BOLD RIDE
If you like your compact executive cars with a V8 rumble and a bit of a bite… then you might want to keep an eye on Cadillac in the coming months. According to a Motor Trend report, Cadillac is readying a V8 engine to supplement its impressive six-cylinder ATS-V. Better yet, it’s rumored to be the track-proven 7.0-liter LS7 V8 from the Camaro Z/28 and C6 Corvette Z06.
If shoehorned inside the Cadillac with no power modifications, that naturally aspirated LS7 could produce the same crushing 505 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque as in the current track-taming Camaro. Its new name? MT suggests it’ll be known as the ATS-V+.
While not officially confirmed by Cadillac, the alleged V8-powered ATS-V+ would help the brand fend off the likes of the BMW M3 in on-track performance. In its current guise, the 2016 ATS-V will arrive sporting 3.6-liters of twin-turbo V6, rated at 464 horsepower and 444 lb-ft of torque. The jump in power between the turbo V6 and the 7.0-liter V8 is not large, but the V8 features less mechanical complexity, and likely weighs less and revs higher – three notable pluses for track-driving purity.
Admittedly, many fans would have hoped for the Corvette’s supercharged LT4 V8 under the hood of an ATS-V+. Those fans will get their wish in a way, but will have to spec-up one rung to the 2016 CTS-V, which does tote the 6.2-liter ‘Vette engine. According to MT, fans of rowing their own gears will be able to find a seven-speed manual in the ATS-V+, complementing an eight-speed automatic and followed by a dual-clutch unit later in its life.
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