As we know, Cadillac has been busy testing its two upcoming super sedans, the ATS-V and CTS-V, at the punishing Nuburgring in Germany. But you might be wondering why nearly every automotive manufacturer decides to test its models at the ‘Ring, even the non-performance cars such as the Chevrolet Cruze. This video of the ATS-V catching air at the ‘Flugplatz’ (airport in English) section of the famed racetrack should provide some insight.
The Nurburgring is more than just a racetrack. It is 12.93-mile long, 156-turn automotive torture chamber. It incorporates all types of challenging turns, including high speed ‘esses’, hairpins, dual apex corners, tight chicanes and more. It also has an extremely long back straight and most importantly, some intense elevation change. One lap of the ‘Ring subjects a car to all types of use and abuse, making it most manufacturer’s track of choice when testing a new model.
‘Flugplatz’ is an especially challenging section of the track. The cars approach Flugplatz after accelerating through a steep downhill section of the track. The slight change in elevation sends the cars flying in the air, usually with all four-wheels off the ground, before taking an immediate right-hander after landing. This is the same section of track that inspired engineers of the Camaro Z/28 to invent “flying car mode”, which maintains power to the rear wheels when they leave the ground, when most other cars would cut power.
In the footage, the ATS-V appears just as happy to catch some air as the Z/28 was. It also looks extremely fast, but that much was to be expected. Check out the video below.
Comments
Dat pass at 2:04.
Where do I sign up? That car is devilishly enticing! It looked extremely composed on that track.
Ok this may be stating the obvious but i REALLY dont think it was a coincidence that that M4 was there at the 1:03-1:08 mark, cat and mouse perhaps? This boy is looking miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighty quick! Looks SUPER stable too through the turns and transitions as well…wow. Damn aside from both the current and next ctsv this might be my second favorite sport sedan…lighter weight, whats going to be a nice CHUNK of power, track-tuned suspension, high performance brakes…whats not to like! One other thing, why do i now have a sneaking suspicion this bad boy is going to hit the 500 horse mark at the crank? If it doesnt hit 500 i have a feeling its going to at least be damn close.
This track has done more for the refinement of GM suspension than anything else.
This track has so many major conditions that it puts the suspension through that it will meet most problems the average street car will ever see and not upset the platform.
In the past GM would go to Warren and just slap on bigger tires, stiffer springs and bigger bars and call it a performance package. It worked great at on the black lake but then in the real world you would lose a filling on many of the normal back roads.
GM has learned the art of tuning all the parts to extreme conditions and found that often less spring, better shocks and a little less tire will often provide better results.
Nearly ever GM Performance Division car was tested here and they all provide the proof it works. The Lutz Ring at Warren was added so they could simulate much of what they need to have in Germany and arrive with the correct set up off the plane.
It is amazing how good some of these cars are now. Even the old Cobalt was transformed in the SS Turbo to almost match lap times with the Camaro SS at the Ring. Even the FWD HHR SS was faster than some two seat sports cars and ran a time around 8:40. Anything under 9 seconds is considered respectable.
The one thing I hate about this car is the fact that I can’t afford it. Oh well, maybe when I’m in my30’s
Looks very fast, and no doubt very powerful, seem to corner really well. My only gripe is the sound. Yes, I know it’s not production ready, but I remember saying the same thing about the spy videos of the M4, and the exhaust sound of the M4 is a major turn off for me. Exhaust noise might be a small thing to complain about, but when u spend that kind of dough on a sport sedan, the sound should give u goose bumps every time you press the start button
I like the sound of this thing. Also why is there graffiti all over the track?
First you can not judge the sound from a distant photo. Second this car is not going to come with a by pass muffler like the Camaro.
I am sure there will be the sound program inside to put more engine noise inside for those who have to have it. In this class less noise is expected.
As for the track the spray paint is a old tradition there that people would put messages to the drivers before a race.
Some are to past drivers and many are for drivers who still race there at the few races they still hold.