2016 Cadillac ATS-V brandishes 450 horses and 6-speed manual

Tue, 11 Nov 2014

Details about the hotly anticipated 2016 Cadillac ATS-V are tumbling out, and they look to be everything we could ask for in a high-performance Caddy coupe.

According to Road & Track, the ATS-V will use a version of the twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 from the CTS Vsport, but the wick will be turned up to 450 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. In glorious news for driving enthusiasts everywhere, that potent mill will be available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.

According to R&T, the engine has a heap of high-performance tech to let it make the extra ponies, including titanium connecting rods, two water-to-air intercoolers, titanium turbines for the turbos and an additional radiator dedicated to cooling the gearbox and electronically locking differential. Keeping it all planted are a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and a suspension with 50 percent more roll stiffness.

The exterior looks practically identical to an uncamouflaged tester that was recently spied. However, these leaked official Cadillac studio shots certainly lend a much meaner look, with a black mesh grille at the front and the heat extractor in the hood offset with some black trim. If the stock ATS-V look isn't enough for you, Cadillac will reportedly offer an optional package to add a different front, splitter, side skirts and rear spoiler to produce extra downforce at speed.

With 450 hp on tap and a weight of around 3,600 pounds, the ATS-V looks to have the 425-hp BMW M3/M4 siblings directly in its sights. However, the Caddy is a bit off the 469 hp or 503 hp offered by the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63, but the numbers are close, and weight, gearing and traction will all be big factors in figuring out which is quickest around a track.

We can't wait to get a good look at this luxury rocket ship when it debuts at next week's LA Auto Show.

By Chris Bruce