The Return of V - 2016 Cadillac ATS-V

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe

In a previous post, you were introduced to Cadillac's new assault on the compact luxury sedan market, the ATS. Since its introduction, the well designed and engineered sedan I drove has spawned a coupe version that, while lacking the visual prowess of the outgoing CTS Coupe, still packed the performance and luxury that sees Cadillac meeting the German competition head-on.

And they're not done yet.


Feast your eyes on the 2016 ATS-V, the instrument with which Cadillac aims to give the BMW M3/M4 and Mercedes C63 AMG a bloody nose. While the standard ATS sedan and coupe are excellent purveyors of the refined 'Art & Science' design theme, the V treatment has given the cars an aggressive streak without being garish. Sure they're designed to be stealthy but next to their tamer kin, the V variants won't go unnoticed. Elements like a deep front splitter, heat-extracting hood vent, larger cooling brake ducts, quad tailpipes and a duck-tail spoiler along with larger 18" wheels (more on this) aim to up the ATS-V's visuals and work particularly well on the coupe (long lambasted for being too tame next to the outgoing CTS coupe's dynamic persona).

Of course, the ATS-V isn't all show and no go. Every opening and orifice on the front end is functional with tasks of either aiding downforce or cooling the uprated and tuned version of the 3.6L LF4 twin-turbo V6. Producing an estimated 450hp and 455lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, this motor features such exotic elements like titanium connecting rods, new titanium turbos, higher flow fuel injectors and wet sump oil system that has been tested at withstanding up to 2 gs of lateral acceleration. A high flow, quad exhaust system announces the motor's presence (annoyingly with prerecorded sounds played back the sound system). The driver will have a choice of either a traditional six speed manual (hooray!) or GM's new eight speed automatic (same as in the new Corvette) to shuttle power to the rear end, which itself comes with an electronic limited slip differential to help put down the blown six's massive power.. The automatic boasts settings that vary response and shift times, which GM says were benchmarked against Porsche's PDK dual clutch transmission. Interestingly, shift times are boasted at being quicker than the Porsche unit while being able to slur through gears like, well, a proper Cadillac. The six speed manual will feature GM's 'no-lift shift' algorithm and automatic rev-matching for those of us that talk the talk (for the rest of us, the feature can be switched off).

The ATS' Alpha chassis has been thoroughly altered for V duty, boasting additional rigidity through a stiffened front structure (a hollow aluminum plate that stiffens the engine cradle while also serving as an aerodynamic underbelly tray). A 50 percent stiffer suspension setup at all four corners enhances roll stiffness while third-generation Magnetic Ride Control dampers feature faster reaction times (now altering damping every inch of road travel versus three inches before) while being 40 percent stiffer than before. Of course, road damping can be dialed back for a cushier experience but even at its softest setting, the ride will still be "performance oriented". On both the ATS-V coupe and sedan, the front tracks are slightly wider than their tamer brethren while the rears are slightly narrower, enhancing turn in and rotation through corners. Wider 18" Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires sized 255/35R18 front and 275/35R18 rear are mounted on lightweight forged wheels to decrease unsprung weight at all four corners. Expecting bigger 19" or 20" wheel options? Don't as Cadillac felt altering the suspension balance for heavier wheels would compromise the platform's excellent dynamics. 

Tasked with halting all that power are giant steel 14.6", six piston front brakes augmented by 13.3", four piston rear units. Will fancy, shmancy carbon ceramic brakes be optional? According to Cadillac chief engineer Dave Leone, the standard brake setup works so well, that carbon ceramics were deemed as an unnecessary expense. That said, customers shouldn't expect a dedicated track package as Leone says, the ATS-V is THE track package. To further back up this claim, the exterior visuals have been beefed up in a functional, non-garish way. To cool the blown motor, the grille area has increased by 50 percent with extractors and gills allowing hot air to escape the engine bay. A convincing hood bulge with heat extractor helps to give the LF4 clearance while a deep front splitter, brake cooing ducts, side sill extensions and rear diffuser give the ATS-V presence. An optional Track Pack will be available that adds additional downforce via a deeper front splitter and larger rear spoiler, along with extensions forward of the front wheel wells and deeper side rocker panels.

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan

Inside, Recaro sport front seats will be standard as well as real carbon fiber and suede trim. The Corvette's Performance Data Recorder will also be available so you can record your Lewis Hamilton-antics. It works by using a small, forward mounted camera and records video and in-car audio to glovebox-mounted SD card. It also records parameters like throttle and steering inputs as well as braking points and lateral acceleration. Unfortunately, Cadillac'c CUE user interface system will also be standard. If you read my earlier ATS entry, you'll understand that the less said about that infuriating system, the better. 

Pricing hasn't been set as of this writing, but expect the ATS-V to go on sale in late spring of 2015 with a price that competes with the German establishment. With the ATS serving as an excellent base and competing well with the regular  BMW 3/4 Series, the V variant looks set to be the perfect M3/M4 killer. All hail the Star Spangled Banner!


Images courtesy of Cadillac.

First Impressions - 2014 Cadillac ATS Coupe

Back in 2008, Cadillac surprised the world with the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept at the Detroit Auto Show. It was such a visual stunner and hit with attendees that Cadillac quickly pushed it into production virtually unchanged. This concept showed the depth of General Motors' design studio and the willingness to push the Art & Science language to the extreme. Now that the CTS has climbed one level higher to compete with 5 Series/E Class crowd and no plans to do a two-door version (yet), the ATS has assumed the role of 3 Series/C Class fighter. With multiple versions of those cars littering the road, it was a given that the ATS would diversify its model range to compete right? Most definitely. After the sedan comes the coupe and while the sedan strikes a clean yet attractive design, any expectations of a stylish coupe along the lines of the previous CTS two-door were summarily shot down when the covers were finally pulled off this year.

You really can't be mad at the ATS Coupe's lines but maybe you're thinking, "that's it?" I mean yes, it is clearly an ATS derivative but coupes are supposed to be far more fetching than their four door brethren. Like the younger, hotter, more outgoing sister to the practical, glasses-wearing but still attractive older sibling. One need look no further than the Audi S4/S5 duo or even the BMW 3/4 Series for comparison. In any event, few pieces of sheet metal are shared between the sedan and coupe. In designing the two door, Cadillac widened both front and rear tracks while snapping on slightly puffed out fenders. The face is ever so slightly more aggressive and the grille now sports the new Cadillac crest, minus the wreath (which debuted on the Elmiraj Concept). While attractive as a whole, the ATS Coupe doesn't have the WOW factor that blew everyone away like the old CTS coupe did. Cadillac's playing it safe with this one folks.

Despite the ATS being a year old, Cadillac has done a little tweaking under the hood. For the coupe, engine choices begin with the 2.0L turbocharged inline 4 cylinder (skipping the 2.5L inline 'bore' four) with 272hp and torque boosted from 260lb-ft to 295, all of it available from 3000rpm. With a curb weight just over 3400lbs, Cadillac is estimating the 0-60mph run taking 5.6 seconds when equipped with the standard six speed automatic. A six speed manual is optional but you wont find it hitched to the big 321hp, 3.6L V6 as it comes only with the automatic. All wheel drive will be available with both engines. The ATS has demonstrated to be quite the handler (see my first test here) and the Coupe will only enhance this dynamic trait. The suspension is basically the same as the sedan (MacPherson struts up front and a five-link, independent setup at the rear) but features lighter materials and a slightly stiffer chassis. A sportier FE3 suspension is also available which includes Cadillac's magnificent Magnetic Ride Control, 18 inch wheels shod with summer tires and a limited slip differential. Watch out BMW...

Inside, the ATS continues to impress with the same elegant layout as the sedan: leather everywhere with either aluminum, wood or carbon fiber accents sprinkled liberally. The CUE infotainment system is also present and accounted for (except on Base models) and comes with new features such as text-to-voice for messaging, a built-in WiFi hotspot that can connect up to seven devices and Siri Eyes Free capability for those with iPhones. Driver safety features also abound: lane-keep assist, collision avoidance which, with the aid of radar and ultrasonic sensors can automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to, blind-zone alert and an optional heads-up display. Pricing hasn't been announced but expect the Base ATS Coupe to start slightly higher than the $36,020 MSRP of the Turbo sedan.

With the just-on-sale BMW 4 Series already racking up sales and a new Mercedes C-Class Coupe expected to debut shortly, it seems the Cadillac ATS Coupe will have its work cut out for it. Sure it's not the looker that is the old CTS Coupe, but with its sedan counterpart already kicking German tail, the ATS Coupe has quite the chance to upstage the pecking order.

Images courtesy of The Cool List

First Impressions - 2015 Cadillac Escalade

It's been over 10 years since Lil Wayne first coined the term 'Bling Bling' and the related song has been a hit ever since. So much so that many dictionaries now officially recognize the word, defining it as 'flashy, ostentatious, especially relating to jewellery'. OK so maybe Weezy didn't officially invent the word but he made the term popular in hip hop circles, even extending the term to refer to automobiles.

Consider the Cadillac Escalade the automotive definition of bling-bling.

Since its introduction, the Escalade has ruled the roost as far as being the primary vehicle for rap moguls and reality stars. Dripping with chrome and personality, the Escalade is a worthy contemporary to tell the world you've made it in ostentatious and excessive style when a Range Rover just won't cut it. To keep the Escalade at the top of its game, Cadillac has redesigned its moneymaker and instead of messing with success, GM's luxury arm sought to address shortcomings of the GMT900 model and further distance it from its YukoTahBurban siblings.

Based on the brand new GMT K2XX platform that also forms the foundations for the new Silverado/Sierra trucks, the new Escalade still sports the same bold, in-your-face styling but takes visual cues from its smaller ATS/CTS/XTS stablemates. Headlights are now all-LED fixtures and the enclosures flow into the front-fenders a-la` ATS, while the massive grille and lower openings are reminiscent of the new CTS. The doors are inset into the body, a feature first introduced on the Silverado/Sierra trucks, that in concert with a Bose Active Noise cancelling system will quell wind noise. The lines along the sides are tauter and at the rear, the tail lights extend vertically up the length of the tailgate, from the bumper to the top in all-LED fashion. Want more bling? In addition to other exterior LED cues, the wreath and crest logo will even glow in the dark(!) Yup, no mistaking this for anything but an Escalade and the familial resemblance will be instantly recognizable as a Cadillac. Unlike its predecessor, the lines are more artfully designed and, with additional bling, enhances the Escalade's, er, bling-factor.

The chassis itself is fully boxed and features a stiffer frame with better fitting body panels and tighter gap tolerances. GM's Magnetic Ride Control system with Sport and Tour modes is standard equipment and with its millisecond damper adjustments, aims to give the Escalade an even plusher ride than before, despite having 20" wheels (even larger 22" dubs are optional). Wider front and rear tracks give the new Escalade a commanding stance on the road while a new coilover front suspension and a five link solid rear, coupled with variable electric assist power steering make the Escalade easier to pilot. Powering the beast is a redesigned version of GM's 6.2 liter V8 dubbed 'Ecotec3' featuring direct fuel injection and active fuel management (shutting off four cylinders during low power periods). A six speed automatic will channel the V8's 420hp and 460lb-ft of torque through either two or four wheel drive systems.

Inside is where Cadillac spent the greatest effort to differentiate the Escalade from its platform-mates. A sweeping dashboard with high-end materials feature's Cadillac's characteristic waterfall design and the center console neatly incorporates an 8 inch touchscreen featuring CUE (Cadillac User Experience). A 12.3 inch high definition screen displays the driver's gauge cluster  and can be reconfigured to show a variety on data. The front seats were also redesigned to be more comfortable, more supportive and plusher while featuring standard heated/cooled surfaces and the cabin improves on interior space for passengers and cargo alike. Cadillac has also blessed the Escalade with the full range of technology and driving aids, some of which include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The 2015 Escalade will also be offered in standard wheelbase and long wheelbase ESV versions. No EXT (aka Avalanche) version will be offered, but if you need a luxury pickup, GM would be happy to sell you a Sierra Denali...

No pricing has been announced but expect the base price not to stray too far from the 2014 Escalade. Figure around $70,000 with optional features and trim carrying the price to around $90,000. So fear not TV stars and fashion moguls, when a Tahoe or Yukon (or even a Range Rover) isn't flashy enough, Cadillac has your new and improved ride coming to a dealer near you early next year, in all its bling-bling goodness.

Images courtesy of Cadillac

First Impressions - 2013 Cadillac ATS

2013 Cadillac ATS

In the world of compact luxury sedans, the BMW 3 Series has reigned supreme for a number of years. It has successfully fended off competitors like the Infiniti G sedan and Lexus IS that repeatedly attempted to knock the 3 off its pedestal. The trouble with being King of the segment is that you're effectively a bulls-eye for would-be rivals. Nothing has come close to the Bavarian's apparently perfect mix of ride and handling (even though said competitors would have you think otherwise). Some rivals have tried to meet the 3 Series head on like the Lexus IS, even spawning the IS-F to take on the M3. Others, like Infiniti and Cadillac have gone the "tweener" route: cars that are larger than the 3 but smaller than the next level, the mid-size segment. Cadillac tried this option with its original CTS and met with success but over the years, even it realized that a more targeted response to the 3 Series was needed.

Meet the 2013 Cadillac ATS

Designed from the ground up to be a direct competitor to the Bavarian, the ATS is built on an all new RWD platform codenamed Alpha, that is said to be both lighter and stronger than the 3 Series, yet offer the same subtle ride/handling balance that has come to characterize BMW. The exterior styling, like other Cadillacs, can not be mistaken for anything else, except a slightly smaller CTS. Employing the brand's "Art & Science" theme of its big brother, the ATS rounds off some of the sharper edges, giving the sedan a slightly curvier look than the razor-edged CTS. The overall look is elegant, yet engaging and sporty.

However, one of Cadillac's main design briefs with the ATS was its performance; more to the point, that it be equal or better than the competition and the ATS more of less achieves this goal on paper. Spending considerable development time on Germany's Nurburgring race track, Cadillac engineers honed the ATS' platform and engines to better that of BMW's offerings (using the previous E46 version as inspiration). Equipped with GM's Magnetic Ride Control (dampers filled with magnetorheological fluid that change in viscosity when passed through a magnetic field) and 50/50 weight distribution, Cadillac promises the ATS will be light, nimble and seriously fun to drive.

2013 Cadillac ATS

The 2013 Cadillac ATS will be equipped with three different engines at launch. The base ATS will have a 2.5 liter, naturally aspirated inline 4 cylinder good for 200hp and 188lb-ft of torque and 30mpg on the highway. The serious enthusiast though will look to the upper level engines for serious fun. Slotted above the 2.5 liter is a 2.0 liter turbocharged and direct injected 4 cylinder putting out 270hp and 260lb-ft of torque, an effective challenge for the new BMW 328i's turbocharged, 2.0 liter 4 cylinder. Topping off the range (at least until the inevitable monster ATS-V) is the ubiquitous 3.6 liter direct injected 318hp V6. Cadillac has recently announced a diesel engine for the ATS at some point in its first life cycle, although it isn't confirmed if it will be offered for the American market. Transmissions will be a choice of either 6 speed manual or automatics.

On paper, the ATS looks to be a credible competitor in the compact luxury sedan segment. With claims of lightness, sportiness and efficiency, Cadillac's newest offering has the potential to accomplish what the tweener CTS hasn't quite been able to do.
Can't wait to see what the ATS-V will be packing. Stay tuned for a first drive!

Check out Cadillac's Super Bowl ad for the new ATS here.

[UPDATE] Cadillac has launched a new configurator for the ATS that allows you to mix and match options, just in case you were wondering about that manual transmission options availability on the 3.6 V6 (it's not...sorry). Pricing hasn't been included (coming later).

Images courtesy of www.insideline.com and www.motortrend.com

Short Take - 2012 Cadillac CTS

2012 Cadillac CTS sedan

Cadillac has been on a roll lately. Chances are if you asked your grandfather what a Cadillac means to him, he would describe something along the lines of pink colors and huge fins (and a plush ride to boot). Show him a picture of the car above telling him that THIS is a Cadillac and he'd likely yell sacrilege.

Indeed folks, the first generation CTS was the car (with some help from its bling bling truck brother, the Escalade)that brought about Cadillac's success within the last decade. When the 2003 CTS burst on the scene, it signified a change in General Motors' direction for the luxury brand. No longer content to build cars for the Palm Beach retirement community, the powers that be decreed that Cadillac would now be a performance oriented luxury brand, one that would be the equal of the German bluebloods. Going so far as to tout the CTS' European-tuned suspension (developed almost exclusively on Germany's fame Nurburgring race track), the CTS was such a RWD shock to the segment (the first Cadillac in decades equipped with a MANUAL transmission) that it proved widely successful. It debuted not only Cadillac's new performance mission but the styling theme dubbed 'Art & Science', and edgy direction composed of sharp angles and creases, not unlike the U.S. Air Force F-117 Stealth Fighter.

So successful was the CTS that Cadillac endeavored to polish the rough edges and continue the performance mission and the second generation debuted to much fanfare. Pitted as a BMW 3 Series 'fighter', the CTS dwarfs the smaller German in size if not in price, and seems more of a 5 Series competitor. In order to more effectively battle the European set on even terms (and to extend the CTS's profit margins) Cadillac now offers 2 other body styles apart from the sedan: a positively stunning 2 door coupe and (surprise) a 5 door station wagon. To this blogger's eye, the sedan as sharp as it is, looks quite pedestrian next to its coupe and 5 door brothers. The sport factor is also enhanced by the addition of the V Series (think BMW M or Mercedes AMG) which substitutes the regular 318hp, 3.6 V6 for the supercharged 6.2 V8 from the Corvette ZR1. Slightly tamed in CTS-V form, (due to the loss of an intercooler and dry sump oil system) this monster of a powerplant churns out 556hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, enough to see off both the BMW M3's paltry 414hp V8 AND the BMW M5's 507hp V10 (the new M5 counters with a 560hp twin turbo V8).

2012 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon

2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe

I recently had the chance to take a short drive in all iterations of the CTS (except the V Series, bummer) during a public demonstration on the beautiful streets of Fort Lauderdale.

Approaching the CTS, I got the feeling that Cadillac spared no expense in the exterior design. It's next to impossible to confuse this for anything other than a Cadillac (your grandfather might think differently), the CTS sits purposeful with a wide stance and a form that hints at solidity and stability. Getting inside, I was met by high quality materials and a dash design that complimented the exterior. The center stack had a lovely V shaped design that encompasses the climate controls and buttons for the Bose 5.1 sound system in a logical fashion. Dials were ringed in real chrome and the entire console was flanked by vertical air vents on each side. An analog clock sits squarely in the middle with the navigation screen rising from the top of the center console. When stowed, the visible top quarter of the screen functions as an information center.

2012 CTS-V Interior

The front seats were plush and offered good support, plus heated and cooled functions for both driver and front passenger. Cadillac obviously neutered the bean counters when opting for high quality. The rear area offers good legroom and general space for passengers. The coupe, with its style-over-functions, is less accommodating but if you're buying a 2 door you already know this. The 5 door wagon however offers similar rear passenger accommodations as the sedan but also comes with vastly more cargo room thanks to the artfully styled rear end. Cadillac's styling theme lends itself rather nicely to the wagon's handsome, long and lean appearance. The coupe however is the hands-down looker of the trio.

2012 CTS Coupe rear

3.6 V6, 318hp, 274lb-ft of torque

All CTS models (except the V cars) are powered by General Motors' 'high feature' 3.6 V6, equipped with direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and all-aluminum construction. This powerplant kicks out 318hp and 274lb-ft of torque and can be equipped with either a 6 speed manual as standard equipment or an optional 6 speed automatic (the only transmission on the regular wagon).

Pulling out of the parking lot, the 3.6 provides ample thrust for strong acceleration helped by the automatic transmission doling out torque in equal amounts. Due to the urban nature of the test area, I wasn't able to fulling exploit the handling limits of the CTS, but in some instances, long sweeping corners exposed the stability offered by the car's suspension and resistance to body roll. The steering was quick, offered the right amount of assist and communicates what the front wheels are doing to the driver. The CTS strikes a great ride/handling balance: sporty and firm, but not excessive as to register rough roads to passengers. The suspension is damped enough to acknowledge bumps as distant 'thuds' without upsetting the ride's balance. One strike noticed however was the V6's graininess at high RPM during one full throttle run using the auto transmission's manual function. Above 5000 rpm, the 3.6 sounds unrefined, quite unlike the silky growl of BMW's straight sixes.

Overall, the 2012 CTS is yet another shot across the bow of the European luxury marques. Equipped with a design that is unabashedly American and a platform that equals the ride/balance of its competitors, the CTS is yet another home run for Cadillac, now available in 3 sizes for every taste and with 2 powerplants for every level of leadfoot.