A week ahead of its formal debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, we’re finally getting a look at some official images of the all-new Cadillac ATS-V coupe.
And in line with an earlier report from TheDetroitBureau.com, it appears that the new pocket rocket will be churning out a blistering 450 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque from an upgraded version of the 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 currently offered in the Cadillac CTS V-Sport model.
That will put it slightly ahead of the new BMW M3/M4 models in the horsepower wars, but just slightly under the new Mercedes-AMG C63.
Cadillac is hoping that the new ATS-V will put a much-needed halo around the brand. General Motors’ flagship division has won plenty of praise for its compact line but sales, so far, have lagged expectations.
According to a report in Road & Track, the new ATS-V coupe – and a sedan version to follow – will upgrade the twin-turbo V-6 with such useful features as titanium connecting rods, two water-to-air intercoolers, a separate radiator to cool the gearbox, an electronically locking rear differential, and titanium turbine blades to handle the higher boost and RPMs the turbochargers will face.
The ATS-V will direct torque to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.
The suspension will be significantly tauter, and the ATS-V will ride on customized Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
(Click Here to check out the three new models Porsche plans to reveal at this year’s LA Auto Show.)
Visually, the new ATS-V will get a more aggressive black mesh grille, heat extractors on the hood, and other features meant to keep it firmly planted. R&T says there’ll be a number of optional features – in line with the German approach to performance – including a modified front splitter, rear spoiler and side skirts.
Caddy hasn’t revealed specific details about the interior but the image here suggests the ATS-V adopts some distinctive sport seats and more upscale materials, possibly including Alcantara, as well as plenty of leather. Expect some unique digital display details to let a driver know just how well the V-Series sedan is performing.
At around 3,600 pounds, the new ATS-V will have a modest power-to-weight advantage over the 3,540-pound M3, at 425-hp. But Mercedes will give it a challenge, at least from a raw numbers perspective, with the 469- and 503-hp versions of the AMG C63 it has coming.
(Ford brings back the legendary Mustang King Cobra. For a closer look, Click Here.)
Cadillac’s V-Series helped put a halo around the original CTS sedan – with a new V- model expected to follow early next year based on the latest, and larger 2015 CTS. It reportedly will maintain the classic V-8 formula that has been used on all other V-Series models until now.
New Cadillac chief Johan de Nysschen is betting that performance will help the Detroit brand much as it has done for BMW with the M line, and for Mercedes-Benz with its AMG models. They don’t necessarily generate significant sales volumes but, rather, draw potential customers into the showrooms for other models in the line-up.
(Click Herefor our review of the new BMW M3 and M4 siblings.)
