Cadillac announces ATS-V coupe and sedan

Published 12:00 am Thursday, November 20, 2014

Cadillac chose the Los Angeles International Auto Show as the venue to introduce their latest rocket ships for the street. The ATS-V coupe and sedan tout 455-horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder. According to Cadillac, the horsepower and 445 ft-lbs. of torque will produce to a 3.9-second 0-60 sprint.

It was Johan de Nysschen’s auto show debut as the president of the brand. “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,” he says. The ATS-V is expected at dealers in the Spring of 2015.

It’s not all about the engine. All of the ATS-V’s systems have been upgraded to handle the power with the handling prowess and confidence that’s expected from a V-Series car. Massive Brembo brakes have been added up front, and the company’s latest iteration of magnetic ride control will be included. Magnetic ride control electronically adjusts the shocks for maximum performance when needed, and a Cadillac-quality ride when cruising.

Two gearboxes will be available including a 6-speed manual with active rev matching and an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters and high-performance shift logic. Tires are Michelin Pilot Super Sportsdesigned with just the ATS-V in mind.

The ATS-V is Cadillac’s lightest V-series car ever. It’s designed to compete with some of the most revered performance cars available in the market, including the BMW M3 and the Audi S4.