Track performance for the everyday luxury car.
The Cadillac ATS received acclaim for its driving dynamics when it first hit the streets. After all, engineers used the legendary E46 BMW M3 as its benchmark. It was only a matter of time before that magical “V” badge was thrown on the Coupe and Sedan, and barriers were demolished. The new Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan have it all from top to bottom and are looking to blow the doors off of the competition.
“Cadillac’s V-Series is the best example of Cadillac’s emerging product substance – and the purest expression of the passion at the core of the brand,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President.
At the heart of the Cadillac ATS-V is a cranked-up version of the brand’s twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 engine sporting all sorts of go-fast tech. Both turbochargers utilize low-inertia titanium-aluminide turbines and vacuum-actuated wastegates for quicker spooling and torque response. An innovative low-volume charge-cooling system helps to maximize space inside the engine bay without negatively affecting performance while a high-performance lubrication system maintains proper oil pressure during high lateral-G forces.
The new ATS-V Coupe and Sedan will churn out an estimated 455 horsepower and 445 lb-ft. of torque, making it the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting, and launch control will be available along with an eight-seed automatic with paddle shifters. Both gearboxes come standard with an electronic limited-slip differential to grab at the pavement. The Cadillac ATS-V will be able to sprint to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds while reaching a top speed over 185 mph.
That same brilliant chassis found in the non-V models serves as the basis for the quick and nimble Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan. “As the smallest and lightest V-Series ever, the ATS-V forges a great connection with the driver, with exceptional nimbleness and responsiveness,” said David Leone, Cadillac Executive Chief Engineer. “It’s adaptable to the driver’s preferences, with every selectable mode developed to deliver the best performance for all types of driving scenarios, including the track.”
Thanks to a number of new goodies, the Cadillac ATS-V is 25-percent stiffer, structurally than the standard ATS models. This added stiffness comes thanks to new components such as new shock tower-to-plenum braces, stronger roller bulkhead and cradle-to-rocker braces, a new aluminum sheer panel at up front, and V-braces inside the engine bay. This allows the driver to have greater control without sacrificing comfort.
As with most of General Motors’ high-performance models, the Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan come standard with the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control system that analyzes the road a thousand times per second and instantly adjusts the fluid-filled dampers to accommodate. At 60 mph, the system is so fast that optimal damping forces are analyzed every inch of the road. Working alongside this lightning fast system on the Cadillac ATS-V are 9.0 x 18 front and 9.5 x 18 year lightweight forged aluminum wheels wearing specially-designed Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with a tri-compound tread that provides superb grip, comfort, and wear. Behind those forged wheels sits a high-performance Brembo braking system with six-piston front calipers biting 370 mm discs up front and four-piston calipers and 339 mm discs at the rear.
“All of the design elements have a purpose,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Cadillac Global Design. “They contribute to lift reduction, enhanced cooling, reduced mass or all of the above.”
Virtually every piece of body work is unique to the Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan. The tracks have been extended and new fenders widened to accommodate the more muscular stance. The front grille has even been redesigned so that there are larger openings in the mesh to feed key components with cool air. A powerful, lightweight carbon fiber hood wears a large air vent to extract heat and prevent it from building beneath the car to reduce lift. A front splitter generates downforce and perfectly integrates into the more dynamic front fascia.
As air moves towards the rear, it meets new rocker moldings that help to channel air away from the rear wheels to reduce drag. A new rear spoiler extends from the trunk lid and keeps that butt planted on the road at high speeds. As an option, the Cadillac ATS-V can be fitted with a Carbon Fiber pack that includes new lightweight aerodynamics. An optional Track Pack is also available and includes the Carbon Fiber pack components as well as a new Performance Data Recorder, low-mass battery, floor mat delete, and removal of the tire inflator kit to shed a few extra pounds.
Inside, the Cadillac ATS-V has been tailored to cater to the driver and the overall performance driving experience without sacrificing comfort of luxury. Two new 16-way-adjustable Recaro performance seats can be optioned with adjustable bolsters and coat of Mulan leather with suede microfiber inserts and backs. Decorative stitching, leather, and carbon fiber cover the entire cabin that’s offered in Jet Black, Jet Black with Saffron accents, and Light Platinum with Jet Black accents. Unique to the ATS-Vs will be the 5.7-inch instrument panel display with V-Series graphics and gauge readouts.
Production for the new Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan will begin in spring 2015, with deliveries following shortly thereafter. Official pricing will be released at a later date.
Cadillac ATS-V Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.6 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-6
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 455 at 5,750 RPM (est)
Maximum Torque: 445 lb-ft. at 3,500 RPM (est)
Transmission:
Type: TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift
Drive: Rear-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds (est)
Top Speed: Over 185 mph (est)
Wheels, Tires, and Brakes:
Front Wheels: 9.0 x 18
Rear Wheels: 9.5 x 18
Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Front Tires: 255/35 ZR18
Rear Tires: 275/35 ZR18
Front Brakes: Brembo six-piston calipers with 14.5 x 1.34-inch (370 x 34 mm) discs
Rear Brakes: Brembo four-piston calipers with 13.3 x 1.02-inch (339 x 26 mm) discs
Cadillac ATS-V Gallery
Source: Cadillac
Is the new Cadillac ATS-V a BMW M3/M4 killer?
