The car is the high-performance version of the ATS Coupe, and is differentiated from the standard model by a vented hood; aggressive body kit; uprated wheels, tires and brakes; and quad-exhaust tips. Similar modifications should feature on the ATS-V sedan. Both cars are due in showrooms next year, as 2016 models.
Apart from one being a sedan and the other a coupe, the two cars should be almost identical when it comes to performance—just like the new BMW M3/M4 duo. One other key difference between the ATS-V sedan and this ATS-V Coupe is likely to be track width—the regular ATS Coupe is already 0.8 inches wider than the sedan, and this should translate over to the ATS-V performance variants.
Though it’s yet to be confirmed, power in Cadillac’s new ATS-V models is expected to come from an uprated version of the twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 found in the current CTS Vsport and XTS Vsport models. Peak output is expected to lie somewhere close to 425 horsepower in standard form, which matches the output of BMW’s new M3 and M4 models but is less than the output of the Lexus RC F and recently revealed Mercedes-AMG C63. However, we hear there could be a more potent 'Plus' version in the works.
The ATS-V models should be lighter than their rivals, thanks to their Alpha underpinnings. The ATS-V models are also thought to benefit from a seven-speed manual transmission as standard, with General Motors Company's [NYSE:GM] brilliant eight-speed automatic available as an option.
Given the pricing of its competition, we expect the ATS-V sedan to be priced close to $60k and the ATS-V Coupe to start several grand above that figure. Also in the works is a new-generation of the CTS-V, which should make its own auto show debut early next year.
Stay tuned for the full reveal in the coming weeks.
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