Cadillac ATS-V (2015): the BMW M3/M4 from the US

Updated: 26 January 2015

Cadillac knows a thing or two about high-performance super-saloons – and it’ll unveil a pair of go-faster ATS-V models at this month’s 2014 Los Angeles motor show.

Think of the Cadillac ATS-V as a rival to the European quick set of BMW M3/M4, Mercedes C63 AMG and Audi RS4.

Photographed here ahead of the planned LA debut on 19 November 2014, the hot Caddy is a very American answer to the hotshot saloon question. Click here for more on the Cadillac ATS range.

Cadillac ATS-V: the lowdown

Although no official details are yet known, the ATS-V is expected to feature a twin-turbo set-up provide the muscle required to compete with the Germans’ most powerful compact saloons and coupes.

It should be enough to propel power north of 400bhp from the 3.6-litre V6. The US car mags are predicting an output of around 425bhp, although an even go-faster version is reputedly under development. 

As much as 480bhp has been mooted, comfortably more than the F80 BMW M4‘s 424bhp twin-turbo straight six if not quite as punchy as the new Mercedes C63 AMG‘s 503bhp.

What else is new on the 2015 ATS-V?

Cadillac’s high-performance junior will be available as a four-door saloon (pictured in our spy photos) and a two-door coupe.

Both wil lbe differentiated by a vented bonnet to feed the high-power V6, quad exhaust pipes and a pretty extreme body kit. No shrinking violet, this super-saloon from the US of A…

There are no plans at this stage to sell the ATS in the UK, however. Cadillac has had an on-off relationship with the right-hand drive UK market, but so far in 2014 it has registered no new car sales in Great Britain, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

By Tim Pollard

Group digital editorial director, car news magnet, crafter of words

Comments