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Cadillac Debuts ATS-V.R Ahead Of Los Angeles Auto Show

Cadillac has officially unveiled its all-new FIA GT3-spec ATS-V.R racecar during a special event at Circuit of the Americas this morning. The ATS-V.R, which will replace the highly successful CTS-V.R as the official race car of Cadillac Racing, will make its first major appearance in the flesh alongside the production 2016 ATS-V at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

The ATS-V.R will use the LF4.R motor, a hotted-up version of the 3.6-liter twin-turbo LF4 V6 engine found in the road-going ATS-V. According to Cadillac, LF4.R will make “up to 600 horsepower” and has been upgraded with larger twin BorgWarner turbochargers, increased capacity intercoolers, a competition-spec engine management system, and a side-exit exhaust. The weight of the aluminium block engine is balanced out by a rear transaxle exclusive to the race car, giving it a weight distribution of 49 percent in the front and 51 percent in the rear.

Extensive modifications were made to the body of the ATS-V in order to meet GT3 regulations. The fenders have been widened to accomodate FIA-mandated tire sizes, while the added carbon fiber front splitter, dive planes, under tray, rear wing and rear diffuser help press the car’s 18-inch BBS wheels into the ground. In addition, the GT3 pedigree makes it eligible for over 30 different GT race series around the world, where world-class marques such as Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini and others compete.

“This car sounds wicked and screams like it’s ripping holes in the air. I love it,” said Cadillac Racing driver Andy Pilgrim, who will pilot the ATS-V.R in the Pirelli World Challenge next year along with his teammate Johnny O’Connell.  “We have paddle gear shifters for the first time, and I’m enjoying the new tools. The engine torque is remarkable, as always, pulling strongly out of the corners.”

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Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. Awesome! Can’t wait to see Andy Pilgrim racing in the new ATS-V.R!

    Reply
  2. Looks at. Ready to kick German butt I see “radar” buttons on the front & rear bumper covers and on the rear lower fenders.

    Reply
  3. This is one wicked, bad ass, looking machine.

    It’s definitely not an old man’s Cadillac.

    Reply
  4. Woohoo.

    Reply
  5. Absolutely love that Cadillac is back to their racing roots. The vibe for the future is really exciting…people who never would have thought of buying a Caddy 8 years ago are seriously considering it. What a great performance car!…? Huh?…Keep it up GM! (Cadillac)

    Reply
  6. They should name this the Patton.

    Patton knew how to kick German Butt across Europe.

    Reply

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