If you like Cadillac’s coupes, the pickins have been slim over the last few years. The previous gen CTS-V Coupe was hell of a car but the styling was polarizing and never attracted conquest sales from arch enemy BMW. The problem was compounded by the last-gen CTS straddling both the mid-size and compact segments losing appeal to the folks who wanted one size or the other.
All that’s left behind now as Cadillac’s bumped the CTS up a class and fielded the smaller ATS to pick up the slack. More recently, the division announced the ATS-V coupe and sedan as hot rod additions to the flagship portfolio.
Based on the up Alpha chassis that will also underpin the sixth-gen Camaro, it’s won rave reviews with light weight and nimble handling. According to Cadillac, the new ATS is “Powered by the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder engine – the Cadillac Twin Turbo rated at 455 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque – the ATS-V achieves 0-60 performance in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph. The Cadillac Twin Turbo engine is backed by a six-speed manual – with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and launch control – or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift.
Additionally the car will come standard with;
- Brembo high-performance brake system developed for track-day performance capability 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
- Tri-compound tires offering excellent grip with extended tire wear
- Available down force-generating track aerodynamics package
- Standard carbon fiber hood
- Performance Data Recorder like Vette
Enthusiasts and tuners won’t be the only folks playing with the new Alpha chassis. The ATS is now Cadillac’s entry into racing. Look for the new ATS-V.R racecar at the Pirelli World Challenge GT 2015 season March 7-8 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
All this hot rod Cadillac goodness ain’t cheap. The sedan starts at $61,460 and the coupe starts at $63,660 and Cadillac is now accepting order. The new ATS-V will be produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Michigan.
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