If you haven’t yet heard, rumor has it that Cadillac is working an ATS-V+, an even more hardcore version of the high-performance ATS-V. The vehicle is said to cradle GM’s naturally-aspirated, high-displacement 7.0L LS7 V8 engine for one heck of a high-performance compact luxury sedan and coupe. But what advantage would an LS7 have under the hood of the ATS compared to the twin-turbo 3.6L LF4 V6 in the “regular” ATS-V? In one word, a lot.
For the sake of figuring out the advantage of the LS7 in the rumored ATS-V+, we’re going to assume the following three things:
- An ATS-V+ is actually on the horizon
- The rumored ATS-V+ will cradle GM’s LS7 V8
- The LS7 will beastly seven liter will make same amount of power in the ATS-V+ as it did in the C6 Corvette Z06 and in the fifth-generation Camaro Z/28
With those assumptions in mind, the advantages are quite clear: the ATS-V+ would have 41 horsepower and 36 pound-feet of torque more than the “regular” ATS-V. Plus, the ATS-V+ would likely weigh less than the ATS-V, since the LS7 is lighter than the twin-turbo LF4, further increasing the capability of the already-capable ATS-V.
And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, then we should also note that the LS7 would also make that brawny burble-gurgle sound. Mate it to a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic along with the ATS’ already-excellent handling and vehicle dynamics, and we finally have proof that there can be such a thing as automotive perfection.
| VEHICLE: | 2016 ATS-V 3.6L TT LF4 | RUMORED ATS-V+ 7.0L LS7 | ATS-V+ +/- | 2015 BMW M3/M4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HORSEPOWER (HP): | 464 | 505 | +41 | 425 | |
| TORQUE (LB-FT): | 445 | 481 | +36 | 406 |
For the sake of comparison, we also threw in the BMW M3/M4 into the chart just to see how much the ATS-V already blows it out of the water, and how much the ATS-V+ will do so even more.
Comments
the most important thing is not only the strength and power. of another one if it is to be better in everything it has to be better. But best of all is to be a science fiction today. who is now at the best. audi bmw-mb-grinding work on the smallest of details, in order to be more perfect.It is like a diamond grinding
Absolutely. Part of me wants to see Cadillac focus on the details the ATS is currently missing, like small yet important features and quality elements. These would impact the entire lineup, not just one trim level in the model range.
On the other hand… 7 LITERS!!!
If GM is going to keep using the LS7 they should, at least, have their engineers revisit it to bump up the power a bit to 530-550 hp and 520-530 ft-lb maybe? But, as it is, I still like it.
I still wonder what the specs would’ve been, of that other high performance, big liter, naturally aspirated engine, that GM scrapped due to emissions.
Oops, just saw that other people commented similar thoughts on the previous GMA ATS-V+ article.
I guess many are thinking the same, OBVIOUS thing, that GM should revisit the LS7.
427 ATS-V+.—- camaro on ATS chassis– can we see a z/28 coming or an LS7 camaro of some sort ???
I hope if this is true it won’t be the LS7 as it is today but more like an LT7, a 7.0 liter version of the new LT1 corvette motor, then I think you really could expect to see that 530-550 hp and 520-530 ft/lbs. (Oh, also, optional all wheel drive available with the 8L90 would be cool for those up here in the nort’ land)
And how about a CTS V-Sport+ with the same powertrain options also.
You do realize that the ATS-V does not blow the M cars out of the water right? If I were a gentleman, I would say that the ATS doesn’t quite stack up to the bimmers. You should read up on the actual tests and not believe the American “boosted” figures.
How do you know this if the car hasn’t been released yet?!?! Don’t believe the ‘German engineering’ marketing hype.