카이미지넷

Cadillac XT5 Initiates New Series of Cadillac Luxury Crossovers

Cadillac today unveiled the first-ever 2017 Crossover Touring 5 (XT5,) a comprehensively upgraded luxury crossover and the cornerstone of a new series of crossovers in the brand’s ongoing expansion. The first-ever XT5 premieres this month at the Dubai and Los Angeles auto shows and begins production in the U.S. and China in spring 2016. 

Cadillac crossovers will wear the “XT” designation, a key aspect of the brand’s product-driven global growth plan.

“The all-new XT5 not only enters the most popular segment in the worldwide luxury auto market, it is the first of four new crossovers from Cadillac,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “It’s pivotal to our ongoing growth, which is why we’ve developed XT5 from the inside out to provide customers more space, more technology, more luxury and more efficiency.”

The new luxury crossover joins Cadillac’s lineup immediately following the new range-topping CT6 Sedan, as the brand enters a new phase of product growth. The XT5 is the next chapter in elevating the Cadillac brand: it is bold, distinctive, sophisticated with superb driving dynamics. This new crossover perfectly reflects Cadillac’s positioning in the luxury automotive marketplace, de Nysschen said.

CHASSIS -- Lightweight, efficient package enables more space

Lightweight, efficient package enables more space

The Cadillac XT5 is completely new, residing on a unique chassis and structure.

Cadillac’s new crossover embodies the company’s expertise for lightweight and agile driving dynamics. The new XT5 is 278 pounds (126 kg) lighter than the current SRX , and 100 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the Audi Q5 – despite the Cadillac being seven inches longer. The new XT5 is more than 650 pounds (295 kg) lighter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, achieving this with no compromise to body rigidity and crash performance.  

Rear-seat legroom is increased 3.2 in. (8.1 cm) in the XT5, compared to the SRX. The rear seat reclines and slides fore and aft, as well.

This was achieved using many of the techniques applied on the Cadillac CTS and ATS sport sedans – the lightest cars in their respective segments.  This includes the use of laser welding, ultra high-strength steel and advanced analytics that ensure a stronger structure, and excellent crash performance with less overall bulk.

“The new XT5 takes the lessons learned from Cadillac’s highly acclaimed lightweight and agile luxury cars and adjusts the formula for the unique desires of the crossover vehicle customer,” says David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “Reducing mass and bulk not only improves driving dynamics, it enables us to improve interior space and fuel efficiency.”

The new architecture delivers a wheelbase two inches longer than the SRX, and a track one inch wider, enabling more useable interior space. However, the XT5’s overall length, width and height are fractionally smaller than the SRX. This gives the car a firmly planted stance, and a lean and sleek look.

INTERIOR DESIGN-- New Cadillac interior design theme emphasizes space and craftsmanship

The XT5 brings a new level of sophistication to showcase Cadillac’s evolving design language, recently seen on the upcoming CT6 Sedan. The XT5 has a strong visual presence, a lean, taut, liquid quality to the surfaces with flowing, uninterrupted lines separated by crisp edges.

“The XT5 has a great stance, with wheels further to the corners and overhangs reduced,” said Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive director of global design. “Our team continues to evolve the design language of Cadillac.”  

The XT5’s interior is based on a philosophy of clean, modern elegance and craftsmanship.

“We believe that luxury crossover customers particularly focus on interior design and materials,” said Smith. “This design direction is predicated on modern craftsmanship and the artistic integration of technology.”

Interior surfaces inside the XT5 are wider and more horizontal in orientation, emphasizing efficient use of space. Like all Cadillac models, the interior is assembled with cut-and-sewn wrapped panels, rather than molded surfaces typical of mainstream vehicles.

“Our focus for the interior was sophistication and simplicity, ensuring an economy of lines to reduce visual noise and clutter,” Smith said. “A feeling of space is the ultimate luxury, so we sought to emphasize that. We also use a greater variety of authentic materials and palette of colors to deliver expressive interiors in all trim levels.”

Cadillac will offer a Platinum edition for the first time in this segment.  Made popular initially on Cadillac’s Escalade, the XT5 Platinum includes unique interior and exterior trim and materials and combines them with the highest technology features. In total, the XT5 includes five interior color and trim choices, with decorative trim options ranging from carbon fiber to two types of aluminum and three types of genuine wood.

POWERTRAIN -- Advanced powertrains add to efficiency and dynamics

In the U.S. market, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be powered by the new 3.6-liter V6 engine which debuted earlier this year on the brand’s ATS and CTS sport sedans and is featured on the CT6. This engine has been completely redesigned and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads. 

With an estimated peak output of 310-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the new V6 uses variable valve timing for strong response and smooth power delivery. Cadillac’s new Stop/Start technology automatically stops and starts the engine when the vehicle is at rest in traffic stops, saving fuel and reducing emissions while enhancing the quietness expected of a luxury vehicle. 

In China, the XT5 will be offered with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Powerful, yet compact, the 2.0T also features Stop/Start technology. 

A new 8-speed automatic transmission is standard for the XT5, which also debuts Electronic Precision Shift – the first electronically controlled transmission shifter for a Cadillac. Electronic Precision Shift reduces noise and vibration, and it allows for greater use of the cabin space with a storage space beneath the center console.

An optional new advanced “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system continuously and automatically delivers excellent traction across a variety of conditions. While engineered specifically for strong performance in wet, snowy or icy conditions, it also provides enhanced stability in dry weather.

Due to the twin clutch design, the AWD system is capable of transferring up to 100 percent of available torque to either the front or rear axle. Also, across the rear axle, the electronically controlled rear differential can direct up to 100 percent of available torque to either wheel laterally. This capability is designed for “split-coefficient” surfaces, such as when there is more water, ice or snow on one side of the road surface than the other.

The AWD system is driver-controlled, and includes a new “disconnect” feature that disables the rear drive unit for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

The lightweight structure of the XT5 is stiffer and stronger than the SRX due to the use of improved materials and advanced design methods. A diagonal “A-frame” front chassis brace in the underbody was added to provide a more solid driver feel and stiffness for the vehicle in turns.

The new suspension features lightweight components with a MacPherson Strut design in the front and a five-link independent design at the rear.

Standard wheels are 18-inches with 20-inch wheels optional. All versions equipped with 20-inch wheels have a Continuous Damping Control system to manage ride control in real time. Additional ride bushings on the rear cradle are exclusive to the XT5 Platinum model and are specifically tuned to provide added ride comfort for rear seat passengers.

TECHNOLOGY -- Advanced technology systems add luxury, safety

The first-ever XT5 includes Cadillac’s latest production systems in connectivity and safety. 

Cadillac’s patented new industry-leading Rear Camera Mirror system debuts on the CT6 sedan and the XT5. The system enhances the driver’s rear vision by 300 percent, using a video display applied over the conventional inside rearview mirror. A high-dynamic range camera records wider images behind the car, streams the image to video processing software which “removes” obstacles such as the roof, rear pillars and rear seat passengers, projecting an unobstructed view to a Liquid Crystal Display. 

The Cadillac CUE system for connectivity and control is upgraded for the XT5. A faster and more powerful processor provides best-ever response and accuracy. The XT5 features an integrated wireless charger for mobile devices, with a slot designed into the center console.  Like all Cadillac models in 2016, XT5 features 4G wireless connectivity, with a standard integrated Wi-Fi hotspot and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for simpler in-car phone integration. 

The rear liftgate of the XT5 includes hands-free operation, allowing it to open or close via gesture control beneath the rear bumper.

An optional color reconfigurable Heads-Up Display is available. Cadillac’s signature LED light pipes are standard inside and out, while full LED headlamps are optional. A Surround Vision feature enables a “bird’s eye” view of the perimeter around the car to assist in parking.

In addition, XT5 features Cadillac’s Driver Awareness and Driver Assist packages to aid vision and collision avoidance. These include automatic front and rear braking for low-speed conditions, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, full-speed range Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Parking Assist.

2017 Cadillac XT5 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS (NORTH AMERICA)

2016 Cadillac CTS-V Hits 200 mph with 640 hp

Track-capable from the factory, with sophisticated road manners

DETROIT – Cadillac today introduced the 2016 CTS-V, the most powerful product in the brand’s 112-year history and the newest entry in the elite class of the world’s highest-performing luxury cars.

Launching in late summer with 640 horsepower (477 kW), 630 lb-ft of torque (855 Nm) and a top speed of 200 mph, the new CTS-V reaches higher than its predecessors, leading Cadillac’s product-driven expansion and elevation. It is the third generation of the acclaimed luxury sports sedan that launched the elite V-Series a decade ago – and redefined Cadillac for a new generation of enthusiasts.

“V-Series represents the very best of the Cadillac brand – the pinnacle of our design and technical capabilities,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “The new CTS-V is the most compelling example of Cadillac’s product substance and brand trajectory. The new CTS-V soars into the stratosphere of the most exhilarating luxury cars.”

Comprehensive updates make the new CTS-V essentially two cars in one: a luxury sedan with sophisticated road manners and a track-capable sports car straight from the factory. It also introduces a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine backed by Cadillac’s paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting.

With more horsepower and torque than the Mercedes-Benz 5.5L biturbo V-8 and the BMW M-series 4.4L TwinPower (twin-turbo) V-8, the new CTS-V is capable of 0-60 performance in 3.7 seconds.

Track-honed design, chassis and suspension elements complement the supercharged powertrain and elevate CTS-V’s capability, performance and driver control to new thresholds, while enabling track driving without modifications or special procedures. Key performance technologies include:

• Standard carbon fiber hood and available carbon fiber vent, front splitter, rear spoiler and rear diffuser for greater aerodynamic performance
• Brembo high-performance brake system developed to provide durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance straight from the factory
• Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control delivering 40-percent faster damping response
• Integrated chassis controls that provide balanced performance for touring and the track, including competition-spec Performance Traction Management
• Structural stiffness increased by 25 percent for improved ride and superior handling
• Driver-selectable modes electronically calibrate performance variables for touring, sport and track driving conditions
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with tri-compound technology offering excellent grip with extended wear
• An interior with performance-oriented, sueded microfiber accents and matte-finish carbon fiber trim and available RECARO high-performance seats for spirited driving
• Advanced safety and parking technologies, including a front curb-view camera system that provides a visual cue of curbs to protect the front splitter; automatic parking assist to find and steer into parallel or perpendicular parking spots; side blind zone alert, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert.     

Additionally, the Performance Data Recorder in the CTS-V allows drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track, enabling sharing on social media.

More powerful supercharged V-8 engine
The power behind the new CTS-V’s capability is an all-new, more powerful 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that makes more power more efficiently than the previous Cadillac supercharged engine. It employs a more-efficient, more-compact 1.7L supercharger and matches it with direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation).

The supercharger’s rotors are smaller in diameter than the previous supercharged engine, allowing higher maximum rpm that enables power-enhancing boost to be generated earlier in the rpm band. That boost is achieved more efficiently via a more direct discharge port that creates less turbulence, reducing heat and speeding airflow into the engine.

The Cadillac supercharged engine also has several unique features designed to support its high output and the greater cylinder pressures created by forced induction, including Rotocast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads that are stronger and handle heat better than conventional aluminum heads, and lightweight titanium intake valves.

The CTS-V’s complementing eight-speed automatic is tuned for world-class shift-response times. Smaller steps between gears keep the engine within the sweet spot of the rpm band, making the most of the output of the supercharged engine for exhilarating performance and greater efficiency.

The new 8L90 transmission offers full manual control via steering wheel paddles, and Performance Algorithm Shifting to deliver shift performance that rivals the dual-clutch/semi-automatic transmissions found in many luxury performance sedans – but with the smoothness and refinement that come with a conventional automatic fitted with a torque converter.

Stronger structure enhances body motion control
The CTS’s structure is highly mass optimized and designed to meet higher performance requirements, with enhancements to the V-Series developed to respond to cornering and torque loads that significantly exceed the levels experienced by the non-V models.

Unique and revised elements include:

• Strut tower-to-tower brace
• Strut tower-to-plenum brace
• V-braces for the engine compartment
• Strengthened rocker bulkhead
• Stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces
• A unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis
• Upper tie bar-to-bumper braces.

The enhancements bolster structural stiffness by 25 percent over non-V models, for more precise handling and steering – and a more confident feel from a vehicle that conveys strength through exceptional solidity. 

“With the stronger body structure – and more than a decade of V-Series production models and the CTS-Vracing program experience – engineers tuned the CTS-V to deliver greater body motion control for a more agile feel, while maintaining excellent ride quality,” said David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “The result is class-leading capability on the highway or track, balanced with luxury and refinement.”

Track-honed chassis and suspension 
The CTS-V shares the same 114.6-inch (2,910 mm) wheelbase as the CTS non-V-Series models, but has wider front and rear footprints that enhance grip, reduce body motion and contribute to more direct-feeling steering.

Nineteen-inch wheels wrapped with specially developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires give the CTS-V its footprint and enable nearly 1g in lateral acceleration. The lightweight, forged aluminum wheels – measuring 9.5 inches wide in the front and 10 inches wide in the rear – are constructed of a low-mass forging that helps reduce un-sprung weight for greater agility and a more direct feel to steering inputs.

The wheels are 45-percent stiffer than previous CTS-V wheels, while the Michelin tires feature a tri-compound tread that delivers excellent grip in performance driving situations, while offering excellent ride quality characteristics and extended tread wear.

Additional contributors to the CTS-V’s responsive, connected and track-capable driving experience include:

• A revised multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension delivers a quicker response and increased lateral control, incorporating “hydro” bushings, where traditional elastomeric bushings are replaced with zero-compliance cross-axis ball joints, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar – for 20-percent greater roll stiffness
• The ZF Steering Systems Servotronic II variable-ratio electric power steering gear, with 14-percent greater system stiffness for an improved feeling of precision and greater driver feedback
• Cadillac’s five-link rear suspension features reduced roll center migration, stronger lateral control and effective anti-squat geometry, complementing the front suspension with greater body motion control. Contributing components include stiffer bushings, new cradle mounts, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar
• A standard electronic limited-slip differential supports optimal traction and enables maximum corner exit acceleration
• Larger prop shafts and greater half-shaft asymmetry (stiffer driver’s side shaft) mitigate power hop during acceleration
• A Brembo brake system provides durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance. The system includes two-piece 15.3-inch-diameter (390 mm) front rotors with staggered six-piston calipers and 14.3-inch-diamter (365 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers.

Also, the CTS-V features third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management. Four driver-selectable settings – Tour, Sport, Track and Snow – electronically calibrate performance variables to optimize the car for driving conditions. Performance Traction Management is offered in Track mode and features five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving.

Magnetic Ride Control “reads” the road a thousand times per second, sending data to magneto-rheological fluid-filled dampers that can independently control the damping characteristics of all four dampers. Third-generation improvements enable 40-percent faster damping response. At 60 mph, the third-generation magnetic ride control system calculates the optimal damping force for every inch of the road.

Functional form
Almost every exterior panel on the CTS-V is unique, from the fascias and fenders, to the hood, rear spoiler and rocker moldings – and each was designed to support the car’s capability, contributing to lift reduction, enhanced cooling or both.

The unique elements include:

• A lightweight carbon fiber hood featuring an air-extracting vent that pulls hot air out of the engine compartment and helps reduce lift at speed by channeling air pulled through the radiator out and over the top of car rather than allowing trapped air to exit under the car
• Unique front and rear fascias provide optimal aero performance, with larger grille openings in the front fascia to feed more air to the supercharged engine. Even the mesh pattern of the signature grille openings is enlarged to allow more air into the radiator and multiple heat exchangers
• A front splitter enhances handling by forcing air to push down on the front of the car rather than flow under it, where it can cause lift
• Wider fenders to accommodate the wide, 19-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
• The rocker moldings and rear spoiler are aero-optimized
• The forged aluminum wheels and brake calipers are offered in three finishes, allowing owners to personalize the appearance of the CTS-V.

An available Carbon Fiber package takes aero performance and mass optimization to higher levels. The Carbon Fiber package includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent, rear diffuser and spoiler.  

“V-Series is the emotive core of Cadillac and the apex of the brand’s Art and Science design philosophy,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Cadillac Global Design. “The CTS-V reflects that with a bold sense of arrival, serious performance, seamless integration of technology and precision in its craftsmanship. The exposed carbon fiber components, for example, are book-matched on the centerline for a more precise, tailored appearance.”

Performance-focused cabin
The CTS-V’s dual-purpose capability carries over to the interior, where the design and relationship of key components are focused expressly on performance-driving ergonomics.

“With the performance the new CTS-V is capable of delivering, the interior needs to be as functional as the other vehicle systems,” said Smith. “All of the contact points – the steering wheel, seats, shifter and pedals – are designed to make performance driving experiences direct and intuitive.”

The CTS-V features standard 20-way performance-oriented heated and ventilated front seats trimmed in semi-aniline leather, with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks. Available RECARO performance front seats deliver aggressive, adjustable bolsters that help hold the driver and front passenger in place during high-load cornering. They also have a luxury-performance feel, trimmed in Mulan leather with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks.

Additional features include Cadillac’s cut-and-sew elements, with decorative stitching and authentic materials such as available sueded steering wheel and shift knob. Three color combinations are offered: Jet Black, Jet Black with Light Platinum accents and Saffron with Jet Black accents.

The CTS-V features a unique version of the 12.3-inch instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts and complementing full-color, reconfigurable head-up display. It is also equipped with the latest connectivity technologies from Cadillac:

• CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition
• Navigation with Bose Surround Sound audio
• Siri Eyes Free and text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers
• Wireless inductive phone charging
• OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Performance Data Recorder is controlled via CUE’s color touch screen, and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked.

Cadillac ATS-V Expands Lineup, Intensifies Passion

First Twin Turbo V-Series delivers track-capable driving experience

LOS ANGELES – Cadillac today introduced the 2016 ATS-V, expanding the acclaimed ATS product range and elevating the brand’s elite high-performance V-Series to its next generation.

Available in sedan and coupe forms, the first-ever ATS-V will introduce class-leading twin-turbocharged power and a comprehensive suite of design and performance systems when production begins in spring 2015.

Since its inception in 2004, Cadillac’s V-Series has driven remarkable power and performance capability into the brand’s growing luxury car range. Building on the strengths of the award-winning ATS product line, the V-Series adds impressive track capability to what was already the lightest and most agile-driving car in the luxury compact class. The result is a dual-purpose luxury performer – a car with true track capability right from the factory that is also a sophisticated luxury car on the road.

“Cadillac’s V-Series is the best example of Cadillac’s emerging product substance – and the purest expression of the passion at the core of the brand,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President.

The ATS-V arrives next spring, powered by the first-ever twin-turbocharged engine in a V-Series. Rated at an estimated 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm), the engine is the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder and enables 0-60 performance in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 185 mph. It is backed by a six-speed manual – with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and launch control – or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift.

The Cadillac Twin Turbo engine supports comprehensively redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems developed to make the ATS-V one of the most agile, responsive and confident luxury performance cars on the market. Key performance technologies include:

Brembo high-performance brake system developed to provide durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance straight from the factory
Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, which delivers 40 percent faster damping response
Integrated chassis controls that provide balanced performance for touring and the track, including class-exclusive Performance Traction Management
Structural stiffness increased by 25 percent for higher cornering loads
Driver-selectable driving modes for touring, sport and track
Tri-compound tires offering excellent grip with extended tire wear
Available downforce-generating track aerodynamics package
Functional exterior design for powertrain and drivetrain cooling, as well as aerodynamic performance
An interior with high-performance seats and ergonomics focused on the driver’s interfaces with key features for performance driving.
“As the smallest and lightest V-Series ever, the ATS-V forges a great connection with the driver, with exceptional nimbleness and responsiveness,” said David Leone, Cadillac Executive Chief Engineer. “It’s adaptable to the driver’s preferences, with every selectable mode developed to deliver the best performance for all types of driving scenarios, including the track.”

A Performance Data Recorder onboard the ATS-V allows drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track, enabling sharing on social media.

First twin-turbocharged V-Series
With a more powerful iteration of Cadillac’s Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6, the ATS-V represents the first twin-turbo powertrain in the history of the V-Series lineup. Exclusive features for the ATS-V version of the Twin Turbo are designed to make power faster and sustain it longer. Highlights include:

Turbochargers with low-inertia titanium-aluminide turbines and vacuum-actuated wastegates for more responsive torque production
Compressors matched for peak efficiency at peak power levels, for optimal track performance
Patent-pending low-volume charge-cooling system that optimizes packaging efficiency and maximizes boost pressure
Lightweight titanium connecting rods that reduce inertia of the rotating assembly, complementing the quick-spooling turbochargers.
The Cadillac Twin Turbo also features a high-performance lubrication system designed to maintain optimal oil pressure and ventilation during high-lateral driving maneuvers typically encountered on a track.

Stronger foundation and track-honed driving experience
The underlying ATS structure is highly mass optimized and designed to meet higher performance requirements, with enhancements to the V-Series developed to respond to cornering and torque loads that go significantly beyond the levels experienced by the non-V models.

The new elements include:

Unique shock tower-to-plenum brace
Strengthened rocker bulkhead
Stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces
A unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis
V-braces for the engine compartment.
The result is 25-percent greater structural stiffness than non-V models, which contributes to more precise handling and more direct steering responsiveness.

“The ATS-V feels like it was machined from billet steel,” said Tony Roma, chief engineer. “Along with supporting the higher performance capability of the car, the enhanced structure conveys confidence to the driver through a greater feeling of solidity and sharper, more precise responsiveness.”

With the stronger body structure – and more than a decade of V-Series production models and the CTS-V racing program experience under their belts – engineers tuned the ATS-V to deliver greater body motion control for a more agile feel, while maintaining excellent ride quality.

“The result is class-leading capability on the highway or track, balanced with luxury and refinement,” said Roma. “In fact, the car is ready for the track right off the showroom floor, with no special modifications required.”

A key component of the car’s dual-purpose performance are Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires developed specifically for the ATS-V. They feature a tri-compound tread that delivers excellent grip in performance driving situations, but delivers excellent ride quality characteristics and extended tread wear.

Also, the V-Series models share the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as other ATS coupe and sedan models, but feature wider front and rear footprints that enhance grip, reduce body motion in turns and contribute to more direct-feeling steering.

Additional contributors to the ATS-V’s dual-mode driving experience include:

A revised multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension delivers a quicker response and increased lateral control, incorporating new ride and handling links, where traditional elastomeric bushings are replaced with zero-compliance cross-axis ball joints, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar – for 50 percent greater roll stiffness
The ZF Steering Systems Servotronic II variable-ratio electric power steering gear, with increased system stiffness offering an improved feeling of precision and greater driver feedback
Cadillac’s five-link rear suspension features reduced roll center migration, stronger lateral control and effective anti-squat geometry, complementing the front suspension with greater body motion control. Contributing components include stiffer bushings, new cradle mounts, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar
A standard electronic limited-slip differential supports optimal traction and enables maximum corner exit acceleration
Larger prop shafts and greater half-shaft asymmetry (stiffer driver’s side shaft) mitigate power hop during acceleration
A Brembo high-performance brake system provides durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance. The system includes 14.5-inch-diameter (370 mm) front rotors with staggered six-piston calipers and 13.3-inch-diamter (339 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers.
The ATS-V also features third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management. Five driver-selectable settings include the segment’s only competition-level settings for stability and traction control.

Magnetic Ride Control “reads” the road a thousand times per second, sending data to magneto-rheological fluid-filled dampers that can independently control the damping characteristics of all four dampers. Third-generation improvements enable 40-percent faster damping response. In fact, at 60 mph, the third-generation magnetic ride control system calculates the optimal damping force for every inch of the road.

Functional design
Almost every exterior panel on the ATS-V is unique, from the fascias and fenders, to the hood, rear spoiler and rocker moldings – and every one was designed to support the car’s capability.

“All of the design elements have a purpose,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Cadillac Global Design. “They contribute to lift reduction, enhanced cooling, reduced mass or all of the above.”

The unique elements include:

A lightweight carbon fiber hood features an air-extracting vent that not only pulls hot air out of the engine compartment, but helps reduce lift at speed by channeling air pulled through the radiator out and over the top of car rather than allowing trapped air to exit under the car
Unique front and rear fascias provide optimal aero performance, with larger grille openings in the front fascia to feed more air to the new twin-turbocharged engine. Even the mesh pattern of the signature grille openings is enlarged to allow more air into the radiator and multiple heat exchangers
A front splitter enhances handling by forcing air to push down on the front of the car rather than flow under it, where it can cause lift
Wider fenders to accommodate 18 x 9-inch front wheels and 18 x 9.5-inch rear wheels that are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
The aluminum wheels, unique to the V-Series, are constructed of a low-mass forging that helps reduce un-sprung weight for greater agility and a more direct feel to steering inputs
The rocker moldings and rear spoiler are aero-optimized.
Available Carbon Fiber and Track packages take aero performance and mass optimization to higher levels. The Carbon Fiber package includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim and rear diffuser, along with composite rocker extensions and a taller, body-color rear spoiler. The Track package includes the components of the Carbon Fiber package, plus the Performance Data Recorder and a low-mass battery. It also deletes the standard floor mats and tire inflator kit to save weight.

“V-Series is the emotive core of the Cadillac brand and the apex of the Art and Science design philosophy,” said Smith. “A car offering a bold sense of arrival, serious performance, seamless integration of technology, and precision craftsmanship. The exposed carbon fiber components, for example, are book-matched on the centerline for a more precise, tailored appearance.”

Also, the lightweight forged aluminum wheels and brake calipers are offered in three finishes, allowing owners to personalize the presence of the ATS-V.

Performance-focused cabin
The aura of track-inspired precision carries over to the interior, where the design and relationship of key components are aimed squarely at performance-driving ergonomics.

“With the performance the new ATS-V is capable of delivering, the interior needs to be as functional as the other vehicles systems,” said Smith. “All of the contact points – the steering wheel, seats, shifter and pedals – are designed to make performance driving experiences direct and intuitive.”

New, available 16-way-adjustable RECARO performance front seats are the lynchpins for the driving experience, with aggressive, adjustable bolsters that help hold the driver and front passenger in place during high-load cornering. They’ve also got a luxury-performance feel, trimmed in Mulan leather with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks.

The rest of the interior features Cadillac’s handcrafted cut-and-sew elements, with decorative stitching and authentic materials, including carbon fiber. Three interior color combinations are offered: Jet Black, Jet Black with Saffron accents and Light Platinum with Jet Black accents.

The ATS-V also features a unique version of the 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts. It is also equipped with the latest connectivity technologies from Cadillac, including:

CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition
Text-to-voice that converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers
USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Performance Data Recorder is controlled via CUE’s color touch screen and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked.