With the introduction of the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, one of the catch phrases often mentioned is “track-capable,” meaning that the ATS-V can be driven from the street to the track and perform flawlessly. However, when we attended the reveal at the auto show, we noticed how one of the ATS-Vs had a different front diffuser, which meant it was equipped with the optional “downforce-generating track aerodynamics package.”
The first step is the 2016 ATS-V Carbon Fiber package, optimizes the M3-fighter’s aerodynamic performance a via a more aggressive front splitter, carbon fiber hood vent trim, and rear diffuser, plus composite rocker extensions and a 30 mm taller, body-color rear spoiler.
The more hardcore may be at home with the 2016 ATS-V Track package, which brings in the Performance Data Recorder and a low-mass battery while deleting the floor mats, sunroof, and tire inflator kit to keep things light and fleet. The result is a weight savings of approximately 33 pounds and 50 pounds of downforce at 150 mph; a byproduct of this is that when downforce goes up, top speed of 189 mph goes down, giving the base 2016 ATS-V the highest top speed of the bunch, although it has 15 pounds of lift in comparison. The downforce figure reflects both the Carbon Fiber and Track packages.
Speaking at the reveal this morning, Cadillac’s big man on campus, Johan de Nysschen, called the 2016 ATS-V “performance without punishment,” suggesting that the coupe and sedan’s track capability does not mean that driving it on the street will be insufferable − in fact, it’s meant for daily driving. For the purist, not only does the 6-speed manual have Active Rev Match, but it also has “no-lift shifting” so you can powershift without worrying about destroying the motor. “Every vent and louver has earned its keep,” added de Nysschen.
As the ATS is already lighter and more agile than the competition, one could expect the ATS-V to do the same, and also be faster. Certainly by spring 2015 we should have evidence of that.
Comments
This car is going to make this M3/M4 owned segment really interesting.
The real key here is unlike many GM performance cars in the past this like the Z/28 is the complete package. Since the formation of the GM Performance group day where Lutz finally opened the door to the engineers to do as they needed and to today where they can be funded properly and not have to leave much if anything out we are now getting cars done completely right.
In the past too often I heard program managers tell of running out of money and engineers tired of being stopped short of what they could do. Today they enabled to do what they need to do.
The ATS as well as the coming CTS will be a grand total sum of all their parts. They will be the complete deal and leave few saying too bad they did not do this or fix that.
The devils in the details and this is finally what GM is getting right and they needed to get it right to compete in this segment.
I still wish it was about 100 pounds lighter but I expect over time we will see more weight reduction. Keep in mind there is not a lot of Aluminum in this car as GM did a lot of weight loss with measure use of high strength steel. I expect they will at some point infuse more aluminum and more weight will come off.
Johan should seriously consider some kind of V series certification program for these cars. Salespeople and managers should be knowledgeable and well informed not only about their own product, but all of the M, AMG, F type, etc… products that will be compared to these new V cars. Generally the customer for these cars knows the product and it can be difficult to try and buy one from someone who doesn’t. Another problem I see quite a bit is the cars are not ordered very well. It’s OK to load up one for the showroom, but not every copy needs the track pack or a roof, etc….Just because the customer wants the V series doesn’t automatically mean they want every available other option? Some folks flat out don’t fit in Recaro seats.