Luxury Superstar 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Has BMW Worried — And It Should Be
One thing’s for sure, the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V has BMW a little concerned. When it entered the sports sedan class, Cadillac knew comparisons to BMW’s M3 and 4 were a given, and with the entrance of the 2016 ATS-V, it’s pretty much all anyone can talk about.
America versus Germany debate aside, what makes this ATS-V so special? For a 3.6 liter twin-turbocharged V6, the Cadillac is more robust and race-ready than the M3, for starters. The ATS-V’s 464 horse-power engine is 40 more than the M3, and it does the zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds, according to Motor Authority.
Not quite the 3.7 seconds of the Dodge Charger Hellcat, which was reviewed in the Inquisitr last week, but this is a different class, after all. Still, the carnivorous V6 engine of the ATS-V cranks out power just like a V8, with the track times to show for it.
With speeds up to 189 miles per hour, the lightweight carbon fiber front splitter, hood vent, and rear diffuser reduce mass and increase aerodynamics for a powerful yet smooth experience on the track. Compared to the M3, the Cadillac’s power, handling, and driver feedback are slightly more spot-on.
“As the smallest and lightest V-Series ever, the ATS-V forges a great connection with the driver, with exceptional nimbleness and responsiveness. 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,” said Cadillac Executive Chief Engineer David Leone.
The all-new 2016 ATS-V is ergonomically designed to enhance driver comfort and control #ATS #VSERIES pic.twitter.com/vdbZs7xnr0
— Cadillac (@Cadillac) April 15, 2015
The ATS-V is fine-tuned to meet luxury and performance perfectly, perhaps better than anything Europe has to offer. The abundant acceleration and power delivery are combined with a top of the line interior that matches the M3.
If Cadillac was aiming for a vehicle that’s race-ready, but that also can be driven comfortably every day, it’s hit a win with the rear-wheel drive 2016 ATS-V. With the vehicle’s accessible but not necessary track-ready features, the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V delivers a balanced performance. And no worries: It comes with the Performance Data and Video Recorder, similar to the one in the Corvette, so you can video your drive in high-definition.
This animal goes from work to play seamlessly, as capable on hairpin turns as it is on the straight. Use the Cadillac’s Wet mode to gain more traction in sloppy weather, or fishtail to your heart’s content.
The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V is priced right in line with its European counterparts; $61,460 gets you into the driver’s seat of the sedan, and the coupe starts at $63,660.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOCqXGyESro
