2015 CADILLAC ATS-V 3.6L V6 8AT RWD (464 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Somehow, Cadillac started to understand what Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi are doing in Europe with their performance models. Maybe that’s the reason that they started to build performance, compact-sized sedans.

While the coupe received some specific features, which made it more track-capable than the sedan, the four door version of the ATS-V is more like a wolf under a sheepskin. Except that you might see the wolf’s fangs. And those eyes, well, they don’t look so kind and warm. The hood is made from carbon fiber and has a big air-extracting vent. It is meant to help cool down the engine and also to reduce air pressure from underneath the car, improving stability.

Beneath that big vent, there is a new, improved 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine. The new, lighter, unit, wasn’t developed from the ground up but rebuilt and re-thinked to give maximum performance and reliability in its segment. With a little help from a pair of turbochargers, this powerplant can give 455 hp and 603 Nm (445 lb-ft) of torque.

Even if it is very odd to see any Cadillac with a manual gearbox (especially in the last 30 years), the ATS-V comes equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Of course, some will opt for the 8-speed automatic one, with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

All these features will allow the compact, performant Caddy sedan to get a 0-60 mph (0-96 kph) sprint in a shy under 4 seconds, reaching it in 3.9. Its maximum speed is 185 mph (298 kph).