Cadillac ATS-V: America's Answer To The BMW M3/M4
Since the latest version of the Cadillac CTS is longer and larger, the Germans thought they could go back to resting on their laurels: there was no way the big sedan could be lean enough to challenge their new, lighter M3/M4 on a racetrack.
And they were right. Which is why Cadillac chose to modify the ATS to turn it into the lapping machine known as the ATS-V. This time however, they did not stuff a huge V8 under the car’s front fenders; instead, a 3.6-litre twin-turbo is used, sending 455 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Since the car weighs 1678 kg, it can get from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Driving enthusiasts’ prayers have been heard, as the ATS-V comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. With a rev-match function, no-lift shift (which was perfected on the Cobalt SS) and launch control, this is THE Cadillac V for purists. For the others, the 8-speed automatic from the Corvette can be ordered.
But power isn’t everything: engineers also completely retuned the chassis, added huge Brembo brakes and the GM magnetic suspension on all four corners, modified most of the bodywork to improve aerodynamics and cooling (a track-focused aerodynamic package is also offered), and replaced lots of parts with lighter panels made of carbon-fibre in key areas.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but we know that the ATS-V will hit dealerships next spring.
