This Is The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe

If you haven’t done so already, say hello to the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe. Announced the evening before the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show along with the 2016 ATS-V Sedan, the ATS-V Coupe expands the acclaimed ATS lineup, bringing Cadillac’s elite high-performance V-Series to its next generation. The new high-performance Alpha-based coupe introduces class-leading twin-turbo power and a comprehensive suit of design and performance systems.

Key performance characteristics include:

• 455 horsepower, 445 pound-feet of torque twin-turbo V6
• 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmissions
• Brembo high-performance brake system developed to provide durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance straight from the factory
• Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, which delivers 40 percent faster damping response
• Integrated chassis controls that provide balanced performance for touring and the track, including class-exclusive Performance Traction Management
• Structural stiffness increased by 25 percent for higher cornering loads
• Driver-selectable driving modes for touring, sport and track
• Tri-compound tires offering excellent grip with extended tire wear
• Available downforce-generating track aerodynamics package
• Functional exterior design for powertrain and drivetrain cooling, as well as aerodynamic performance
• An interior with high-performance seats and ergonomics focused on the driver’s interfaces with key features for performance driving
• An onboard Performance Data Recorder enables drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track, enabling sharing on social media

The Powertrain

Being the first-ever twin-turbocharged engine in a V-Series vehicle, the ATS-V’s 3.6L V6 LF4 engine is rated at an estimated 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 445 pound-feet of torque (601 Nm). The engine represent’s the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder engine, enabling the ATS-V to complete the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.9 seconds, while achieving a top speed of over 185 mph (297 kmp).

The crazy-powerful LF4 is matched to a choice of two transmissions: a six-speed manual with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and launch control, or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic with launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift.

The Chassis

Far from being all-engine, the ATS-V Coupe features comprehensively redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems “developed to make the ATS-V one of the most agile, responsive and confident luxury performance cars on the market”, according to Cadillac.

The underlying ATS structure is highly mass-optimized and designed to meet higher performance requirements. Improvements to the V-Series were developed to enable the car to respond to cornering and torque loads “that go significantly beyond the levels experienced by the non-V models”, says the brand.

The new elements include:

• Unique shock tower-to-plenum brace
• Strengthened rocker bulkhead
• Stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces
• A unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis
• V-braces for the engine compartment

The result: 25-percent greater structural stiffness than non-V models, contributing to more precise handling and more direct steering responsiveness.

Additional contributors to the ATS-V’s driving experience include:

• A revised multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension delivers a quicker response and increased lateral control, incorporating new ride and handling links, where traditional elastomeric bushings are replaced with zero-compliance cross-axis ball joints, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar – for 50 percent greater roll stiffness
• The ZF Steering Systems Servotronic II variable-ratio electric power steering gear, with increased system stiffness offering an improved feeling of precision and greater driver feedback
• Cadillac’s five-link rear suspension features reduced roll center migration, stronger lateral control and effective anti-squat geometry, complementing the front suspension with greater body motion control. Contributing components include stiffer bushings, new cradle mounts, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar
• A standard electronic limited-slip differential supports optimal traction and enables maximum corner exit acceleration
• Larger prop shafts and greater half-shaft asymmetry (stiffer driver’s side shaft) mitigate power hop during acceleration
• A Brembo high-performance brake system provides durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance. The system includes 14.5-inch-diameter (370 mm) front rotors with staggered six-piston calipers and 13.3-inch-diamter (339 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers.
• The ATS-V also features third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management. Five driver-selectable settings include the segment’s only competition-level settings for stability and traction control

The Exterior

According to Cadillac executive design director Andrew Smith, all of the elements of the 2015 ATS-V have a purpose, contributing to lift reduction, enhanced cooling, reduced mass, or all of the three combined.

The unique elements that contribute to this include:

• A lightweight carbon fiber hood features an air-extracting vent that not only pulls hot air out of the engine compartment, but helps reduce lift at speed by channeling air pulled through the radiator out and over the top of car rather than allowing trapped air to exit under the car
• Unique front and rear fascias provide optimal aero performance, with larger grille openings in the front fascia to feed more air to the new twin-turbocharged engine. Even the mesh pattern of the signature grille openings is enlarged to allow more air into the radiator and multiple heat exchangers
• A front splitter enhances handling by forcing air to push down on the front of the car rather than flow under it, where it can cause lift
• Wider fenders to accommodate 18 x 9-inch front wheels and 18 x 9.5-inch rear wheels that are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
• The aluminum wheels, unique to the V-Series, are constructed of a low-mass forging that helps reduce un-sprung weight for greater agility and a more direct feel to steering inputs
• Aero-optimized rocker moldings and rear spoiler

Launch

Production of the 2016 ATS-V, in both ATS-V Coupe and ATS-V Sedan forms, is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2015. Get your wallets ready.