GM is pushing the high-performance luxury button with their Cadillac ATS-V, the latest in a line of V models. But this one has something a bit different under the hood.
For the first time, Cadillac brings us a full tilt V without the V8. The new ATS-V sedan taps the power of the 3.6 liter twin-turbo V6 and for the first time offers it with a manual transmission.
Making even more power than in the CTS V-Sport, the ATS-V gets a hotter version of the twin-turbo V6 churning out a whopping 455 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque.
That extra power comes from turbochargers with low-inertia titanium-aluminide turbines and vacuum-actuated wastegates. Additionally, lightweight titanium connecting rods reduce inertia of the rotating assembly, enabling faster revs.
The Cadillac ATS-V is available with the aforementioned six-speed manual transmission which has computer aided rev-matching. You can also option an eight-speed automatic box with paddle shifters if you wish not to deal with that pesky lever.
How fast is it? Cadillac says it will roll from 0-60 in as little 3.9 seconds with a top speed of more than 185 mph. Umm yeah, that’s fast.
Handling all that power was taken seriously with a number of structural enhancements to the body, stiffening it by some 25% with additional bracing added at the front and rear suspension mounts, shock towers and bulkheads.
Substantial aerodynamic add-ons not only bring additional visual appeal to the car but significantly add downforce at speed for those who actually take it to the track. And for them, an optional track aerodynamics package can be had.
Like you I can’t wait to drive one, and that opportunity will be coming later next year. We’ll bring you a full review when that happens.
