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
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...