LuxuryCarMagazine En Luxury Car Review and News
Well, we’ve all been waiting for it and after numerous spy shots and computer-generated images have been clouding our computer screens and tablets, here they are: the 2016 ATS-V Coupe and Sedan, the latest in a long line of “V” models that have helped provide a new image for the Cadillac brand.
(Los Angeles, CA) Designed to do battle with the BMW M3 and M4 (you could probably throw the recently-revealed Shelby GT350 Mustang in there, as well), the ATS-V gets an uprated version of the twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6, cranking out 455 horsepower and 445 lb.-ft. of torque; compare that to the 425 hp and 406 lb.-ft. made by the Bimmers, and you can see how deadly serious Cadillac is with this car. Also like the Bimmers, it can be had with either a manual or automatic transmission (with 8 speeds; the M3/4 has 7).
Oh, and they’ve even already developed a racing model, so there’s another feather in the cap for Cadillac.
That’s enough power to propel the ATS-V to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of over 185 mph. Those are some serious figures.
In order to keep things copasetic, structural stiffness has been increased by 25% over non-V models, thanks to the addition of a stronger rocker bulkhead, shock tower brace a v-braces for the engine compartment. Wider front and rear fenders, meanwhile, make room for larger wheels at both ends. Those wheels, meanwhile, are unique to the ATS-V and crafted from aluminum to lower unsprung weight.
Magnetic Ride Control—previously seen on the Corvette Stingray and CTS-V sedan—comes as standard and coupled with the optional Performance Data recorder is more indication that this is not your granddad’s Cadillac.
If you want even more attitude, then the Carbon Fiber package (larger front splitter, rear spoiler, rocker extensions and rear diffuser) might be right up your alley. Or, add the Track package, which provides everything from the Carbon Fiber package and adds a Performance Data recorder and low-mass battery.
Inside, bespoke Recaro bucket seats, special leather and suede inserts compliment hand-sewn elements for a mix of luxury and performance. Having said that, the interior is not quite as outrageous as the exterior, especially considering the CUE interface is the same as you’ll find in standard ATS model. The gauge cluster is similar as well, but special “V” graphics and gauges are there to better remind you that you’re at the wheel of something special.
No pricing has been announced, but production begins in spring 2015 so watch for pricing announcements closer to that time.
