2017 CADILLAC ATS-V

The Power of Persuasion  

What’s the best way to build a positive reputation? You design a vehicle that delivers on its promise and potential—one that speaks for itself through powerful performance and luxurious refinement. Enter the Cadillac ATS-V. Introduced for the 2016 model year, the ATS-V is the latest in Cadillac’s prestigious and prodigious V-Series performance line and America’s strong rebuttal to German dominance in the compact luxury sports car segment. The 2017 ATS-V carries over for the new year with a new Carbon Black package and all of its attitude intact.

Powertrains and Performance

Under the 2017 Cadillac ATS-V lurks a turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Fun fact: this is the first use of a twin-turbo in a V-Series Cadillac. As it turns out, it’s a great first outing for the engine. Power is impressive, and it’s delivered oh-so-smoothly with no lag—a common issue among turbocharged engines.

The 2017 ATS-V is available as a rear-wheel drive sedan or coupe. It’s available with a standard six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The manual is an excellent option for drivers looking for a more authentic experience. It also boasts a pretty neat secret: no-lift shifting. This allows you to keep your foot on the accelerator as you operate the clutch and gear shifter. With a bit of practice, this translates to quicker shifts.

While the 2017 Cadillac ATS-V boasts an athletic chassis and precise steering, what truly makes it such a pleasure to drive is its electronically adjustable Magnetic Ride Control suspension dampers. This nifty piece of technology allows the ATS-V to cruise comfortably all day in Touring mode, with a shift to Sport and Track modes a press of a button away if the opportunity presents itself.

Features and Trims

Deciding what ATS-V is right for you begins with your choice of body style. Do you go for the more practical five-passenger sedan ($60,695)?* Or do you leave practicality at the side of the road and opt for the four-passenger coupe ($62,895)?*

Whichever option you choose, both the ATS-V Sedan and ATS-V Coupe come in a single well-equipped trim.

Standard and standout features include a carbon-fiber hood, 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo® performance brakes, and Cadillac’s superb Magnetic Ride Control suspension dampers. Adding to the allure of the ATS-V is a limited-slip differential and adjustable driving modes.

Cadillac also packs in a number of desirable tech features as well. These include automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, remote ignition (automatic transmission models only), and keyless entry/ignition.

Not to be overlooked are additional tech features that will make your daily driving experience even better. OnStar® with 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot capability are standard, as are Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, a 5.7-inch color driver information display, and the latest version of the Cadillac user experience, which is bundled with an eight-inch central display. A Bose® audio system with seven speakers (sedan) or nine speakers (coupe) is also standard.

Seeing as how the ATS-V is a pure performance vehicle, you can rest assured knowing that a number of available performance packages exist for you to dabble with. These include a Carbon Fiber package, which adds additional carbon fiber elements to the exterior trim, and a Track Performance package, which includes the contents of the Carbon Fiber package and adds a navigation system, a performance data and video recorder, and other performance and weight-saving elements. 

New for 2017 is a Carbon Black package, which includes the content of the Carbon Fiber package as well as Recaro® seating, synthetic suede on the shifter and steering wheel, the exclusive V-Series black chrome-accented grille surround and rear fascia applique, and After Midnight dark finish wheels.

Design

In both sedan and coupe forms, the ATS-V demands attention. Its muscular frame and imposing profile make it a sight to behold, and it features a number of unique elements that help distinguish it from the standard ATS. Note that these elements aren’t there to add superficial bravado to the vehicle’s design, but actually add to the vehicle’s performance.

To help achieve the ATS-V’s incredible 50/50 weight balance, the hood is made from lightweight carbon fiber. You’ll also find an air extractor that helps dissipate heat from the engine bay. A front splitter, side body panels, and rear spoiler are also found—all of which help keep the ATS-V planted to the ground at high speeds.

The vehicle’s sporty yet luxurious character is also felt inside, where upscale materials, including carbon fiber accents and exposed stitching, can be seen throughout. If you really want to make a statement, we recommend the available two-tone upholstery, while the optional Recaro® sports seats are a must have for track-day enthusiasts.

Safety

Keeping you safe is something Cadillac takes very seriously, and it’s evident in the ATS-V’s standard safety features, which include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, and active front head restraints. The ATS-V also boasts front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags—all standard. Rounding out the list of standard features is OnStar®, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance, and turn-by-turn navigation.

A number of additional safety features can be added to your ATS-V via the available Safety and Security package, which adds lane-departure warning and intervention, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision alert.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been crying out for an American alternative to all the high-powered European sports cars, the 2017 Cadillac ATS-V is happy to answer your call. Not only does it deliver true track-day performance on-demand, it’s refined enough to live with as a daily driver. Indeed, the ATS-V takes the winning formula that has served the Germans so well for so long and expands upon it. If that doesn’t deserve praise, then we don’t know what does.

For more information, or to schedule your test drive, contact or visit us at MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup.

*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. 

Image Credit: Cadillac