We expect the Cadillac ATS to receive a V-Sport trim level/equipment group for the 2016 model year.
Cadillac has not confirmed nor announced an ATS V-Sport. But the following findings lend credence to the rumored ATS V-Sport:
- 2016 Cadillac ATS order guide mentions ATS V-Sport
- ATS V-Sport seen in new Cadillac accessories catalog
- Cadillac ATS V-Sport rumors and more rumors dating back to 2013
The introduction of V-Sport would follow the debut of the Cadillac CTS V-Sport and Cadillac XTS V-Sport.
To note, if the ATS V-Sport doesn’t show up for 2016, we fully expect it to be there a year later as a a 2017 Cadillac ATS V-Sport.
Following is speculative and unconfirmed information about the 2016 Cadillac ATS V-Sport. This page is a continuous work-in-progress and will be updated on a regular basis as we await official details from General Motors and Cadillac.
If you notice any inaccuracies about the information provided, have recommendations, or suggestions to share, please let us know here.
We expect the Cadillac ATS V-Sport to:
- Launch either for the 2016 or 2017 model years
- Slot between the ATS 3.6 and the ATS-V, being tamer than the full-fledged ATS-V
- Be powered by Cadillac’s new twin-turbo 3.0L V6 LGW engine making something in the vicinity of 350-400 horsepower and 350-400 pound-feet of torque mated to GM’s new 8-speed 8L90 automatic transmission with paddle-shifters or the TREMEC TR6060 6-speed manual transmission sending power the rear wheels
- Efficiently send power to the ground via an electronic limited slip differential (G96) and a set of sticky, high-performance summer-only tires (Michelin Pilot Super Sports come to mind)
- Possibly offer all-wheel drive possible as an option, but not when equipped with the limited slip diff
- Feature upgraded brakes, including slotted rotors, upgraded pads, and painted brake calipers to show off the stopping power
- Deliver a sporty yet comfortable ride via Magnetic Ride Control (F55)
- Feature the ATS-V’s Special Ride and Handling package (FE4) either as standard or as an option
- Offer Recaro performance seats
- Breathe out of a quad exhaust (dual exhaust, with two outlets each) like the ATS-V
At this point, we’re of two minds about the ATS V-Sport’s body work, as we can see Cadillac going either way on this:
- One possibility is that the ATS V-Sport will have the same/similar body work as the ATS-V
- Another possibility is that the ATS V-Sport will simply sport the same body work as the non-V ATS models, albeit with several upgrades like a body kit package
Given our expectations about the ATS V-Sport above are correct, we expect the vehicle to have the following rivals in the compact sport-luxury sedan and coupe segment:
Given our expectations about the ATS V-Sport are correct, then the vehicle will have the following rivals in the compact sport-luxury sedan and coupe segments:
ATS V-Sport Sedan Competitors:
- BMW 340i (previously-known as 335i)
- Mercedes-Benz C450/C450 AMG Sedan
- Audi S4
ATS V-Sport Coupe Competitors:
- BMW 440i (previously-known as 435i)
- Mercedes-Benz C450/C450 AMG Coupe
- Audi S5
Meanwhile, the ATS with the naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 LGX will continue to compete with the following compact sport-luxury vehicles, which are also powered by naturally-aspirated sixes:
- Infiniti Q50 3.7L
- Lexus IS350/RC350
