Cadillac ATS-V video review
Toe-to-toe M3 rival that’s cheaper and more comfy
By Shahzad Sheikh
I recently attended the Middle East launch of the all-new Cadillac V range, including the Cadillac ATS-V at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi and you can read that story here. Also on that page you’ll find all the specifics of what separates these cars from the regular ASTS and CTS – this is certainly not just a body kit and a bit more power.
Just click play below to see my video review.
[ And watch our High Speed Hot Weather Testing video of this car at Jebel Hafeet by clicking here ]
They nicknamed this car ‘The Scalpel’ and it’s not hard to see why. It puts its incredible twin-turbo V6 engine’s 464bhp to excellent use through a much-stiffed and well sorted chassis, employing hard-wearing Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres and gives amazing responsive and accurate command to the driver.
You’d think the headline here would be the 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds and the 304kph top speed, but the ride is one of the most remarkable features of this car because of the latest generation magnetic ride system (which Ferrari also uses) that responds instinctively to changing conditions and makes this car remarkable comfortable.
This is one area in which it immediately trounces its chief rival, the BMW M3, because that car – whilst superb on a smooth track – is brittle and harsh on the road. The double whammy over its German rival is on price, as the American compact executive road racer is about a third cheaper that the Bavarian bruiser.
If there are any criticisms that could be levelled at the Cadillac, it’s that the BMW perhaps still carries a slightly more enticing aura, although the V’s carbon fibre bonnet and reprofiled and more efficient front grilles stand it well apart from its regular Caddys.
The Recaros too, whilst they look fabulous, were something I struggled to get comfortable in – but maybe that’s cause I have a fat arse! And if I were really being picky, I could suggest it doesn’t quite have the immediate punch of a naturally aspirated engine, but for that there’s the CTS-V – review coming soon.
However considering how plush, comfortable, well-equipped, stylish and of course fashionable this car is, along with its butch stance and thrilling power, along with, as mentioned that excellent ride, at the money, it’s simply a no-brainer.
We’re already big fans of the ATS and its astonishing driving dynamics and fun handling, and this V version is just a whole load better, at not necessarily a whole load more money. And that’s the best part of all.
2016 Cadillac ATS-V – The Specs
Price: AED265,000 (US$72k) – Coupe is AED275k (US$75k)
Engine: 3.0-litre V6, 464bhp @ 5850rpm, 445lb ft @ 3500rpm
Performance: 0-100kph 3.9secs, 304kph, 12.4L/100km
Transmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1678kg
