When General Motors unveiled the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V late last year, a lot of jaws dropped all over the world, including in a place in Germany called Bavaria. When talking about performance-focused machines classified as D-segment vehicles (compact executive car in the United States), you simply can’t ignore the BMW M3 and its two-door brother - the awe-inspiring M4. Well, that’s not the case anymore thanks to Caddy’s berserk yet beautiful offering.
With 425 horsepower squeezed from its creamy 3-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder powerhouse, the M3/M4 twins are extremely enticing in terms of out-and-out grunt. In terms of pricing, US-spec models go for $62,000 and $64,200, respectively. In comparison to what many regard as the yardstick of the segment, the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V sedan carries a sticker of $61,460, while the coupe model is that little bit heftier at $63,660. Still, some would call that good value.
As you may have concluded by now, that’s not a big difference versus the Bavarians
The element that gives the Caddy the edge over the Bimmer is the 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which develops 455 HP and 445 lb-ft (603 Nm) of torque. Furthermore, the M DCT-equipped M4 is able to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, while the ATS-V coupe with the 8L90 8-speed auto manages in 3.9 as well, so what else gives? Well, the ATS-V’s top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h) vs. 189 mph (304 km/h).
So we found out that pricing and top speed are that little bit better than what the Bavarians offer with their M products. As for what it comes with as standard, both the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V coupe and its sedan counterpart boast with standard performance tech such as a carbon fiber hood, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, integrated chassis controls, Performance Traction Management and some tri-compound tires.
Just as Cadillac prez Johan de Nysschen said only recently: “The ATS-V expands the V-Series lineup, bringing a new kind of performance character to Cadillac.” Speaking of which, it’s hard to say no to a compact performance sedan that is offered from the get-go with a six-speed stick shift with driving experience enhancing go-faster equipment such as Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and the usual launch control.
Editor's note: bring on the instrumented 2016 Cadillac ATS-V coupe vs BMW M4 reviews!
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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