The inevitable rollout of the all-new BMW M3 and Cadillac ATS-V sedans have performance enthusiasts anticipating an awesome title fight between the two machines. But considering their extreme nature, chances are there’s going to be a fair amount of space between what’s expected in the ATS-V and what we currently see in the athletic ATS 3.6 V6 model. And according to sources, Cadillac has plans to bridge that gap with another ATS model.
Like the 2014 Cadillac CTS VSport that was shown in New York just this past April, the ATS family is set to receive a similar model, which is expected to be called the ATS VSport.
This mid-range model is expected to feature a few bits and pieces from the range-topping ATS-V — suspension, brakes, and possibly tires, among other things — but without the power of the twin-turbocharged LF3 V6 engine that the ATS-V is expected to feature. Instead, the ATS VSport is anticipated to cradle the naturally aspirated LFX V6 engine, just as the ATS 3.6 currently does, at the very least. As for what transmissions will be used, it’s not certain, but we certainly hope for the availability of a manual transmission, especially in a car of this nature.
As for a time-frame as to when the market can expect the ATS VSport, it won’t be anytime soon. We foresee the 2015 ATS-V launching first, and therefore we won’t pin the VSport model any sooner than a 2016 model-year vehicle. But as more information surfaces, we’ll be able to narrow the timetable down more specifically.
Comments
Great idea. A M-Sport and F-Sport competitor if you will. Maybe a more aggressive transmission (better be an 8-speed dammit), brakes and suspension parts from the V and some more athletic looks. The car pictured above is pretty mean looking. Something like that. GM can easily pull this one off. Just please give the ATS an 8-speed ASAP. Same with the Chevy SS
Cadillac should really speed this up along with the V. The V should be a 2014 and the V sport a 2015. They need to keep the ATS in the spotlight. 2014 needs something. Maybe the coupe?
Were are these 8 speed transmissions already.
i dont think so, i think that the ATS V sport should feature the LFX TT V6 just as the CTS V sport and the XTS and that the ATS – V// should carry a 6.2 V8 and actually i think thats going to happen because they have caught two different ATS V models in the spy-shots the one with the quad exhaust will be V8
hmmmmmmmmmmmmm interesting idea/point…
But wouldn’t the 6.2 be too similar to the 3.6 TT? The supercharged 6.2 might be a possibility but then it would be faster than the CTS V
Maybe the ATS-V will handle a naturally aspirated 6.2 V8 and the CTS-V will handle a supercharged 6.2 V8, but whi cares that a smaller cadillac is faster than the big one (cts) the point is beating the germans
It makes sense for Cadillac to offer such models since other automakers (BMW, Audi, and Lexus) have seen success with similar trim levels.
I suspect the 3.6/8 speed coming in the CTS won’t make it into the ATS until the 8 speed is produced in house rather than bought elsewhere. I’m not referring to the Twin Turbo 3.6 here. Certainly the Ainisin (sp) makes great sense until the in house unit becomes available.
IMHO it’s unlikely an 8 speed transaxle will be developed for use with the XTS Premium/Platinum AWD versions equipped with the Twin Turbo 3.6.
I’m seeing more ATS with the base 2.5/6 speed than I expected. Keeping the sticker under $40,000 seems a smart move indeed. I suspect customers for the base ATS with the 2.5/6 speed are really not interested in the more expensive models equipped with the performance items. Price point/price point.
suhWEEEEET!
Why does everyone want an 8 speed so bad? Ive never drove one personally but ive drove plenty of 6 speed auto cars and that seems to be plenty! It seems to me that an 8 speed would feel just about the same as a CVT trans… and those things suck donkey nads. Not to mention how much cost they add to each vehicle.
The reason people want an 8-speed is for the improved gas mileage over a 6-speed automatic. Also, people want the same or more gears than other members of the car’s class because most Americans have the mentality that more is better.