Mum is the word on what’s in store for the next-generation Cadillac ATS-V, but in the meantime, rivals are stepping up to challenge the entire compact sport-sedan segment—and Jaguar has crafted the baddest of the bunch.
Meet the Jaguar XE SV Project 8, the brand’s most powerful road car to date with 592 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Quick refresher: the 2017 Cadillac ATS-V pumps out just 464 hp from its twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine. Jaguar has employed its familiar 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine with plenty of cooling and airflow improvements to handle the immense power on tap. Power is channeled through an eight-speed automatic and 0-60 comes in just 3.3 seconds. The Project 8’s top speed is 200 mph
The car is the brainchild of Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, which is keen on proving its ability to craft incredible vehicles. It’s not a simple engine transplant, either. New body panels, aluminum and carbon fiber materials and chassis enhancements help the sport sedan rise to the top of segment—at least on paper.
If the ATS-V has had one thing going for it, it’s been its sublime chassis. Jaguar has always been in the mix, but the limited Project 8 could take the XE nameplate to new heights. With Alfa Romeo and other contenders vying for a piece of the sport sedan market, we eagerly await what Cadillac cooks up for the ATS-V next.
Comments
$192,000 vs $68,000
Even if the Caddy only cost $38,000 The car mags would still pick the Jag. I admit Caddy need some work but it seems no matter well they match up performance wise they will always find a reason to knock it down.
now drop DP, X pipe & tune in the ATS V = performance matched for extra $2-3k
Cadillac simply needs to drop the 640 hp LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8 used in the CTS-V into the ATS-V to achieve essentially the same type of numbers then tighten up the suspension a bit to demonstrate it has the right stuff with a good lap time on Germany’s Nurburgring.
And cannibalize the CTS-V!!!??? Doesn’t seem like a well thought out approach.
There is no reason to not do a V8 in all Cadillacs! They should also create a stylish 2 door coupe out of the CTS and drop in a base Corvette V8 w/400bhp and call it Eldorado. Not everyone wants an SUV