Cadillac once again has BMW’s segment-defining M3 (sorry, make that M4) in its crosshairs with the hottest version of the handsome ATS coupe. We don’t know if the muscle Caddy can take that throne just yet, but thanks to this brand-new teaser video from Cadillac, we know one thing for sure: This coupe can roast its rear tires with the best of ‘em.
The rear-drive coupe shares its Alpha platform with the CTS and the upcoming Camaro, and we’re expecting the V-branded version to run the same 3.6-liter twin-turb0 V-6 that powered Caddy’s CTS Vsport to a Lighting Lap time that nipped at the hells of the much more powerful Jaguar XFR-S. In the ATS-V, look for that engine to kick out somewhere in the neighborhood of 450 horses, sent through either GM’s superb 8-speed auto or (saints be praised) the row-your-own 7-speed from the Corvette.
- 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Revealed: No Camo, Lots of Power
- 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport: Twin-Turbo V-6 Power and True European Handling
- Cadillac ATS News, Reviews, Photos, and Buyer’s Guide
We love the idea of a trim, lithe, powerful Caddy that can take the fight to BMW, and with the promise of a true manual transmission and price in the 60s, this may be the most evenly-matched crest-vs-roundel fight yet. We’ll know for sure once the ATS-V is officially unveiled at the L.A. Auto Show next week. 