2016 Cadillac ATS-V released at the LA Auto Show.

The good looking 2016 ATS-V coupe and sedan was released at the Los Angeles auto show and @AutoReportsUSA was there on press day to see the cars in person.

The ATS-V features the first application of the Cadillac Twin Turbo engine in the V-Series, with unique features that expand its performance range and support track capability.

The more powerful iteration of the Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6 delivers an estimated 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm), and is backed by a standard six-speed manual transmission – with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and launch control – or an available paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

With the eight-speed automatic, the ATS-V reaches 60 mph from a standstill in only 3.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of more than 185 mph (299 kph).

The engine has unique features that strengthen the foundation to support the greater cylinder pressure that comes with turbocharging:

• Cylinder block and cylinder head castings that are specific to Cadillac Twin Turbo variants

• Lightweight, low-inertia titanium connecting rods are unique to the ATS-V’s engine and contribute to faster engine speed acceleration to match the quick spool time of the turbochargers, along with lowering the reciprocating loads on the rod and main bearings

• Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength

• An oil pan optimized for track performance

• 10.2:1 compression ratio

• Optimized direct injection fuel system for improved combustion efficiency and lower emissions

• Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness. 

The standard TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual transmission has a strong track record proven in the supercharged CTS-V series. It is updated for ATS-V with selectable technologies that enhance driver control to help produce optimized shifts that can lead to faster lap times:

• Active Rev Match – anticipates the next gear selection and electronically ‘blips’ the throttle to match engine speed for a seamless gear change

• No-lift shifting – Part of the Performance Traction Management system, it allows gear changes without the need for the driver to take his or her foot off the gas pedal, keeping the engine at full boost and maximum power

• Launch control – Also part of the Performance Traction Management system, it enables maximum off-the-line acceleration.

• The TR6060 transmission is used with a dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch, which deliver greater shift quality and feel through lower inertia.

Paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission:

The new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission is available in the ATS-V. Designed and built by GM, it delivers world-class shift times that rival the best dual-clutch designs.

For performance driving, the transmission offers full manual control via steering wheel paddles. A new transmission-control system and unique algorithms deliver shift performance that rivals the dual-clutch/semi-automatic transmissions found in many supercars – but with the smoothness and refinement that comes with a conventional automatic fitted with a torque converter.

The transmission controller analyzes and executes commands 160 times per second. Wide-open throttle upshifts are executed up to eight-hundredths of a second quicker than those of the dual-clutch transmission offered in the Porsche 911.

Smaller steps between gears, compared to GM’s six-speed automatic, keep the engine within the sweet spot of the rpm band, making the most of ATS-V’s turbocharged horsepower and torque to optimize performance on and off the track.

Additional performance-enhancing features include Performance Algorithm Shift and launch control via the Performance Traction Management system.

New, available 16-way-adjustable RECARO performance front seats are the lynchpins for the driving experience, with aggressive, adjustable bolsters that help hold the driver and front passenger in place during high-load cornering. They’ve also got a luxury-performance feel, trimmed in Mulan leather with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks.

The rest of the interior features Cadillac’s handcrafted cut-and-sew elements, with decorative stitching and authentic materials, including carbon fiber. Three interior color combinations are offered: Jet Black, Jet Black with Saffron accents and Light Platinum with Jet Black accents.

The ATS-V also features a unique version of the 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts. It is also equipped with the latest connectivity technologies from Cadillac, including:

• CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition

• Text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers

• USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports

• OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Performance Data Recorder is controlled via CUE’s color touch screen and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked.

The Cadillac ATS-V is a performance car that has the BMW M3 and M4, Mercedes C63 and the Audi RS4 in it's sights. The fit and finish is up to the standard and the on paper performance is on the mark. The price and real world drivability will be the deciding factor as to how many Cadillac will sell.

Photos courtesy of © GM Co.