The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan revealed at the L.A. Auto Show on Nov. 18, 2014.Matt Hacking
What are they
2016 Cadillac ATS-V coupe and sedan: High-performance versions of Cadillac's smallest sedan and coupe, the ATS-V duo are the latest vehicles to take aim at the BMW M3/M4.
Signature feature
The "V" badge: This division of Cadillac has been producing mad-yet-brilliant machinery from the moment they shoehorned a Corvette Z06 V-8 into the original CTS-V in 2004.
What else is new
A standard 6-speed manual transmission with trick features including no-lift shifting, rev matching on downshifts and launch control. A 25 per cent stiffer chassis than the base ATS. A braking system from Brembo. Something called "competition-level" driver-selectable settings for the stability and traction control systems. An onboard HD video recorder to capture all the shenanigans for posterity.
Under the hood
A twin-turbocharged 3.6L V-6 engine that cranks out an estimated 455 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque, figures that make this the "segment's highest-output six-cylinder," according to Cadillac. The manufacturer also claims that the ATS-V will sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, so let's call the estimated 0-100 km/h-time 4.2 or 4.3 seconds. Estimated top speed: a single digit short of the mythical 300-km/h mark. This is the fastest Cadillac ever.
When can we buy it, and for how much
The GM production line starts hammering out the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan in March 2015, so expect to see a presence in the showrooms by next summer. Pricing has yet to be announced for either version – Cadillac may attempt to undercut BMW (the M3 rings in at $74,000, the M4 starts at $75,000) or go after them in a straight fight.
Cool quotient: 4/5
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