10 Things You Need To Know About The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V

Cadillac's V Series family is growing - with a vengeance. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V is the first new member of the high performance line-up of hot rod Cadillac cars in a number of years, and not only does it deliver sizzling power and dazzling speed but it also comes with the kind of handling that places it at the top of a very elite class. Move over, BMW M3/M4, Audi RS 5, and Mercedes-AMG C63 - there's a new sheriff in town, and it hails from Detroit, not Europe.

Let's take a look at 10 things you need to know about the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V.

1. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Features A Baked-In Aero Advantage

The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V is available in both coupe and sedan editions, just like the standard ATS, and they both feature a number of unique aerodynamic enhancements that help set them apart from the base model. Most noticeable are the car's front and rear splitters, which jut out from underneath each bumper (paired with a set of Gurney flaps at the leading edge), the trunk spoiler, and the cutout in the car's carbon fiber hood, which prevents air (and consequently, lift) from building up in the engine bay. Harder to detect is the increased surface area of the car's front grille (for better cooling), and the wide-body flares over each of the ATS-V's four wheels. The end result is a car that offers 150 lbs more downforce over the front wheels while checking in at 500 lbs less than the previous-generation CTS-V that it in many ways replaces.

2. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Comes With An All-New Engine

Although we've all grown accustomed to the V-8 rumble of Cadillac's V-Series, the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V takes things in a new, high-tech direction with its power plant. The Cadillac ATS-V is motivated by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that makes use of twin turbochargers to generate a hefty 464 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. The motor also makes use of variable valve timing along with direct fuel injection, transforming it into the most advanced V Series motor that we've seen to date - and one that out-muscles the BMW M3 on paper.

3. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Offers Two Transmission Choices

Helping to harness the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V's impressive engine output are a pair of transmission choices. Traditionalists can stick with the car's six-speed manual gearbox, which offers an automatic rev-match feature that blips the throttle every time you downshift (don't worry, if you don't like it, you can turn it off). For those seeking a more relaxing time behind the wheel of the Cadillac ATS-V, there's the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters attached to the steering wheel allow for manual control over shift changes with the automatic unit.

4. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Debuts Performance Traction Management

One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V's high performance package is its Performance Traction Management system. Called PTM for short, the system offers five different levels of stability control and traction control intervention, ranging from a 'wet' mode intended to tackle slick pavement to an all-out 'race' mode where you're completely on your own in keeping the Cadillac ATS-V pointed in the right direction. Both manual and automatic editions of the car incorporate PTM's launch control feature, which ensures repeatable, and ultra-rapid digs off of the line.

5. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Is Incredibly Quick

Just how fast is the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V? With launch control engaged, the automatic-equipped car can erupt to 60-mph from a standing start in just 3.9 seconds, which is a full second faster than the original CTS-V that introduced the V-Series to the world just over a decade ago. Manual cars are a few tenths slower, but the numbers are still impressive across the board. Top seed for the Cadillac ATS-V is a mind-blowing 189 miles per hour, which helps to explain why so much engineering effort when into the car's aerodynamic stability.

6. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Provides Standard Magnetic Ride Control

The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V isn't just about going fast in a straight line. In addition to a chassis that has been stiffened by 25 percent compared to the standard ATS, the Cadillac ATS-V also features GM's Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension system. The latest iteration of this feature offers the ability to adjust suspension stiffness significantly quicker than ever before, and is in fact a twin to the version of Magnetic Ride Control offered with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Even better: this adaptive suspension setup is standard with all ATS-V models.

7. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V's Performance Data Recorder Captures All The Action

If you plan to be a track day hero with the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V, then you'll want to be sure to order its optional Performance Data Recorder. The Performance Data Recorder, or PDR, incorporates a high definition video camera at the top of the windshield along with the ability to keep track of throttle and brake inputs, lap times, a GPS-linked track map, g forces, steering inputs, and vehicle and engine speed. You can customize which data you want recorded out on the track, and how you want it overlaid on the Cadillac ATS-V's LCD screen. Data can also be exported to an SD card and viewed on a computer for further analysis.

8. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Offers Several Intriguing Options Packages

There are many ways to boost the MSRP of the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V while also adding additional luxury or performance features. The Carbon Fiber package removes all of the Cadillac ATS-V's impressive aero equipment and replaces it with carbon fiber equivalents, while the Track Performance package includes the Carbon Fiber package but also adds the Performance Data Recorder, a lighter battery, and deletes the car's floor mats front and rear. The Luxury package installs a navigation system, alloy pedals, and HID headlights, while a sunroof, Recaro sport seats, a head-up display, and a different set of polished wheels are all available as stand-alone options.

9. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Loads Up On Advanced Safety Equipment

One more group of options that can be added to the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V is the Safety and Security package, which includes features such as additional side impact airbags at the rear, a forward collision warning system, a blind spot monitoring system, a lane departure warning system, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. The latter vibrates the seat cushion to indicate which direction an unseen vehicle or dangerous situation is approaching from. This is on top of the eight standard airbags that come with the ATS-V, along with the previously-mentioned PTM electronic traction and stability control system.

10. The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Undercuts Its German Rivals

The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V's starting price is listed at $61,460 for sedan models, with the ATS-V coupe checking in at $63,660. This makes the Cadillac ATS-V somewhat of a bargain compared to the slightly-more expensive BMW M3 (MSRP $62,000) and BMW M4 (MSRP $64,200) that are its direct competitors - especially when taking into account that the Cadillac is more powerful and offers a higher level of standard equipment. The gap extends to a greater degree when taking into account the $70,900 price tag of the Audi RS 5 coupe, and even the AMG C63 sedan from Mercedes-Benz (MSRP $63,900) steps over the ATS-V's line in the sand when it comes to price.