It’s interesting how sedans used to be family trucksters, but today you’ll find them as family racers as well. With today’s introduction of the twin-turbocharged 2016 ATS-V Sedan, Cadillac adds stellar track capabilities and performance to what already is the lightest and most agile car in its class.
“Cadillac’s V-Series is the best example of Cadillac’s emerging product substance – and the purest expression of the passion at the core of the brand,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen.
Since its 2004 inception, Cadillac’s V-Series has given drivers the power power and performance capabilities that never existed before in an American sedan. Starting with the strengths of the award-winning ATS,  Cadillac has built a dual-purpose luxury sedan that is equally at home at the track and on the road.
The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan’s motor is the first twin-turbocharged engine in a V-Series vehicle. At an estimated 455 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, this Cadillac has the highest horsepower out of any six-cylinder in its class, giving it the capability of hitting 60 in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 185 mph. Purists may choose the six-speed manual (with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting, and launch control), but chances are the paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission (featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift) will be faster.
Here are some “key performance technologies” according to Cadillac:
- Brembo high-performance brake system developed to provide durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance straight from the factory
- Driver-selectable driving modes for touring, sport and track
- Available downforce-generating track aerodynamics package
- Functional exterior design for powertrain and drivetrain cooling, as well as aerodynamic performance
- An interior with high-performance seats and ergonomics focused on the driver’s interfaces with key features for performance driving.
“As the smallest and lightest V-Series ever, the ATS-V forges a great connection with the driver, with exceptional nimbleness and responsiveness,” said Cadillac Executive Chief Engineer David Leone. “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.”
Like the Corvette, the Performance Data Recorder onboard allows drivers to record high-definition video of their driving experiences on and off the track, which can then be shared on social media.
The ATS’s structure is already renowned for its stiffness, but for the ATS-V it has been optimized to better respond to cornering and torque loads, resulting in a 25-percent greater structural stiffness compared to the regular ATS. The new elements include:
- Unique shock tower-to-plenum brace
- Strengthened rocker bulkhead
- Stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces
- A unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis
- V-braces for the engine compartment.
“The ATS-VÂ feels like it was machined from billet steel,” said chief engineer Tony Roma. “Along with supporting the higher performance capability of the car, the enhanced structure conveys confidence to the driver through a greater feeling of solidity and sharper, more precise responsiveness …Â The result is class-leading capability on the highway or track, balanced with luxury and refinement. In fact, the car is ready for the track right off the showroom floor, with no special modifications required.”
The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires were developed specifically for the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V and feature a tri-compound tread that delivers a nice combination of excellent grip in performance driving while giving excellent ride quality. Also contributing to the sweet spot in ride and handling are Magnetic Ride Control (which delivers 40 percent faster damping response) and Performance Traction Management.
“V-Series is the emotive core of the Cadillac brand and the apex of the Art and Science design philosophy,” said executive director of Cadillac Global Design, Andrew Smith. “A car offering a bold sense of arrival, serious performance, seamless integration of technology, and precision craftsmanship. The exposed carbon fiber components, for example, are book-matched on the centerline for a more precise, tailored appearance.”
You can expect to be able to be able to purchase the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan late in the spring of 2015.
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Comments
When you are ready Cadillac. The UK is waiting. Bring it on….and soon.
This looks sooooo dated. This looks like the gen 1 cts-v.
This looks ok for 2004, not 2014.
The Germans have nothing to worry about.
And is it still with that budget instrument cluster?
You sound scared…probably because you are. Germany is in for a fight. They know it and so do you. Dated, you say? Just a cheap shot because you know what really matters is the track/street performance. Do yourself a favor and grow a pair…at least then you could admit it.
Scared? Me? About what? I don’t build/buy/sell German cars.
The Germans can go belly up tomorrow for all i care.
But just looking at the sales numbers of the ATS and CTS, GM should be scared.
They tried to copy the 3/4 series, and failed.
The performance isn’t much better than the Germans, it’s about the same.
But more important, 99.9% of the customers care about the looks and brand IMAGE and not the performance.
And i think it’s a shame they build a car that looks this dated, and you know it, but just don’t want to admit it!
Btw I drive an Escalade (The only type of cars the US are better in are nice big SUV’s), so i’m no German fanboy either.
You may not be a fanboy but by that last statement, you sound like more of a hater. 99.9 of customers aren’t looking to buy THIS variant…the high performance variant. Looks are subjective and if you think it looks like a 2004 CTS-V, well..your eyes are a whole lot different than mine. It surely is more differentiated than a 2004 M and a 2014 M…if you wanna talk aging designs. Anyway, like I said earlier…you sound like a hater with nothing positive to say about a car that those in the industry fully expect to be formidable. I call a spade, a spade.
Rome wasn’t built in a day…Sure BMW and Mercedes have a better image, but cadillac has a better product…at least with the ATS/CTS. Cadillacs image is rapidly improving, so it’s only a matter of time until their image catches up.
Like BMW does not look so much like every BMW for the last 40 years? Talk about dated.
The Germans are worried already as they are reacting with their new product and even Benz has stated they are really concerned about the CTS V that is coming.
As stated Rome was not built overnight and Cadillac will gain ground with each and every new model
Reputations are earned not just handed out. Earning it take time. Effort = Results.
All 4 companies should have some amazing product in the coming years.
Looks familiar, yet it still looks fresh. I like it! But the powertrain is what’s most important here! While an LT1 with a supercharger or even a twin-turbocharged V8 is desired, I’ll settle for this twin turbo V6 with 455 hp and 445 lb ft of torque! Should be more than capable of handling the competition!!!