by Malcolm Hogan
Automotive Addicts
Cadillac has introduced their answer to the BMW M3 and M4 with the all-new 2016 ATS-V. Some have said there will never be anything to trump the famous M3/M4 for such is a vehicle that performs so well on the track yet it flawlessly serves as your luxurious and sporty daily commuter. As it turns out, after a week of living with the new 2016 ATS-V Coupe on daily drives, back roads and closed lots, BMW has been put on notice by Cadillac.
I will get the fact out of the way that I am a long-time BMW M3 owner and have lauded the famous do-it-all sports car for well over a decade now. In my initial impressions of the ATS-V Coupe, when it first graced my driveway, I had my doubts and the ATS-V had to work overtime to live up to my BMW M3-benchmarked expectations. Little did I know I would walk away from the new ATS-V Coupe with wide-opened eyes and aspiring heart for the American brand that attempted to sneak BMW’s trophy out of the door.
The new 2016 Cadillac ATS-V pits a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine producing a vigorous 464 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque through either a 6-speed manual transmission or 8-speed automatic. My test vehicle came equipped with the 8-speed auto with steering wheel-mounted magnesium shift paddles. Also equipped on my test vehicle is the optional Track Package incorporating several functional carbon fiber bits to aid in vehicle down force at speed in addition to garnishing the ATS-V’s long proportioned heavy doors with blacked-out rocker panel extensions, a massive carbon fiber splitter and air extractors up front, and a lower rear carbon fiber diffuser adding to the menacing look with a body-color high-swooping rear deck lid spoiler reaching for the sky.
Full Story: 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Review & Test Drive
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