American luxury muscle.
The Cadillac ATS was one of the more highly-regarded vehicles from General Motors when it first hit the asphalt. It was competitive in the luxury segment against its German and Japanese rivals and was quite a nimble vehicle due to its engineering and design. Now Cadillac is taking aim at its high-performance German rivals with the introduction of the ATS-V Coupe and Sedan. The newest Cadillac model features a class-leading twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, staggered wheels and tires, and aerodynamically optimized exterior to take on the likes of the BMW M3 and M4.
“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.”
The biggest grin-generating part of the new Cadillac ATS-V is its twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that is a more potent, upgraded version of the one found in the rest of the lineup. The force-fed V-6 features a pair of low-inertia titanium-aluminude turbines to reduce turbo lag and a patent-pending low-volume charge-cooling system. Other goodies such as a high-performance lubrication system ensure maximum performance. In total, the engine sends an estimated 455 horsepower and 445 lb-ft. of torque to the rear portion of the wheels and tires through either a lightweight six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic. Performance is impressive with figures dipping into the 3.9-second range for the 0-60 mph acceleration time and a top speed of 185 mph.
Part of the performance magic in the Cadillac ATS-V is its chassis. The structural stiffness has been increased by 25 percent and the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management analyzes and adjusts to road conditions 40-percent quicker. A standard electronic limited slip differential helps to ensure the rear part of the wheels and tires get maximum traction.
Making contact with the pavement are new tri-compound Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires that offer better comfort, traction, and tread wear characteristics. These tires are worn by a new set of 18 x 9.0 front and 18 x 9.5 rear wheels that are available in a number of different finishes. Behind those wheels and tires sit massive six- and four-piston Brembo calipers and large rotors to ensure maximum stopping power.
Outside, the body of the Cadillac ATS-V features virtually all-new panels and a widened front and rear track with flared fenders. A new splitter, redesigned grille with individual intakes, and a carbon fiber hood with vent help to optimize cooling and downforce. New side skirts direct air towards the rear where it meets a trunk spoiler to keep the rear wheels and tires planted.
Inside, specially-designed, adjustable Recaro seats help keep driver and passenger in place and offer generous side bolstering. An array of colors, accents, trims, and more will be offered alongside an optional Performance Data Recorder, and standard ATS-V gauges, steering wheel, and other features.
Source: General Motors
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