Cadillac ATS-V intensifies passion and boosts performance

Since its market launch in 2004, Cadillac’s V-Series has driven remarkable power and performance capability into the brand’s growing premium car range. Building on the strengths of the award-winning ATS model line, the V-Series adds impressive track capability to what was already one of the lightest and most agile-driving cars in the premium midsize class. The result is a dual-purpose premium performer – a car with true track capability right from the factory that is also a sophisticated premium car on the road. The ATS-V is powered by the first-ever twin-turbocharged engine in a V-Series. Rated at 470 horsepower (346 kW) and 603 Nm of torque, the engine is one of the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder, enabling 0-100 km/h performance in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 304 km/h. It is backed by a paddle-shift 8-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift. The Cadillac Twin Turbo engine supports comprehensively redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems developed to make the ATS-V one of the most agile, responsive and confident premium performance cars on the market. Key performance technologies include:

• A Brembo high-performance brake system providing durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance straight from the factory

• Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, which delivers 40 percent faster damping response

• Integrated chassis controls that provide balanced performance for touring and the track, including class-exclusive Performance Traction Management

• Structural stiffness increased by 25 percent for higher cornering loads

• Driver-selectable driving modes for touring, sport and track

• Tri-compound tires offering excellent grip with extended tire wear

• Available downforce-generating track aerodynamics package

• Functional exterior design for powertrain and drivetrain cooling, as well as aerodynamic performance

• An interior with high-performance seats and ergonomics focused on the driver’s interfaces with key features for performance driving.

An optional Performance Data Recorder (subject to country-specific availability) onboard the ATS-V allows drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track, enabling sharing on social media.

The new Cadillac ATS-V is the first twin-turbocharged V-Series model

With a more powerful iteration of Cadillac’s Twin Turbo 3.6 L V-6, the ATS-V represents the first twin-turbo powertrain in the history of the V-Series lineup. Exclusive features for the ATS-V version of the Twin Turbo are designed to make power available faster and sustain it longer. Highlights include:

• Turbochargers with low-inertia titanium-aluminide turbines and vacuum-actuated wastegates for more responsive torque production

• Compressors matched for peak efficiency at peak power levels, for optimal track performance

• Patent-pending low-volume charge-cooling system that optimizes packaging efficiency and maximizes boost pressure

• Lightweight titanium connecting rods that reduce inertia of the rotating assembly, complementing the quick-spooling turbochargers.

The Cadillac Twin Turbo also features a high-performance lubrication system designed to maintain optimal oil pressure and ventilation during high-lateral driving maneuvers typically encountered on a track.

The underlying ATS structure for the new ATS-V is highly mass optimized and designed to meet higher performance requirements, with enhancements to the V-Series developed to respond to cornering and torque loads that go significantly beyond the levels experienced by the non-V models. Elements of the ATS-V include:

• Unique shock tower-to-plenum brace

• Strengthened rocker bulkhead

• Stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces

• A unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis

• V-braces for the engine compartment.

The result is 25-percent greater structural stiffness than non-V models, which contributes to more precise handling and more direct steering responsiveness. With the stronger body structure – and more than a decade of V-Series production models and the CTS-V racing program experience under their belts – engineers tuned the ATS-V to deliver greater body motion control for a more agile feel, while maintaining excellent ride quality. A key component of the car’s dual-purpose performance is Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires developed specifically for the ATS-V. They feature a tri-compound tread that delivers excellent grip in performance driving situations, as well as excellent ride quality characteristics and extended tread wear. Also, the V-Series models share the same 2,775 mm wheelbase as other ATS coupe and sedan models, but feature wider front and rear footprints that enhance grip, reduce body motion in turns and contribute to more direct-feeling steering. Additional contributors to the ATS-V’s dual-mode driving experience include:

• A revised multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension delivers a quicker response and increased lateral control, incorporating new ride and handling links, where traditional elastomeric bushings are replaced with zero-compliance cross-axis ball joints, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar – for 50 percent greater roll stiffness

• The ZF Steering Systems Servotronic II variable-ratio electric power steering gear, with increased system stiffness offering an improved feeling of precision and greater driver feedback

• Cadillac’s five-link rear suspension features reduced roll center migration, stronger lateral control and effective anti-squat geometry, complementing the front suspension with greater body motion control. Contributing components include stiffer bushings, new cradle mounts, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar

• A standard electronic limited-slip differential supports optimal traction and enables maximum corner exit acceleration

• Larger prop shafts and greater half-shaft asymmetry (stiffer driver’s side shaft) mitigate power hop during acceleration

• A Brembo high-performance brake system provides durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance. The system includes 370 mm front rotors with staggered six-piston calipers and 339 mm rear rotors with four-piston calipers.

The ATS-V also features third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management. Five driver-selectable settings include the segment’s only competition-level settings for stability and traction control. Magnetic Ride Control “reads” the road a thousand times per second, sending data to magneto-rheological fluid-filled dampers that can independently control the damping characteristics of all four dampers. Third-generation improvements enable 40-percent faster damping response. In fact, at 50 km/h, the third-generation magnetic ride control system calculates the optimal damping force for every centimeter of the road.

Almost every exterior panel on the ATS-V is unique, from the fascias and fenders, to the hood, rear spoiler and rocker moldings – and every one was designed to support the car’s capability. The unique elements include:

• A lightweight carbon fiber hood features an air-extracting vent that not only pulls hot air out of the engine compartment, but helps reduce lift at speed by channeling air pulled through the radiator out and over the top of the car rather than allowing trapped air to exit under the car

• Unique front and rear fascias provide optimal aero performance, with larger grille openings in the front fascia to feed more air to the new twin-turbocharged engine. Even the mesh pattern of the signature grille openings is enlarged to allow more air into the radiator and multiple heat exchangers

• A front splitter enhances handling by forcing air to push down on the front of the car rather than flow under it, where it can cause lift

• Wider fenders to accommodate 18 x 9-inch front wheels and 18 x 9.5-inch rear wheels that are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires

• The aluminum wheels, unique to the V-Series, are constructed of a low-mass forging that helps reduce un-sprung weight for greater agility and a more direct feel to steering inputs

• The rocker moldings and rear spoiler are aero-optimized.

Available Carbon Fiber and Track packages take aero performance and mass optimization to higher levels. The Carbon Fiber package includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim and rear diffuser, along with composite rocker extensions and a taller, body-color rear spoiler. The Track package includes the components of the Carbon Fiber package, plus the Performance Data Recorder and a low-mass battery.

The aura of track-inspired precision carries over to the interior, where the design and relationship of key components are aimed squarely at performance-driving ergonomics. New, available 16-way-adjustable Recaro performance front seats are the lynchpins for the driving experience, with aggressive, adjustable bolsters that help hold the driver and front passenger in place during high-load cornering. They’ve also got a luxury-performance feel, trimmed in Mulan leather with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks. The rest of the interior features Cadillac’s handcrafted cut-and-sew elements, with attractive stitching and authentic materials, including carbon fiber. Three interior color combinations are offered: Jet Black, Jet Black with Saffron accents and Light Platinum with Jet Black accents. The ATS-V also features a unique version of the 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts. It is also equipped with the latest connectivity technologies from Cadillac, including:

• Cadilac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and natural voice recognition

• Apple CarPlay enabling drivers using iPhones to make phone calls, receive messages or listen to music via the touch screen or Siri Eyes Free voice control

• Text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers

• USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports

The optional Performance Data Recorder is controlled via CUE’s color touch screen and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked.