Used 2019 Cadillac ATS-V

Think of the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe as the evil twin-turbocharged doppelganger of the standard ATS coupe. Building on the firm Alpha foundation of the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac engineers have infused the ATS-V with a twin-turbo 464-horsepower V6 engine and plenty of track-ready hardware. The recipe results in a high-performance coupe that matches or exceeds numbers put up by the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63, all while coming in at a lower price.

The Cadillac ATS-V truly is "track-ready," and much of our experience in this high-performance Cadillac coupe happened in just such a setting. With no speed limits, we tasted just what the ATS-V can do, and it’s very good at its limits.

With a 0-60-mph time of 3.8 seconds, the ATS-V is a hair quicker to 60 mph than a BMW M3. More significantly, the Cadillac’s ATS-V’s 8-speed automatic transmission is more refined than the BMW’s 7-speed twin-clutch.

The standard gearbox in this sporty Cadillac is a 6-speed manual that’s easy to shift and graced with a light clutch. A range of traction-control settings helps keep the ATS-V in check or lets you slide to your heart’s content, depending on your driving skill.

On regular roads, the ATS-V is noticeably stiffer than the standard ATS, but it’s by no means punishing. We recommend the Touring setting, which optimizes the magnetic-ride control for enhanced comfort.

The ATS-V Coupe has room for four, but the rear seat is cramped. Up front are two well-bolstered Recaro sport seats. The ATS-V’s infotainment and climate systems rely on a combination of touch-screen and touch-sensitive sliding controls. The latter can be touchy (no pun intended) in their operation.

At 10.4 cubic feet, the ATS-V’s trunk is on the small side. Also, there are some blind spots created by the compact greenhouse.

The ATS-V Coupe shares its angular and muscular profile with the standard Cadillac ATS Coupe, but it’s easy to spot the V. Look for the carbon-fiber hood, which has a prominent bulge and vent, and the quad exhausts in back. The ATS-V is also slightly wider and longer, with even more aggressive styling.

We like the V’s athletic stance, and find it more appealing than that of the upcoming Cadillac CT4-V. The Pedestal Edition of the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe looks especially good with its dark alloy wheels and Bronze Sand Metallic paint.

MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL
This system “reads” the road up to 1,000 times per second, then uses magnetic force to adjust the damping characteristics of the ATS-V’s shocks to deliver a supple ride on the highway and firmer but better controlled chassis on twisty roads. The system works like magic, and it’s much appreciated in a car that can hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 189 mph.

PERFORMANCE DATA RECORDER
Part gee-whiz technology, part track trainer, this optional system records video of your driving sessions plus data points such as speed, how many g’s you pulled in that turn and more. If you’re particularly proud of a run, you can even share it with friends.

The ATS-V Coupe is well-equipped out of the gate. Standard fare includes the 464-horsepower V6, a strengthened chassis, Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and high-performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Along with that go-fast hardware you’ll get a leather interior, 18-way-power front seats, a power-adjustable steering column and dual-zone climate control.

Apple Car Play and Android Auto also are standard, along with Wi-Fi capability, wireless smartphone charging and three USB ports. The Pedestal Edition has Recaro sport seats in black semi-aniline leather with micro-suede inserts in an attractive Light Wheat color.

Aside from the 8-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters, most major options for the Cadillac ATS-V are bundled into packages. The Luxury package includes navigation, split-folding rear seats, universal garage remote and high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights.

Another package bundles safety features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and more. If you’re fond of carbon fiber, you can add the light but strong material to the rear, front splitter and other portions of your ATS-V. A sunroof is available, along with a head-up display and an even higher-end Bose audio system.

The 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe uses a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 that generates an impressive 464 horsepower. This clearly is a high-performance rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports coupe, and it’s fitted with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic. An electronic limited-slip differential also is standard, as are high-performance Brembo brakes. Premium unleaded gasoline is recommended.

3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6
464 horsepower @ 5,850 rpm
445 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg (manual), 17/25 mpg (automatic)