Thursday 20th November 2014

Cadillac reveals 450hp ATS-V

Two turbos, six cylinders, saloon and coupe offered; you think Cadillac is possibly targetting the M3?

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Brits are still guilty of dismissing American performance cars, an attitude that surely can't linger for much longer. Look at the recent efforts: the Corvette Z06 looks set to be a stunner, as does the Shelby GT350, and the Camaro Z/28 has been garnering phenomenal reviews. The Cadillac ATS-V looks set to bolster America's impressive arsenal of performance coupes and sedans. Sorry, saloons.

M3 probably still has it on looks

It's aimed directly at the AMG C63, BMW M3 and Lexus RC F. To battle those very talented rivals it uses a twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 making 455hp and 445lb ft. Cadillac lists highlights for this engines such titanium con-rods, low-inertia turbos and a 'high performance lubrication system', designed specifically with track use in mind. Sounds encouraging, as do claimed performance figures of 3.9 seconds to 60mph and a top speed of 'more than 185mph'. A standard six-speed manual with Active Rev Match, flat shifting and launch control complete the good news on the powertrain front.

The standard ATS is already fairly well regarded in the States for its dynamics so the fact that the V has a 25 per cent stiffer structure bodes well. Both tracks are wider, the tyres are Michelin Pilot Super Sports and the third generation of GM's magnetorheological dampers is said to deliver 40 per cent faster response. There are stiffer bushes, uprated springs and new anti-roll bars as well. The brakes are from Brembo, with 370mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front and 339mm rear discs with four-piston calipers. In fact there only appear to be two negatives on the ATS-V's chassis spec; the inclusion of ZF 'Servotronic II' variable ratio electric power steering and the omission so far of a kerbweight. A carbon bonnet is standard and options include forged wheels and a lighter battery but there's nothing confirmed yet.

Cadillac claims a top speed of over 185mph

The usual roster of configurability options feature inside the ATS-V with five selectable driving modes and a 'Performance Traction Management' system. There's also a data recorder with HD video to show all your buddies at the bar (or on Twitter) what an awesome time you laid down.

So all things considered it seems like there's a lot to be excited by with the Cadillac ATS-V. Of course it's exceptionally unlikely to come to the UK but that doesn't stop it being interesting. Imagine the furore if it beats the BMW in a US test...

 

[Agoogy]

A backwards step looks wise form the previous V series.... shame the yanks don't commit to RHD...

[-crookedtail-]

Agree about the styling, that ducktail spolier is a bit much imho.

I still like it though, nought wrong with a bit of a left field choice!

[Cotic]

Is the usage of the word 'making' as opposed to 'producing' a nod to the american theme of the article?

As to the car, all the American performance cars I've been exposed to have had ferociously hard damping, I'm told to improve grip in bends. Any word on whether this is any different? Magneto-ride would suggest so.

[Nors]

Don't like the rear spoiler either, looks like a bit of an after thought.

However, looks like a good effort in other departments, although, will the interior still be typical amercian low rent?? (Seats look good though)

If they did do a RHD version, it might prove a useful alternative to the usual choices! But they won't!!!

[swisstoni]

I wish Caddy designers would put the ruler away now. How long have they been doing this straight edge stuff - 15 years?

[smilo996]

Well they have shed the image of Caddy as a car for the Blue Rinse brigade.

The design is just too crass as is often the case.

No doubt Hennnneeesssy will be releasing a four turbo version soon.

Better but not brilliant.

[SamR380]

You had me at 'Titanium Conrods'.

[sturney]

Front end looks great...

I think they forgot about the rear.

[soad]

Hands up who would actually buy it over the European competitors offerings? Anyone...

You don't see many Escalades either.

[Krikkit]

Looks great, no doubt it'll sound great. The only worry I suppose is the electric steering, but the praise was hardly lumped on the new M3 in that department!

[British Beef]

swisstoni said:

I wish Caddy designers would put the ruler away now. How long have they been doing this straight edge stuff - 15 years?

The ruler worked pretty well for the F40 design.... I like straight lines, both as an engineer and an Esprit owner;-)

I prefer this to the wavy curvy sh!t mercedes and other manufacturers keep pumping out!

Although these thing do look like there is too much bodywork above the rear wheels in the rear 1/4 aspect.

[anonymous-user]

Another M3 'beater'

For all the chit chat about how horrible BMW's are they seem to quite difficult to beat in the benchmarking

Not to mention, that is one challenging looking car Good on them for keeping at it though, the world would be a sadder place without Cadillac.

[theJT]

sturney said:

Front end looks great...

I think they forgot about the rear.

Just what I was thinking.

I agree we've gotten past the "All American cars are just huge engines with an ox-cart bolted to the back" bit in terms of engineering, but it's the fit and finish that seems to let them down. I'm open to being surprised, but I'm expecting the interior to be horrible compared to the European competition too. Not necessarily ugly, just badly put together out of cheap materials.

[iloveboost]

sturney said:

Front end looks great...

I think they forgot about the rear.

I don't like it as much as the M3/M4 from the front but the rear has always looked a bit too flat and square on the CTS/ATS. It makes them stand out though and some buyers will like that.
It sounds like it could be a good car for less money than the German competition but I guess they will cut costs in different ways. Whether you notice is another thing.

[daytona365]

Yes quite a class act for a 'yank' only trouble is, it'll probably be triple the price that they pay by the time it comes over here.

[oversteerer]

Looks very butch from the front aspect an apparently it’s supposed to weigh about the same as an M3. I have read reports that this will sell for $60,000, which is the same price as the M3 in the US. I think that it would need to be significantly cheaper for it to steal significant sales from the M3. Following the current trend of American motoring journalism where the Camaro Z/28 is regarded better than the Nissan GTR, M3, I8 and F-Type Coupe R, the ATS V will probably beat the M3 in all of the tests.

[underphil]

the CTS-V always looked better in the metal than photos, so I imagine the same will apply to this one

[thirsty]

oversteerer said:

Looks very butch from the front aspect an apparently it’s supposed to weigh about the same as an M3. I have read reports that this will sell for $60,000, which is the same price as the M3 in the US. I think that it would need to be significantly cheaper for it to steal significant sales from the M3. Following the current trend of American motoring journalism where the Camaro Z/28 is regarded better than the Nissan GTR, M3, I8 and F-Type Coupe R, the ATS V will probably beat the M3 in all of the tests.

Caddy really did their homework on this platform. I am sure it will equal the M3 / M4 in performance. I even like the looks, but seriously, would I give up my German interior for this one? Touch screen, touch volume? Touch everything? Bring back knobs.

[cvega]

crossfire anyone ? that spoiler is disgusting!

[Atmospheric]

Do these not handle extremely well?