2016 Cadillac ATS-V
Cadillac zooms ahead with the ATS-V
2016 Cadillac ATS-V
EPA ratings: 17/23mpg; 19mpg
0-60mph: 3.9 seconds
Price as tested: $74,140
Remember when Wile E. Coyote would climb aboard a lit rocket to catch the Road Runner? That first insane rush of accelerative force is what it feels like when the new Cadillac ATS-V’s twin turbos hit boost and you’re thrust back into the tight embrace of the supportive Recaro seat. The huge rear Pilot SuperSports light up and the car shoots forward with barely contained fury, on its way to 60mph in less than four seconds.
There’s nothing cartoony about this epic new vehicle. It has the depth of talent needed to match or beat anything it’s likely to encounter on road or track. A rigid structure and amazing magnetic dampers mean each of the ATS-V’s suspension settings is appropriate. Its ride is unobjectionable in the softer mode and correctly firm for track-type use in Race. The 14.5-inch front brakes are proper items, with the discs pinned to the hats for heat expansion; there is no need for an expensive carbon option to overcome the inadequacies of a “standard” setup.
The tester’s manual transmission was a joy, with accurate, tight throws; rev-matching could be engaged when needed; otherwise superb pedal placement and control weighting made heel-toe antics easy. The steering feedback easily beat the BMW M3/4. There wasn’t the snappy waywardness to the Cadillac’s tail that afflicts the German, yet gorgeous drifts were only a toe-twitch away. Too bad the ATS-V doesn’t offer compelling aural engagement; the sounds it makes run from anodyne to industrial.
Cadillac still has some way to go on the interior; many frequently used buttons feel cheap and the CUE interface still needs work. But just when aggravation sets in you realize how many pleasing features the American has, like available remote start, easy-exit memory seating and the amazing traction management software that makes drivers of any level faster and smoother. That the ATS-V is also less expensive and looks better than competitors seals the deal.
Read more of Contributor Isaac Bouchard’s automotive writing on Colorado AvidGolfer's Nice Drives section with more car reviews and comparisons.
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