The Cadillac ATS-V is a weekend weapon of mass attraction and a thoroughly accommodating daily driver — a sprint car for the daily commute.
This fat-fendered fist of fun originates from the compact-class ATS sedan or coupe — and then pushes limits, which I tested on many laps of the Circuit of the Americas during a media drive.
The hyphenated V to the ATS pushes this twin-turbocharged V-6 into an exalted realm of factory muscle cars. It gets its punch from the 464-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6. It is a sophisticated mill with direct-injection and an eager 445 foot-pounds of torque that pull easily at launch, and peaks in the useful driving range of 3,500 rpm. There is no turbo lag.
The performance and design upgrades are trickle down from Corvette racing and bolster a no-questions sport sedan. It gets high-capacity elements for survival in the extreme. Every aperture in the hood and front quarter is about cooling: the engine, turbo, oil and brakes. There is a more aggressive front splitter, taller rear spoiler and various spats and deflectors to manage airflow — enabling a top speed of 189 mph and 0-60 mph in about 3.9 seconds, according to Cadillac.
The magnetic ride control suspension is almost magic in how it reads road conditions and responds with compliance and adhesion. Around town, the ATS-V navigates broken roads, steep driveways and speed barriers with gentle finesse. Handling under pressure is flat, and so is four-wheel-disc braking from beefy Brembos.
The standard transmission is a Tremec six-speed manual with rev-matching downshifts and a no-lift shift mode for straight-line gear stabbing. But the eight-speed automatic is also no-lift shift that was first engineered for the Corvette Z06. It can seem pedestrian around town, but it comes alive on the track, helping drivers carry more speed on the straight and farther into the turn. There are modes of Touring, Sport, Race and Snow. Touring is quite sharp and satisfying, but just punch it up for Race and run with it. The pipes open and this V-6 replies with a true racecar chat, without sounding canned.
It's about power, no matter the number of cylinders. This V-6 is sophisticated and lethal: direct-injection, twin-turbocharging with no perceptible catch-up of power at any rpm, and no gauzy vagueness to pedal, which is common now on so many electric throttles. Hit the gas and there is no hesitation with little mpg punishment for such pleasure. Fuel economy is acceptable for a sport sedan16 mpg around town, 24 on the highway and 19 mpg combined.
The electric power-assisted steering isn't as tactile as that of a BMW M3 or the Mercedes-AMG C63, but it's a close and satisfying second. The turning circle of 38.3 is a bit wide, (compared to a BMW or M-B) but not restrictive in tight quarters.
But be mindful of that stylish and protruding carbon-fiber front splitter. It takes just a tap to leave a rash mark on this unforgiving material. Sorry, Cadillac. Owners will learn quickly to leave plenty of room up front when parking, and always to take a wide angle at driveways or crossing lumpy intersections.
Coupe (four-seat) and sedan (five seats) are about the same length, but the coupe is .07 inch longer at 184.7. Sightlines are good over the shoulder (in the sedan, at least) but the compactness of the driver area has some issues to make it all fit. The CUE — Cadillac User Experience — touch-sensitive controls take eyes from the road to find, and then tap-tap-tap the desired area for adjustment, whether temp, audio volume, etc. I used the steering wheel controls as often as possible.
Back seat space is also compact. There are a scant 33.5 inches of legroom and a tall and wide driveshaft tunnel, rendering this space more appropriate for those at the window seats. The trunk space is compact at 10.4 cubic feet, but plenty for a couples' getaway.
Sedan pricing starts at a reasonable $61,460, including the $995 freight charge from Lansing, Michigan. The coupe starts at $63,660. My Crystal White tester added up to $75,835 to $14,375 in tempting extras. Among them, the Track package, $6,195, includes low mass battery, carbon fiber front splitter, air extractor, rear diffuser, composite (noncarbon) black rocker extensions and body-color rear spoiler. Recaro seats added $2,300 — and they are reasonably bolstered for daily use. The eight-speed automatic with magnesium paddle shifters is $2,000.
As a luxury sport sedan, these are suitable for the spouse who has children to drop off and pick up at school. The coupe is the sex jet with head-turning curb appeal. But the sedan's smaller doors are easy to live with, particularly in tight parking situations.
2016 Cadillac ATS-V
—Body style: compact, 5-passenger, rear-wheel-drive sedan
—Engine: 464-horsepower, 3.6-liter, twin turbo, direct-injection V-6; 445 foot-pounds torque at 3,500 rpm
—Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters and Sport and Track modes and launch control
—Fuel economy: 16/24-mpg city/highway; premium
—Fuel tank: 16 gallons
—Trunk space: 10.4 cubic feet
—Front head/leg/shoulder room: 37.6/42.3/54.1 inches
—Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 35.1/33.5/51.1 inches
—Length/wheelbase: 184/109.3 inches
—Curb weight: 3,700 pounds
—Turning circle: 38.3 feet
—Standard equipment includes: smart entry and push-button ignition, rearview camera, handcrafted cut-and-sewn interior, 18-way power adjusted front performance seats, carbon fiber trim and suede microfiber accents, Bose audio with active noise cancellation, Bluetooth phone and audio connections, Cadillac Cue info and media center with 8-inch display, 5.7-inch driver info center, park assist front and rear, power (heated) side mirrors, halogen headlights with flash to pass, tire sealant and inflator kit, 6 air bags
—V-equipment includes: heavy-duty cooling, competition traction and stability controls, magnetic ride suspension, electronic limited slip differential, Brembo disc brakes (6-piston front, 4-piston rear), 18-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires, carbon fiber hood with air extractor, V-series grille, 4G LTE hot spot,
—Base price: $61,460, including $995 freight charge; price as tested $75,835
—Options on test vehicle: Track performance package, $6,195, includes low mass battery, tire-sealant delete, carbon fiber front splitter, air extractor, rear diffuser, composite (non-carbon) black rocker extensions, body-color rear spoiler; Recaro seats, $2,300; 8-speed automatic $2,000, include remote start and magnesium paddle shifters; Cadillac User Experience infotainment and navigation, $1,085, includes 110-volt power outlet and Bose surround audio; Crystal White tricoat $995; 18-inch polished wheels $900; dark gold Brembo calipers $595; Protection package, $305, includes floor mats front and rear, tow hook and tire-sealant and inflator kit
—Where assembled: Lansing, Michigan
—Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper; 6-years/70,000-miles powertrain with free scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance with courtesy transportation
Mark Maynard is online at [email protected]. Find photo galleries and more news at Facebook.com/MaynardsGarage. To find out more about Mark Maynard and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
The hyphenated V to the ATS pushes this twin-turbocharged V-6 into an exalted realm of factory muscle cars.
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