Last week, we asked you what you wanted to see from the rumored Cadillac ATS V-Sport. Now, we would like to present what we expect.
Before we go on, keep in mind that Cadillac has not confirmed nor announced an ATS V-Sport. However, the following findings lend credence to the rumored vehicle:
- 2016 Cadillac ATS order guide mentions ATS V-Sport
- ATS V-Sport seen in new Cadillac accessories catalog
- Cadillac ATS V-Sport rumors and even more rumors dating back to 2013
And then, of course, is the fact that every other Cadillac sedan model on the market today has a V-Sport variant, including the CTS V-Sport and XTS V-Sport. So, without any further ado…
What We Expect From Cadillac ATS V-Sport
- 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 a 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)
- Optional all-wheel drive possible, 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
In addition, the ATS V-Sport’s body could go one of the following two ways:
- Feature the same/similar body work as the ATS-V
- Sport the same body work as non-V ATS models, albeit with several upgrades like a body kit package
Competitors
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 slot below the ATS V-Sport, continuing to compete with the following compact sport-luxury vehicles with naturally-aspirated six bangers:
- Infiniti Q50 3.7L
- Lexus IS350/RC350
So, what do you think of our predictions? Talk to us in the comments below.
Further reading:
Comments
400hp and 400tq would be nice, but unrealistic. I’m sure cadillac would keep a 100hp difference between the V sport and the ATS-V. That seems to be the thinking to not cannibalize sales, and the Germans all have a 100 or so hp difference between their sport models and the high performance ones, so I expect the V-sport will come in around 365hp, and AWD option is a must
Agree with the HP estimate but a 2WD model is a must.
Could also see room for a V-Sport appearance package for the 3.6NA and 2.0T engines.
I think your predictions are spot on !!!
This just keeps underscoring why the ATS’s Alpha was meant to underscore a second-gen G6.
I want a car that sits right in-between the Camaro and the ATS. I want a car that has the cheapness of the Camaro, the four doors of the ATS, and a fuel-efficient V6 in RWD.
GM’s answer to my desires should not be a Dodge Charger. LGW would make for a fantastic G6 Grand Prix GXP… at $37,950.
That is why I would like the Impala and SS to be merged into one sedan on the Alpha.
You do not need Pontiac for that. Also this would make a good police package too as many departments are looking for more efficient cars.
Under that logic, you could delete all the brands. You could just have Chevy “Cadillac” brands.
The reason the Impala stayed FWD is fleet sales. You need a brand that concentrates on RWD primarily – particularly as we move into electric cars. That’s what FCA did with Dodge, and it’s paying dividends in lower cost of R&D and production for Maserati and Alfa Romeo too.
If FCA is smart, they’ll have a RWD electric car that takes on Tesla soon… but I suspect the only reason they aren’t doing that right now… is lack of cash to do it with.
Cadillac’s CT6 LGW 400 horsepower 3.0L Twin-Turbo 3.0L V6 will most likely the engine for the ATS V-Sport and potentially for the upcoming XT5 which Cadillac said there would be no XT5 V edition.
Would love to see this. But even more I would love for Cadillac to offer a package similar to the AMG styling package you can get on Mercedes models. It jazz is the vehicle up nicely, especially for younger crowd but only cost a few thousand dollars. As much as I want 500 hp I don’t need 500 hp. In fact in Ontario the government has screwed up everything as usual and you can lose your car and your license for doing 30 Kmover the speed limit .
Open up the greenhouse with lower beltline , use a more CTS6 profile plus take away a bit of trunk space . This must be done to create a more welcoming , user friendly , roomier feeling interior . I don’t think they should play with the length of this 4 door sedan , just package it differently and create more smooth subdued colored interiors , ie , more refined , less glitz .
All Cadillac series are the lowest traction, extreme tail flick, extreme slide, hardcore handle, 20- over 100 l/100km by wider rear track than front track chassises forever.
All petrol engines 1-2 turbo intercooler in all Cadillac series are easy damage , 20- over 100 l/100km.
End report from Cadillac test performance data base.
End transmission.
I owned a Cadillac CTS 4 “performance” model and loved it but felt it needed about 50 HP more than it had. Now I’ve leased a Cadillac ATS-V and it’s about right. I really could go for an ATS Sport with 400 HP and all wheel drive if it handled as well as my ATS-V. I have only two complaints with my ATS-V so far. Hard shifting and the lack of AWD. I wish I’d have waited for a ATS Sport with AWD. That lease will be a “stopper” for the Sport AWD for a few years, damn it!!