Just last week, we found references to a Cadillac ATS Vsport brake upgrade in GM’s 2016 model year order guides, suggesting that a Vsport variant of the ATS is on its way. Now, we’ve discovered another reference to the un-announced model.
The $1,913.56 suspension upgrade package on the official accessories page of the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe features the following description (bold text, ours):
Kick the ride of your ATS Coupe up a notch with this Front and Rear Suspension Modification Kit. It is designed to decrease body roll while cornering and improve handling performance by using V Sport stabilizer bars. V Sport Bridgestone summer only tires are included and designed to maximize the upgraded suspension capabilities. The kit is covered by GM warranty if installed by a certified GM dealer. For use on rear wheel drive ATS Coupe models.
The GM Authority Take
The evidence keeps mounting for an ATS Vsport. Our only question is, what features will the car have and what will be under its hood?
Comments
My guess is same engine line up for v sport with either the 3.6 or 2.0T and the modifications will be on the outside with a wider body and upgraded suspension/brakes and wheels. I remember one cadillac exec saying this exact thing a year ago.
I am pretty sure there will be an engine upgrade, otherwise there would be no point. This V sport is to compete with BMW 340xi, Audi S4 and MB C450 AMG sport. My guess is a turbo V6, (maybe 3.0) with about 340 to 350hp, and lots of torque. The natural aspirated V6 doesn’t have the torque to compete, and Cadillac wouldn’t try using a 4 pot to compete with the boosted 6s from the Germans
I am not sure this is proof per-se.
With the CTS, we saw V Sport suspension and brake packages available for base models. This is similar to M Sport suspension and brakes on non-M BMW models.
I suspect this is simply the same – offering ATS-V’s suspension and brake improvements on the 2.0T and 3.6L non-V models.
The CT6’s “Cadillac-exclusive” 3.0L TTV6 could make for an ATS VSport option – but I don’t think that is connected to this.
From a previous article on GM Authority on 23 Feb 2015: “Unlike the CTS Vsport and XTS Vsport, which are powered by General Motors’ 3.6-liter twin turbocharged LF3 V6, our source said the ATS Vsport will be powered by the same naturally aspirated LFX V6 in the standard ATS. The Vsport model would instead benefit from suspension and braking components plucked from the ATS-V and possibly different wheels and tires, among other enhancements.”
Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2015/02/cadillac-ats-vsport-rumors-pick-back-up/#ixzz3gKYRYxxS
Do not want to defend this decision, just state that this may be the real situation. Because this will be in Model Year 2016, presumably it will be the new LGX replacement for the LFX V-6, which by all accounts will be an upgrade in performance, economy and smoothness. Perhaps they could Extrude Hone the intake and exhaust ports for better flow and fit a special low weight, low back pressure exhaust system without having to requalify the engine. This would make the engine better, more distinctive without spending much money.
I would prefer that the Vsport be an upgrade option available for either the 2.0T 4 cylinder or LGX V-6. Or perhaps an upgraded 2.0T 4 cylinder with an air to water intercooler, etc. For the suspension and brake upgrades, hope they reduce unsprung weight to make a truly significant difference from the baseline vehicle. Also, hope they include the ventilated seats, 360 degree camera and an upgraded looking gauge package (all options available on the CTS family for 2016).
V Lab in August, will ask questions.
Cadillac needs to have a special engine to assign with the V-Sport nomenclature and could use the upcoming 400 horsepower twin-turbo 3.0L DOHC-4v V6 that’s planned to be the top engine option for the upcoming CT6 as at 400 hp, it’s less than the 464 hp of the LF4 and more more than the 335 hp 3.6L V6.