The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Tex. is the home of non-stop high-velocity driving. The 3.41-mile Formula 1 track not only hosts the single Grand Prix race in the United States, but is also the venue for media drives for speed machines like AMG and M vehicles. So I made my fifth visit to COTA to put the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V through its paces. Does Cadillac’s V-Series deserve to be run on this notorious high-performance track? Absolutely.
During my brief visit to the artsy and eclectic capital of Texas, I was able to evaluate the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V’s polite mannerisms on normal, pedestrian roads—and also unleash the beast and its high-output 3.6-liter Twin Turbo V6 with 464-horsepower and 445 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with either a 6-speed manual with Active Rev Matching, No-Lift Shift and Launch Control, or the 8-speed automatic paddle-shifting transmission featuring Launch Control and Performance Algorithm Shift (my choice), the dual-purpose luxury performer strengthens Cadillac’s street credentials with a 3.9-second 0-to-60 mph time and a top speed of 189 mph.
To begin the wet and damp Austin day, my drive partner, the irreverent Dan Neil of the Wall Street Journal, and I jumped in a $73,730 ($61,460 base including $995 destination) Red Obsession Tintcoat ($995) ATS-V Sedan with a Jet Black interior highlighted by ultra-sporty Recaro racing seats ($2,300), carbon fiber trim, a Bose surround sounds system with Active Noise Cancellation, wireless charging, embedded Wi-Fi and the 8-inch Cadillac CUE multimedia system (included in the $2,500 Luxury Package). Not one of my favorite features, I prefer a central controller infotainment cluster to touchscreen haptic systems.
Driving around town was pleasant and relaxing. You can say the ATS-V has the qualities of both a sprinter and a long distance runner. This is partly due to the configurable drive selector with touring, sport and track modes and a 5-mode Performance Traction Management system with Launch Control. Touring mode is the marathoner, while track mode is all about Usain-Bolt-esque fierceness, fluidness and flair.
Aero and Down Force
When we arrived to COTA, the grounds were still a bit damp from an early morning rain, but very manageable. The 20-turn, counterclockwise circuit sits atop 1,500 acres of hills not far from downtown “keep it weird” Austin. In theory, the ATS-V was aesthetically designed and intellectually engineered for these moments. Every element was implemented for improved cooling performance, better aero or increased down-force. For example there is 50 percent more grille area on the V than the base ATS so air outlets can cool down those ponies. The carbon fiber hood is embedded with air extractors that help reduce lift, cool the engine and manage the vehicle’s airflow. Carbon fiber gurney lips on the front fenders help deflect air around the Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires, which ultimately help reduce aerodynamic drag. The rear of the V is equipped with a spoiler that is 30 millimeters taller to keep the Cadillac planted at high speeds and a carbon fiber rear diffuser assists with channeling air and houses the quad exhaust tips.
I also enjoyed the onboard Performance Data Recorder, which combines a front-mounted camera, data from the car’s computer and GPS. Whether it’s your track antics, or daily commute, you can record the ATS-V’s performance and share it via social media.
See ATS 2016 Cars and Trucks Cadillac for sale on eBay.
