Welcome to Cadillac’s new direction; sport luxury wrapped in an attractive package and motivated by a powerful engine. The 2016 ATS-V sedan is the latest and greatest General Motors has to offer with the ATS platform. The four-door luxury compact sedan first bowed in the 2012 model year and took the segment by storm. A minor refresh for 2015 brings the car in line with its new-for-2015 Coupe version while Cadillac’s new wreathless and widened crest replaces the old brand emblem. With its sights set squarely on dethroning the Germans and their performance luxury sedans, Cadillac is upping the ante with twin turbochargers, sport suspension, and enough go-fast bits to build a racecar – all while keeping that swanky style the brand has become identifiable with.
At the heart of the ATS-V lies a twin-turbocharged version of the familiar 3.6-liter V-6. The engine finds itself with numerous upgrades, helping it produce an estimated 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual comes standard while the new eight-speed automatic borrowed from the Corvette Z06 is optional. All the power is routed through a limited-slip differential to the rear tires. Cadillac expects 0 to 60 mph to come in a blazing 3.9 seconds.
Cadillac’s outspoken new front man and president, Johan de Nysschen, says this V-Series is the “best example of Cadillac’s emerging product substance and the purest expression of the passion at the core of the brand.” Translation: the new 2016 ATS-V sedan ain’t your grandma’s Cadillac.
Update 4/10/2015: Cadillac has announced that it underestimated the output of the ATS-V. The new output is 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. That 9 horsepower more than it initially anticipated.
Click past the jump for the full review
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2016 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan
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Year:2016
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Make:
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Model:
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Engine:V6
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Transmission:6-speed manual
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Horsepower @ RPM:464 @ 5850
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Torque @ RPM:445 @ 3500
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Displacement:3.6 L
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0-60 time:3.9 sec.
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Top Speed:185 mph
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Price:61460 (Est.)
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Price:
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car segment:
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body style:
Video
Spy Shots
July 15, 2014 - Cadillac ATS-V Sedan testing at Nurburgring
Update History
Updated 11/21/2014: We were at the 2014 LA Auto Show, so we grabbed a few shots of the all-new Cadillac ATS-V sedan. Check them out after the jump and in the gallery.
Updated 01/23/2015: Next to the new generation CTS-V sedan, Cadillac also brought the AST-V sedan at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show and we were more than happy to take some pictures. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.
Update 8/23/2013: Per a report from Car and Driver, the new ATS-V will not use either of the two earlier rumored engines — 470-horsepower V-8 or a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6. Rather, this new lightweight performance sedan will carry the same 420-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V-6 powerplant as the CTS Vsport. Given the 321-horsepower V-6 engine sprints the ATS to 60 mph in a scant 5.7 seconds, we estimate the ATS-V with the turbo V-6 doing the same sprint in about 4.5 seconds.
Updated 11/19/2014: Cadillac has unveiled the full details on the 2016 ATS-V Sedan.
Updated 02/10/2015: Cadillac announced prices for the 2016 ATS-V Sedan which will be available at dealers starting April, 2015. Prices will start from $61,460.
Exterior
Out back, quad exhaust pipes protrude form the lower air diffuser while a tall spoiler is perched on the decklid.
Everything on the ATS-V is purpose-built. From bumper to bumper, Cadillac engineers designed every surface for better performance while slipping through the air. The added aero bits all work in conjunction to reduce drag while adding downforce. Even the wire-mesh grille is redesigned with wider openings to allow more air into the radiator and heat exchangers. The functional heat extractor on the carbon-fiber hood works to not only promote the flow of air through to cool the engine, but to also eliminate positive pressure in the engine bay that results in uplift.
Out back, quad exhaust pipes protrude form the lower air diffuser while a tall spoiler is perched on the decklid. Larger 18-inch wheels are wrapped with specialized Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with three different compounds for enhanced handling and long tread life. Wider fenders front and rear help cover the 9- and 9.5-inch wheels respectively.
Those wheels are also key in the ATS-V’s handling. They are constructed form a low-mass forging that reduces the amount of un-sprung weight at each corner.
Exterior Dimensions
| Wheelbase (in / mm): | 109.3 / 2775 |
| Length (in / mm): | 184 / 4673 |
| Height (in / mm): | 55.7 / 1415 |
| Width (in / mm): | 71.3 / 1811 |
| Track (in / mm): | front: 60.5 / 1538 rear: 60.4 / 1536 |
| Curb weight (lb / kg): | TBD |
| Weight distribution (% front / rear): | 51 / 49 |
Side-by-side comparison
Interior
Like all ATS sedans, it comes with the CUE infotainment system and haptic feedback control panel.
Cadillac certainly didn’t forget about the cabin. New 16-way Recaro performance seats are optional (yet mandatory in our opinion) and help give the cabin a purposeful appearance. Adjustable bolsters and sueded microfiber inserts hold occupants in place. Carbon fiber and Alcantara accents abound throughout the cabin, helping dress up the already classy interior.
Like all ATS sedans, it comes with the CUE infotainment system and haptic feedback control panel. Bluetooth and natural voice recognition, along with text-to-voice text message reading and OnStar’s 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot helps keep the occupants connected and the driver’s eyes on the road.
Also included is the Corvette’s Performance Data Recorder. The system allows the driver to record video, audio, and track performance data to CUE’s hard drive. A USB thumb drive will transfer the data to a computer where the info can be stored and shared on social media.
Interior Dimensions
| Legroom (in / mm): | front: 42.3 / 1074 rear: 33.5 / 850 |
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| Headroom (in / mm): | front: 37.6 / 954 rear: 35.1 / 891 |
| Shoulder room (in / mm): | front: 54.1 / 1375 rear: 51.1 / 1298 |
| Hip room (in / mm): | front: 54.1 / 1374 rear: 44.5 / 1131 |
Drivetrain
Backing up that power are two transmission options: a six-speed manual and the same eight-speed automatic found in the new Corvette Z06.
Creating all the motivation for the ATS-V is a twin-turbocharged, 3.6-liter V-6 making an estimated 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Cadillac didn’t just throw some turbos on the old 3.6-liter, no — engineers completely reworked the engine’s internals for a free-revving mill that loves to run.
Lightweight Titanium connecting rods reduce internal inertia of the rotating assembly while a high-performance oiling system keeps everything lubed up no matter the lateral force. The turbos feature lightweight titanium-aluminide turbines that allow for quicker spool-ups while a low-volume charge-cooling system keeps temperatures down for increased air density.
Backing up that power are two transmission options: a six-speed manual and the same eight-speed automatic found in the new Corvette Z06. Both offer launch control. The six-speed manual offers Active Rev Match for to avoid nose-diving when downshifting and no-lift shifting for quicker zero to 60 mph times.
All of this ads up to some amazing performance specs: 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 185 mph.
Drivetrain Specifications
| Displacement (cu in / cc): | 217 / 3564 |
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| Bore & stroke (in / mm): | 3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 |
| Block material: | cast aluminum |
| Cylinder head material: | cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing |
| Fuel delivery: | direct high-pressure fuel injection |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Horsepower | 464 HP @ 5,750 RPM (est.) |
| Torque | 445 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM (est.) |
| Recommended fuel: | premium |
| Max engine speed (rpm): | 6500 |
| Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): | TBD |
| Top speed | 185 mph |
| 0 to 60 mph | 3.9 seconds |
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Chassis & Suspension
Cadillac says that at 60 mph, the shocks are taking measurements and calculating dampening once for every inch of pavement.
While the twin turbos might get all the headlines and spotlights, Cadillac gave equal attention to making the ATS-V handle like a proper sports sedan. Engineers added a strut-tower brace, V-bracing in the engine bay, a strengthened rocker bulkhead, and a unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis. All this culminates in a chassis that’s 25-percent stiffer than the standard ATS sedan.
The ATS-V also gets the new third-generation of GM’s Magnetic Ride Control. The system now monitors the road surface 40-percent quicker than before, allowing for near instantaneous adjustment of the magneto-rheological fluid-filled dampers. Cadillac says that at 60 mph, the shocks are taking measurements and calculating dampening once for every inch of pavement. As usual, the system offers driver-selectable driving modes that include touring, sport, and track.
High-performance Brembo brakes bring everything to a stop, with 14.5-inch rotors up front squeezed by six-piston calipers while the 13.3-inch rotors out back are capped with four-piston calipers.
Cadillac will offer two option packages right from the start. The Carbon Fiber pack includes a different front splitter, more aggressive rear diffuser, hood vent trim, rocker panel aero bits, and the larger rear spoiler. The Track Package then adds the Performance Data Recorder, a low-weight battery, and removes the tire inflator kit and carpeted floor mats for reduced weight.
Prices
The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V sedan is priced from $61,460. It will be put on sale in April, 2015.
Competition
2014 BMW M3
The BMW M3 has long been the benchmark for four-door sports sedans, and the new and highly improved 2014 M3 takes that benchmark to the next level. The new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder produces 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual and a seven-speed M Double Clutch transmission are optional. The drivetrain adds up to a 0-to-60-mph sprint of 3.9 seconds with the dual-clutch transmission and 4.1 seconds with the manual. Top sped is limited to 155 mph.
Though the M3’s new powerplant is stout, the Caddy’s twin-turbo setup out powers it. It will likely take a side-by-side comparison to see if the extra power pays off. The same is likely true with the ATS-V’s driving dynamics.
Pricing for the BMW M3 starts at $62,000
2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
The C63 AMG is the bruiser of the bunch, with its all-new 4.0-liter bi-turbo V-8. The engine comes in two outputs, but for argument’s sake we’ll stick with the lesser version, the one making 476 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The engine is backed by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Zero to 60 mph comes in 4.1 seconds with a very German-like 155 mph top speed.
Like the BMW, prices for the C63 AMG fall just north of the $60,000 mark.
Conclusion
Cadillac is poised to become a dominant player in the world’s sports sedan arena. The ATS-V and its two-door brother, the ATS-V Coupe seem well equipped to handle the best Germany has to offer. With its 0-to- 60 time of 3.9 seconds and a top-speed of 185 mph, the ATS-V Sedan is on par with one of GM’s other force-fed pure breeds: the Camaro ZL1.
Press Release
Cadillac today introduced the 2016 ATS-V, expanding the acclaimed ATS product range and elevating the brand’s elite high-performance V-Series to its next generation.
Available in sedan and coupe forms, the first-ever ATS-V will introduce class-leading twin-turbocharged power and a comprehensive suite of design and performance systems when production begins in spring 2015.
Since its inception in 2004, Cadillac’s V-Series has driven remarkable power and performance capability into the brand’s growing luxury car range. Building on the strengths of the award-winning ATS product line, the V-Series adds impressive track capability to what was already the lightest and most agile-driving car in the luxury compact class. The result is a dual-purpose luxury performer – a car with true track capability right from the factory that is also a sophisticated luxury car on the road.
“Cadillac’s V-Series is the best example of Cadillac’s emerging product substance – and the purest expression of the passion at the core of the brand,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President.
The ATS-V arrives next spring, powered by the first-ever twin-turbocharged engine in a V-Series. Rated at an estimated 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm), the engine is the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder and enables 0-60 performance in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 185 mph. It 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.
The Cadillac Twin Turbo engine supports comprehensively redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems developed to make the ATS-V one of the most agile, responsive and confident luxury performance cars on the market. Key performance technologies include:
- Brembo high-performance brake system developed to provide durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance 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
- Structural stiffness increased by 25 percent for higher cornering loads
- Driver-selectable driving modes for touring, sport and track
- Tri-compound tires offering excellent grip with extended tire wear
- Available downforce-generating track aerodynamics package
- Functional exterior design for powertrain and drivetrain cooling, as well as aerodynamic performance
- An interior with high-performance seats and ergonomics focused on the driver’s interfaces with key features for performance driving.
“As the smallest and lightest V-Series ever, the ATS-V forges a great connection with the driver, with exceptional nimbleness and responsiveness,” said David Leone, Cadillac Executive Chief Engineer. “It’s adaptable to the driver’s preferences, with every selectable mode developed to deliver the best performance for all types of driving scenarios, including the track.”
A Performance Data Recorder onboard the ATS-V allows drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track, enabling sharing on social media.
First twin-turbocharged V-Series
With a more powerful iteration of Cadillac’s Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6, the ATS-V represents the first twin-turbo powertrain in the history of the V-Series lineup. Exclusive features for the ATS-V version of the Twin Turbo are designed to make power faster and sustain it longer. Highlights include:
- Turbochargers with low-inertia titanium-aluminide turbines and vacuum-actuated wastegates for more responsive torque production
- Compressors matched for peak efficiency at peak power levels, for optimal track performance
- Patent-pending low-volume charge-cooling system that optimizes packaging efficiency and maximizes boost pressure
- Lightweight titanium connecting rods that reduce inertia of the rotating assembly, complementing the quick-spooling turbochargers.
The Cadillac Twin Turbo also features a high-performance lubrication system designed to maintain optimal oil pressure and ventilation during high-lateral driving maneuvers typically encountered on a track.
Stronger foundation and track-honed driving experience
The underlying ATS structure is highly mass optimized and designed to meet higher performance requirements, with enhancements to the V-Series developed to respond to cornering and torque loads that go significantly beyond the levels experienced by the non-V models.
The new elements include:
- Unique shock tower-to-plenum brace
- Strengthened rocker bulkhead
- Stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces
- A unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis
- V-braces for the engine compartment.
The result is 25-percent greater structural stiffness than non-V models, which contributes to more precise handling and more direct steering responsiveness.
“The ATS-V feels like it was machined from billet steel,” said Tony Roma, chief engineer. “Along with supporting the higher performance capability of the car, the enhanced structure conveys confidence to the driver through a greater feeling of solidity and sharper, more precise responsiveness.”
With the stronger body structure – and more than a decade of V-Series production models and the CTS-V racing program experience under their belts – engineers tuned the ATS-V to deliver greater body motion control for a more agile feel, while maintaining excellent ride quality.
“The result is class-leading capability on the highway or track, balanced with luxury and refinement,” said Roma. “In fact, the car is ready for the track right off the showroom floor, with no special modifications required.”
A key component of the car’s dual-purpose performance are Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires developed specifically for the ATS-V. They feature a tri-compound tread that delivers excellent grip in performance driving situations, but delivers excellent ride quality characteristics and extended tread wear.
Also, the V-Series models share the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as other ATS coupe and sedan models, but feature wider front and rear footprints that enhance grip, reduce body motion in turns and contribute to more direct-feeling steering.
Additional contributors to the ATS-V’s dual-mode driving experience include:
- A revised multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension delivers a quicker response and increased lateral control, incorporating new ride and handling links, where traditional elastomeric bushings are replaced with zero-compliance cross-axis ball joints, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar – for 50 percent greater roll stiffness
- The ZF Steering Systems Servotronic II variable-ratio electric power steering gear, with increased system stiffness offering an improved feeling of precision and greater driver feedback
- Cadillac’s five-link rear suspension features reduced roll center migration, stronger lateral control and effective anti-squat geometry, complementing the front suspension with greater body motion control. Contributing components include stiffer bushings, new cradle mounts, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar
- A standard electronic limited-slip differential supports optimal traction and enables maximum corner exit acceleration
- Larger prop shafts and greater half-shaft asymmetry (stiffer driver’s side shaft) mitigate power hop during acceleration
- A Brembo high-performance brake system provides durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance. The system includes 14.5-inch-diameter (370 mm) front rotors with staggered six-piston calipers and 13.3-inch-diamter (339 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers.
The ATS-V also features third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management. Five driver-selectable settings include the segment’s only competition-level settings for stability and traction control.
Magnetic Ride Control “reads” the road a thousand times per second, sending data to magneto-rheological fluid-filled dampers that can independently control the damping characteristics of all four dampers. Third-generation improvements enable 40-percent faster damping response. In fact, at 60 mph, the third-generation magnetic ride control system calculates the optimal damping force for every inch of the road.
Functional design
Almost every exterior panel on the ATS-V is unique, from the fascias and fenders, to the hood, rear spoiler and rocker moldings – and every one was designed to support the car’s capability.
“All of the design elements have a purpose,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Cadillac Global Design. “They contribute to lift reduction, enhanced cooling, reduced mass or all of the above.”
The unique elements include:
- A lightweight carbon fiber hood features an air-extracting vent that not only pulls hot air out of the engine compartment, but helps reduce lift at speed by channeling air pulled through the radiator out and over the top of car rather than allowing trapped air to exit under the car
- Unique front and rear fascias provide optimal aero performance, with larger grille openings in the front fascia to feed more air to the new twin-turbocharged engine. Even the mesh pattern of the signature grille openings is enlarged to allow more air into the radiator and multiple heat exchangers
- A front splitter enhances handling by forcing air to push down on the front of the car rather than flow under it, where it can cause lift
- Wider fenders to accommodate 18 x 9-inch front wheels and 18 x 9.5-inch rear wheels that are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
- The aluminum wheels, unique to the V-Series, are constructed of a low-mass forging that helps reduce un-sprung weight for greater agility and a more direct feel to steering inputs
- The rocker moldings and rear spoiler are aero-optimized.
Available Carbon Fiber and Track packages take aero performance and mass optimization to higher levels. The Carbon Fiber package includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim and rear diffuser, along with composite rocker extensions and a taller, body-color rear spoiler. The Track package includes the components of the Carbon Fiber package, plus the Performance Data Recorder and a low-mass battery. It also deletes the standard floor mats and tire inflator kit to save weight.
“V-Series is the emotive core of the Cadillac brand and the apex of the Art and Science design philosophy,” said Smith. “A car offering a bold sense of arrival, serious performance, seamless integration of technology, and precision craftsmanship. The exposed carbon fiber components, for example, are book-matched on the centerline for a more precise, tailored appearance.”
Also, the lightweight forged aluminum wheels and brake calipers are offered in three finishes, allowing owners to personalize the presence of the ATS-V.
Performance-focused cabin
The aura of track-inspired precision carries over to the interior, where the design and relationship of key components are aimed squarely at performance-driving ergonomics.
“With the performance the new ATS-V is capable of delivering, the interior needs to be as functional as the other vehicles systems,” said Smith. “All of the contact points – the steering wheel, seats, shifter and pedals – are designed to make performance driving experiences direct and intuitive.”
New, available 16-way-adjustable RECARO performance front seats are the lynchpins for the driving experience, with aggressive, adjustable bolsters that help hold the driver and front passenger in place during high-load cornering. They’ve also got a luxury-performance feel, trimmed in Mulan leather with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks.
The rest of the interior features Cadillac’s handcrafted cut-and-sew elements, with decorative stitching and authentic materials, including carbon fiber. Three interior color combinations are offered: Jet Black, Jet Black with Saffron accents and Light Platinum with Jet Black accents.
The ATS-V also features a unique version of the 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts. It is also equipped with the latest connectivity technologies from Cadillac, including:
- CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition
- Text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers
- USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
- OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Performance Data Recorder is controlled via CUE’s color touch screen and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked.
