com
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