Cadillac ATS tagged posts

Two days ago we have reported that Cadillac is going to put the 7.0L V8 engine in the ATS-V+, and mates it to either a 8-speed automatic transmission or a 7-speed manual transmission.

Today we got an update that, although the GM 8L90 8-speed automatic transmission will make its way to the ATS-V+, the 7-speed manual one is unlikely to be seen on the ATS-V+.

The major reason is cost: the Tremec TR-6070 7MT currently used on the C7 Corvette, is designed for the rear-placement layout (the Corvette’s transmission is placed near the rear axle, NOT bolted to the engine like other FR-layout cars)...

We have received some tips from our friend who is working in GM, that Cadillac is planning a higher performance version of the already-high-performance ATS-V, named the “ATS-V+”.

The first question to be asked must be: what engine? There are multiple choices within GM’s parts bin. If you have noticed the engine compartment of the ATS-V (shown below), you will see it is more than enough to accommodate a V8, since the 3.6L twi-turbo V6 engine is sitting almost 100% behind the front wheel axle.

In fact, our insider told us Cadillac is currently serious considering bringing the firm’s LS7 7.0L V8 in the ATS-V+. The 7...

In a recent new model filing (approval # CN QQG5 Z201240058-00) to the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection (an agency similar to the US EPA), Cadillac has announced the news that on the new model year of the ATS-L sedan, a 8-speed automatic transmission will replace the current 6-speed unit. Below image is the 2015 model year ATS-L.

According to Cadillac, the 8AT will be mated to a series of the GM 2.0T 4-cylinder engine, with different tuning and output. Since the ATS is a worldwide model, we can safely bet that the 2016 ATS in the US market will also see the same transmission upgrade.

We have been extensively covered the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V since last May, 2014. For our previous reports about the ATS-V, please see here. Originally Cadillac said the ATS-V’s 3.6L twin-turbo V6 engine is capable of 455hp and 445 lb-ft of torque, 0-60mph only needs 3.9 seconds, with top speed 189mph.

Today Cadillac announced that the final output spec of the ATS-V will be higher than the original estimate, now SAE-certified at 464hp and 444 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 time is reduced to 3.8 seconds.

Please note: if you read Cadillac’s previous press release, it mentions for the ATS-V there is “structural stiffness increased by 25 percent”. Please do not be confused about this...

We have been talking about the Cadillac ATS-V since last May, and you can see all of our previous coverage here.

Since our last interview with Mr. David Leone, Cadillac’s Executive Chief Engineer, Cadillac has been quiet on further information regarding the BMW M3/M4 fighter. But today, GM finally released one of the most important number we are expecting: the price.

The 2016 ATS-V sedan starts at MSRP $61,460, and the ATS-V coupe starts at $63,660. The ATS-V sedan is a couple hundred dollar cheaper than the BMW M3 ($62,000), and it is the same for the ATS-V coupe too (compared with BMW M4’s $64,200)...