General Motors has always been known to underrate the horsepower of their vehicles; whether you’re referring to the big-block LS-6 Chevelle of 1970, the Camaro SS of 2002 or the C7 Z06 of today, it just comes with the territory. Apparently, the 2016 ATS-V is no different.
When we first started hearing murmurs about a possible V-series version of the ATS almost three years ago, our familiarities with GM’s thought process led us to believe that the car would either have a 450 hp TT V6 or the then-upcoming, unannounced replacement V8 for the LS3; the LT1.
Our colleagues at the time didn’t think it would ever happen, claiming it was just wishful thinking based on Internet rumors. We knew better, citing that GM would be foolish not to create a direct competitor for the M3 and AMG E-class, since the second-gen CTS-V had moved up in size, power, class and weight from its previous generation. In hindsight, we were right.
Recently, we’ve announced on behalf of Cadillac that the ATS-V was good for 455 hp. Although it’s an amount that would sound good in a brochure, the real number is actually higher than the outgoing Camaro SS, brand new 2015 Mustang GT and even the Z51 C7!
The LF4 twin-turbo V6, is in fact, putting out a reported output of 464 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque to the crank. As a result of this, the performance numbers have changes as well. Our initial announced proclaimed a 0-60 sprint of 3.9 seconds, is now 3.8 seconds. The top speed also received a bump – from 185 to 189 mph. In addition, Cadillac has recently made it clear that there will be two gearbox choices; the 8-speed, paddle-shifted 8-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual, that they say both will be offered in the coupe and sedan version.
Like all V-series Caddys that have come before it, the ATS-V has been developed at the Nurburgring and is also equipped with a Performance Data Recorder that was supposedly co-developed in conjunction with Cosworth.
The popularity of the car, as well as how much the aftermarket will support them, remains to be seen, but we’ll be keeping a close eye on the aftermarket for these cars as time progresses.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
