A Historic Debut for the Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh

This year’s event marks a historic milestone for both Goodwood and the sport of endurance racing, as Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA’s 2025 Hypercar makes its European debut at Goodwood following its first race in Qatar earlier in February. As part of the world-class line-up for the weekend, the Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh will be piloted by the highly talented Will Stevens and Alex Lynn. The duo will take on the fast, flowing layout of the Goodwood Motor Circuit, creating an audible feast of motorsport for spectators, as the hypercar’s raw power echoes through the venue.

For motorsport enthusiasts, this will be the first time in decades that a top-tier Hypercar from the World Endurance Championship will have raced around the Motor Circuit since it closed in the 1960s. The excitement surrounding this event is palpable, especially as Goodwood’s Road Racing Club Members and their guests are treated to an unforgettable motorsport experience.

Celebrating JOTA Sport’s Milestones

2025 is a year of new beginnings and significant celebrations for JOTA Sport, the number one British team competing in the WEC. Not only is the team joining forces with American automotive powerhouse Cadillac, but JOTA Sport is also marking its 25th anniversary and 20 years of competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. To commemorate these remarkable achievements, the team will be showcasing some of its most iconic cars at the Members’ Meeting, including Le Mans class winners and the Hertz Team JOTA Porsche 963 LMDh, which competed in the 2024 edition of the legendary race.

These historic machines will be on display in the paddocks, allowing fans to marvel at the engineering excellence that has driven JOTA Sport to the pinnacle of endurance racing. And, while the cars will ultimately make their way to the Silverstone Museum, the 82nd Members’ Meeting will be their first stop.

A Word from the Team’s Key Figures

David Clark, Co-Founder and Director of Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, shared his excitement for the event: “I have such affection for Goodwood and a strong personal history there, so it’s always a special joy for me when JOTA does anything at Goodwood. This year is such a special one for the entire team at JOTA Group. Having our Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R LMDh make its premiere on UK soil at such an iconic location, in front of what will be a brilliant crowd, is an enormous honour. I have no doubt that it will be one of the highlights of our 25th anniversary celebration.”

The Duke of Richmond CBE DL, the driving force behind the Goodwood Estate, also expressed his delight at this historic occasion: “We have a lot of fun at the Members’ Meeting, showcasing the breadth of motorsport. I’m delighted that our guests will see the Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R LMDh in action – the first time a current car from the highest level of sportscar racing will have lapped the Motor Circuit since it closed in the sixties.”

A Weekend of Motorsport Excellence

In addition to the Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh demonstration, the 82nd Members’ Meeting will feature an action-packed agenda, including the previously announced GT3 Shoot-Out and all-sustainable fuel race list. This includes the much-anticipated Win Percy Trophy, ensuring that motorsport fans can look forward to a weekend full of thrilling races, historic cars, and unforgettable moments.

For those eager to experience all that the 2025 motorsport season has to offer, now is the time to join the Goodwood Road Racing Club. Membership not only guarantees access to the 82nd Members’ Meeting but also unlocks a host of exclusive benefits for the entire motorsport calendar, ensuring that fans stay at the heart of the action all year round.

As the first daffodils begin to bloom and anticipation grows, the 82nd Members’ Meeting promises to be an unmissable event, one that celebrates the passion, history, and future of motorsport in one unforgettable weekend.

Join the GRRC Today
To secure tickets to the 2025 motorsport season opener at Goodwood, and to enjoy a wealth of year-round benefits, become a member of the Goodwood Road Racing Club. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this iconic celebration of motorsport.

Breaking new ground for CALLUM and the industry, SKYE occupies a distinctive space in the automotive landscape. Distinguished from counterparts in the compact multi-terrain vehicle segment, occupants are fully enclosed in a comfortable, refined cabin environment with a purposeful 2+2 layout. Its sophisticated design language results in a commanding yet elegant sculpted form, focused on its rugged practical capabilities and off-road prowess.

“At four metres long, the CALLUM SKYE is dramatically proportioned with a concise exterior aesthetic driven by its capabilities. It has been designed to exceed expectations: minimal mass, maximum capability – exceptionally usable and an absolute joy to drive,” explains Ian Callum, head of design at CALLUM.

“The exterior features a striking accent loop, intersected by a strong horizontal structure, flanked by organic forms front and rear. It is pared down to a level of necessity and understatement. At the heart of its story is its performance, style and capability, and a design integral to the engineering elements. For example, the lower section of the doors have beautifully integrated glass, offering outstanding visibility in all conditions. I believe the SKYE is truly authentic – unique in concept and presence in the market.”

Meticulously designed and engineered to be exhilarating and rewarding on-road, the all-electric, all-wheel-drive CALLUM SKYE is exceedingly capable off-road, underpinned by a durable technical specification at its core. Measuring 4,047mm in length and 1,900mm in width, SKYE uses a rugged space frame chassis with trail-capable suspension that delivers appropriate ground clearance as well as comfort and compliance across diverse terrains. Its 42kWh lithium-ion battery endows it with an anticipated range of 170 miles, with customers able to specify an advanced, ultra-fast charging battery capable of a remarkable empty-to-full charge in under ten minutes. With a target dry weight of 1,150kg and impeccably balanced 50/50 weight distribution, the CALLUM SKYE is expected to accelerate 0-60mph in under four seconds.

Adam Donfrancesco, head of engineering at CALLUM, says: “We set an uncompromisingly high bar with our functional targets for the CALLUM SKYE, creating a compelling, unique, versatile and durable vehicle. Throughout the development journey, we have held steadfast to the principals of simplicity and integrity, ensuring the CALLUM SKYE conquers the rigorous demands of a variety of off-road terrains, while still delivering the ride comfort and handling that transforms winding country roads into captivating experiences for both the driver and passengers.”

Whether journeying on meandering roads, grassy paddocks, crisp gravel tracks, pristine sand or snow-clad landscapes, it’s ready for its next adventure. With its fully enclosed cabin, there’s no need for specialist or protective attire to drive it; CALLUM’s mission is to offer unfettered fun and enjoyment without mess or hassle. Significantly quieter than ICE equivalents, it is poised to capture attention while leaving nothing but tread tracks behind.

CALLUM SKYE is undergoing diligent engineering refinement and rigorous testing in the UK and Europe ahead of releasing details of definitive specifications and curated variants, each finely tailored for focused on- or off-road use, in spring 2024.

David Fairbairn, managing director at CALLUM, adds: “The CALLUM SKYE addresses a void in the market, endowing discerning owners with a bold, beautifully-engineered off-road vehicle that beckons to be enjoyed, giving a sense of fun, freedom and escapism. It’s an exceptionally capable vehicle with the refinement of boutique craftsmanship. And with its battery options, our ambition is for the CALLUM SKYE to make a big impression on the industry, while ensuring it doesn’t have a negative environmental impact.”

Straight from the factory, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the automaker’s most powerful production car ever. Under its hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter small-block LT4 V8 engine rated at 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. Offered with a 6-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic, both variants sprint to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and boast a top speed of over 205 mph.

Hennessey’s engineering team, which has been ‘making fast cars faster’ for over 32 years, meticulously upgrades the stock Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing to supercar power levels. First, its LT4 receives ported cylinder heads, enhanced intake and exhaust valves, improved lifters and pushrods, oversized heat exchangers, and long-tube stainless steel headers. Then GM’s small block is fitted with a high-flow supercharger, replacing the factory unit. Lastly, Hennessey’s engineers upload Hennessey Engine Management Calibration (HEMC) for its new mission.

The result is a dyno-proven 1,000 bhp and 966 lb-ft torque. That immense power shaves a full second off the 0-60 mph sprint, drops the ¼ mile run to 10.1 seconds, and pushes the top speed to well above 200 mph.

John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: “Cadillac’s CT5-V Blackwing, fitted with GM’s supercharged LT4, was a natural candidate for our EXORCIST upgrade as it improves power considerably without affecting drivability. Resurrected as an ‘H1000’, the four-door Cadillac is the fastest combustion-only luxury sedan on the planet. It is a rare high-water mark in a segment that will vanish by the decade’s end.”

Hennessey’s prodigious power upgrade complements Cadillac’s performance enhancements, including adaptive Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, and configurable driving modes for every situation. An integrated data recorder logs performance both on- and off-track.

The ‘H1000’ upgrade is backed by Hennessey’s comprehensive 2-year / 24,000-mile limited warranty. The upgrade only applies to the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (not the standard Cadillac CT5-V, fitted with a V6). Production of the new Hennessey ‘H1000’ Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will begin in August 2023. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Hennessey directly through HennesseyPerformance.com; or by calling +1 979.885.1300.

Hennessey’s engineering team fits GM’s popular 6.2-liter V8 (L87 EcoTec3) with a robust 2.9-liter supercharger, high-flow intake system, high-flow intercooler, and a crankcase ventilation system. In addition, Chromoly pushrods are installed, and the engine management software is updated with HPE engine management calibration. Lastly, a stainless steel cat-back exhaust system (retaining stock exhaust tips) is installed to improve performance and soundtrack. The result is a dyno-proven 650 bhp and 658 lb-ft of torque.

During development, the ‘Hennessey Supercharged H650 Escalade’ – enhanced with an additional 230 horsepower – achieved 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 5.3 seconds. That was quick enough to leave the stock Cadillac Escalade, with its slower 6.1-second dash, in the rearview mirror. Likewise, the quarter mile run falls in just 13.5 seconds – a full second quicker than stock. Accompanying the increased power is a more robust full-throttle exhaust note, which perfectly complements the SUV’s enhanced performance.

Hennessey’s ‘H650’ upgrade fits a range of GM SUVs equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 – irrespective of trim level. These vehicles include the model year 2021 and onward Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL.

John Hennessey, company Founder and CEO: “Our team is very excited about this supercharging development for GM’s 6.2-liter V8, as it offers a huge audience of GM SUV owners the ability to bump power by an impressive 230 horsepower – that’s a 55 percent increase in power. Additionally, the improved torque increases drivability at all speeds and enhances towing. The H650 upgrade literally transforms sedate family SUVs into performance vehicles.”  

Although the performance of the 6.2-liter V8 is altered, Hennessey’s engineers retain all the legendary ride and drivability of the stock SUVs, leaving suspension modes, drive modes, and all-wheel drive modes unaltered. The Texas team’s production and the testing program includes a final performance assessment on the dyno and out on the open road.

Each upgraded ‘H650’ is fitted with a serial-numbered engine plaque. In addition, all vehicles are backed by Hennessey’s comprehensive 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty. The total cost for the upgrade is $27,950 – excluding the base GM SUV. Orders may be placed for international shipping through authorized GM retailers or Hennessey directly by calling +1 979.885.1300 or visiting HennesseyPerformance.com.

Specifications: Hennessey Supercharged H650 Escalade / Suburban / Tahoe / Yukon

Package prices and contents are subject to change. Contact Hennessey Performance for details.

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

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.

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 with proportions that convey the driving experience and the lightweight construction underneath the surface. There is 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.”

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 stop and start 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 allows further 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.

TECHNOLOGY — Advanced technology systems add luxury, safety

The first-ever XT5 includes Cadillac’s latest production systems for 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.

O’Connell (Flowery Branch, Ga.), starting from pole position for the second race in a row, was able to get a good standing start in his No. 3 Cadillac ATS-V.R and lead the caution free 50-minute race from flag-to-flag. With his results this weekend, and some of his points protagonist not running as well, O’Connell leaves Salt Lake City second in the GT points battle. More intrigue will play out in one week at Sonoma Raceway when the points leader, Ryan Dalziel, will not run.

“This was a great points weekend,” O’Connell said. “We had a good car yesterday, but the guys at Cadillac Racing improved it even more and just made it a little easier to drive today. James Davison was all over me in his Nissan. He even tried flashing his lights at me late in the race, I just ignore that stuff. He is a great young talent.

“We are a fourth quarter team. We are going away from this weekend second in the points. Two good wins and a lot of points going into Sonoma in one week.”

Teammate Pilgrim (Boca Raton, Fla.) started fourth and posted his best weekend of the year behind the wheel of the No. 8 Cadillac ATS-V.R.

“I had a pretty good start, I got some slight wheel spin but was able to get to Turn One in third,” Pilgrim said. “The Porsche is a very good braking car. My Cadillac went loose pretty early in the race. I couldn’t do much about the Porsche and the Bentley. I was then able to find a good pace for the ATS-V.R and was able to run a good race finishing in fifth. The crew did a great job all weekend and we come away with two good finishes.”

The Pirelli World Challenge Series race from Miller Motorsport Park will be televised on CBS Sports Network Sunday, August 30, 4 p.m. ET.

The series will travel to wine country for the Sonoma Grand Prix for a double race schedule in just one week, Aug. 28-30.

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-V racing 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.

Picking the South African Car of the Year must have been difficult enough. Picking the World Car must be even more difficult.

The journey on The Road to the World Car is coming to an end in just a few days from now, so watch this space! Any guesses?

The 2015 World Car Awards prize-giving ceremony will be announced on Thursday, April 2 after the press days of the New York International Auto Show starting on Wednesday. Winners of the 2015 World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year will all be declared at this time.

A jury of seventy-five distinguished international automotive journalists selected the following finalists in the World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car and World Performance Car categories by secret ballot based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work.

The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the jurors’ ballots and announced the finalists today.

The 2015 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following TEN finalists listed in alphabetical order:

• BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
• Citroën C4 Cactus
• Ford Mustang
• Hyundai Genesis
• Jeep Renegade
• Mazda2
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• MINI 5 door / MINI 4 door Hard Top
• Nissan Qashqai
• Volkswagen Passat

The 2015 World Luxury Car will be chosen from one of these top ten finalists:

• BMW i8
• BMW X6
• Cadillac ATS Coupe
• Cadillac Escalade/ESV
• Kia K900
• Lexus NX
• Lexus RC
• Lincoln MKC
• Mercedes-Benz S Coupe
• Range Rover Autobiography Black LWB

The 2015 World Performance Car top ten finalists are:

• Audi S1
• Audi S3
• Audi TT / TTS
• Bentley Continental GT Speed
• BMWM4 Coupe/M3 Sedan
• Corvette Z06
• Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
• Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupe
• Lexus RC-F
• Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

The 2015 World Green Car category is handled differently. Five experts in “green” technology were appointed by the World Car Awards Steering Committee to extensively review all documentation and specs associated with each candidate on the list of nominees. The experts then create a short-list of finalists for review by the 75 jurors in their second round of voting this month.

The 2015 World Green Car finalists are:

• BMW i8
• Hyundai x35/Tucson Fuel Cell
• Kia Soul EV
• Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine
• Volkswagen Golf GTE

Cars eligible for the 2015 World Car Design of the Year award are taken from the list of World Car candidates or may be included as a stand-alone entry provided the vehicle is available in quantities of at least 10 in one major market during the period beginning January 1, 2014 and ending May 31, 2015. Candidates may be pre-production or all-new production.

The 2015 World Car Design of the Year award finalists are:

• BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
• Citroën C4 Cactus
• Mercedes C-Class
• Porsche Macan
• Volvo XC90

The Road to the World Car began in Paris on October 2, followed by a stop in Los Angeles for a test-drive of the North American contenders in November, and continues with the finalists’ announcement. The next stop is at the Geneva International Auto Show on Tuesday, March 3 when the top three finalists in all categories will be announced. The journey ends at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, April 2nd, 2015 when all winners are declared.

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-V racing 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.

2016 CADILLAC CTS-V PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Pricing starts at $38,990, including destination charge

DETROIT – For the 2015 ATS Coupe, Cadillac engineers and designers made a number of changes from the award-winning ATS Sedan to deliver the performance and styling traits luxury coupe buyers expect. When the ATS Coupe goes on sale at the end of this summer, it will start at $38,990, including a $995 destination charge.

To create a more personal expression of the brand’s compact luxury car, the 2015 ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch wheelbase as the sedan, but features its own bodywork, longer vehicle length, lower height and wider front/rear tracks.

The roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid are unique to the Coupe, along with a specific front fascia and front fenders to accommodate the wider track. 18-inch wheels are standard on the Coupe.

“All of the surface development unique to the ATS Coupe was done with aerodynamics in mind,” said David Masch, ATS chief engineer. “We are able to achieve lift and downforce requirements to insure, at top speed, we retain handling without having to add a rear spoiler.”

The Coupe has an aggressive stance, with wider front/rear tracks and a lower roofline than the sedan. At 60.3 inches front and 61.7 inches rear, the two-door has a 0.8-inch wider track. Overall vehicle height is 1.1 inches lower than the Sedan. The wider stance and lower roofline provide the proportions coupe customers want.

“The wider track also helps improve steering precision and direct response,” said Cadillac Executive Chief Engineer David Leone. “The lower roof contributes to a lower center of gravity height, which also reduces roll and improves steering response.”

The 2015 ATS Coupe is also 0.8 inches longer than the sedan; although it rides on an identical wheelbase. The extra overall length helps to further enhance the ATS Coupe’s dynamic appearance, resulting in a swept-back look to the front and rear end appearances.

The Cadillac ATS Coupe is intended to be a more personal addition to the award-winning ATS product line. Designed to be lighter, more agile and more engaging than its competitors, it extends Cadillac’s product-driven growth and the brand’s tradition of dynamic luxury Coupes. The 2015 ATS Coupe goes on sale this summer, offering drivers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the power from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6L six-cylinder.

The unmistakable Cadillac Crest has a heritage of evolution, marking new eras. Cadillac’s product and design advances are moving the brand forward. The Cadillac Crest evolves now to reflect this growth, just as it has for more than 111 years.

Sleeker and streamlined, the revised Crest first appeared on the Elmiraj concept in 2013.

“The Crest remains a consistent symbol of Cadillac and our core values,” said Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive design director. “This new Crest matches the lower, longer, leaner mantra of our current car designs, and reflects the evolution of our Art and Science philosophy.”

Accompanied over the years by a crown, chevron or laurel wreath, the Crest has been the central aspect of Cadillac heraldry throughout the brand’s history. It was last revised in 1999.

The latest update sharpens the focus on the Crest. Cadillac’s characteristic script lettering remains.

“Our goal was to evolve the emblem design to integrate with the new vehicle form while maintaining the core graphic elements that preserve its strong brand recognition,” Smith said. “This resulted in retaining the iconic ‘crest’ shape and color palette with geometric grid from the original Cadillac family ‘coat of arms.’”

The update to the Crest occurs amid significant growth for the brand. Cadillac is the fastest-growing full-line luxury auto brand, building on a 22-percent sales increase in the U.S. in 2013.

This month marks the U.S. debut of the ELR, an electrified luxury coupe featuring 340 miles of driving range. Later in 2014, Cadillac will launch the next-generation Escalade luxury SUV and the 2015 ATS Coupe.

Cadillac’s first compact luxury Coupe, infused with ATS sedan’s agility

• 2.0L Turbo model is segment’s lightest, with increased torque for faster acceleration
• Launching in summer 2014, continuing Cadillac’s ongoing expansion

DETROIT – Cadillac today introduced the all-new 2015 ATS Coupe, a quicker and more personal addition to the award-winning ATS product line. Designed to be lighter, more agile and more engaging than its competitors, it extends Cadillac’s product-driven growth and the brand’s tradition of dynamic luxury Coupes.

Cadillac’s first-ever compact luxury Coupe goes on sale this summer, offering drivers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the power from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6L six-cylinder. In all combinations, ATS Coupe takes advantage of its lightweight and strong structure to deliver exhilarating performance with efficiency, with a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio.

“The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is a natural step in the brand’s progression, and another fun-to-drive and technologically advanced product for a new generation of drivers extending our target groups,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac. “It is an exclusively distinctive American alternative, unique in its class, yet delivering a sporty and sophisticated driving experience rivaling the world’s best.”

Like the sedan, the ATS Coupe’s driving dynamics are rooted in mass efficiency, which helps make it one of Cadillac’s lightest and most agile models ever – and the lightest car in the compact luxury Coupe segment. The 2.0L Turbo engine is upgraded from the current ATS sport sedan to deliver nearly 14 percent more torque, taking it to 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). This gives the standard ATS Coupe an advantage in power and weight over similarly equipped Coupes such as the BMW 428i.

Greater torque means greater pulling power, for a greater feeling of responsiveness at low speeds, and helps the ATS Coupe achieve an estimated 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds.

“More power with less weight is always a better combination for performance, and the ATS Coupe offers one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the segment, making it feel lighter, more direct and responsive,” said David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “Engineers vetted the ATS’s performance on the track, and the Coupe benefits from that exhaustive validation – all matched with Cadillac’s trademark refinement.”

Elements that contribute to the ATS Coupe’s balanced performance and responsive characteristics include:

• Nearly perfect 50/50 weight balance and low center of gravity
• Five-link independent rear suspension featuring lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
• A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
• Underbody aerodynamic shields
• Premium, belt-driven electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
• Brembo front brakes
• Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels
• Available all-wheel drive.

A driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension is available and includes Magnetic Ride Control, a mechanical limited-slip differential, high-capacity engine cooling system and 18-inch summer-performance tires. Magnetic Ride Control is a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control. It “reads” the road and can change damping every millisecond.

Design details

The 2015 ATS Coupe rides on the same 109.3-inch (2,775 mm) wheelbase as the sedan, but features its own bodywork. The roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid are unique to the Coupe, along with a specific front fascia and front fenders that accommodate a wider track than the sedan. It is also the first production model to wear Cadillac’s revised crest.

The Coupe also has an aggressive stance, with wider front/rear tracks than the sedan, enhanced by short overhangs and sheet metal that wrap tautly around the tires. Standard 18-inch wheels are exclusive to the Coupe.

Bold lighting elements are a Cadillac signature feature and the ATS Coupe advances that tradition with available light-emitting diode, or LED, headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting. Base models feature projector-beam headlamps, while high-intensity-discharge headlamps and front vertical LED light signatures are included on all but the standard model. Illuminating outside door handles on Performance and Premium collections lend technologically advanced style and function to the distinctive Coupe. All models feature LED taillamps and rear-center stop lamp.

The ATS Coupe also includes capless fueling.

Inside, the sedan’s driver-focused cabin carries over to the Coupe, featuring handcrafted cut-and-sewn upholstered interior combinations, decorative stitching and authentic materials, including leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and wood, intended to enhance the emotional connection to the driving experience.

Choices of many interior color themes, each with unique accent trim materials, ranging from light, open and warm to dark and serious, to bold technical and sporty.

Available interior features include:

• OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• Bluetooth phone and audio 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
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription
• Reconfigurable 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display
• Full-color reconfigurable head-up display.

A Bose ® premium audio system with Active Noise Cancelation technology is standard on all models and includes electronic sound enhancement on models equipped with the available premium surround sound audio system. Exclusive to ATS Coupe and differing from other manufacturers’ systems that pipe recorded engine sounds through the audio system; Cadillac’s system enhances only the car’s authentic powertrain sounds to enhance the performance experience.

The 12-speaker surround sound upgrade is available on Standard and Luxury, and it is included with Performance and Premium collections. It includes Bose Audio Pilot, which continuously monitors ambient sounds and adjusts the music volume and program content to make the most of the listening experience.

Additionally, a navigation system is available on Luxury and Performance collections, and it is standard with the Premium Collection.

Enhanced Cadillac CUE leads technologies

Cadillac CUE is the centerpiece of the ATS Coupe’s comprehensive collection of technologies designed to enhance the driving experience and complement customers’ increasingly connected lifestyles. It is available on base models and standard on Luxury, Performance and Premium collections, with enhanced connectivity and convenience for 2015, including a new Text-to-Voice feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.) and Sire Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users to enhance connectivity and convenience. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity – and helps keep the driver’s hands on the wheel.

The heart of CUE is the eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, integrated into the top of the central instrument panel and featuring a motorized, fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area. CUE’s vibrant liquid crystal display, or LCD, screen resembles a smartphone screen with large, easy-to-target icons to execute commands.

Complementing CUE is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, featuring a new built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to seven devices at once. The new 4G LTE connection can also be used to power CUE Collection, a new in-car app marketplace coming to Cadillac vehicles this year.

Additional technologies that make life with the ATS Coupe more convenient include the capability to remotely start the engine or lower the windows with the key fob or the owner’s smartphone. EZ Key passive entry and push-button starting is standard, too, so the key never needs to leave the driver’s pocket or purse.

Power-dense powertrains

The engine lineup includes a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and available 3.6L V-6. The award-winning 2.0L Turbo is rated at 272 horsepower (203 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The award-winning 3.6L V-6 is rated at 321 horsepower (239 kW) and 275 lb-ft of torque (373 Nm).

At 136hp/L, the 2.0L Turbo is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 5400 rpm and the full 295 lb-ft of peak torque (400 Nm) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. The broad torque band is supported by boost levels as high as 18 psi (1.26 bar) in the speed range, which is designed to give the lightweight ATS Coupe an exhilarating feeling of immediate power on demand.

Both engines feature direct injection and dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing, which help optimize power and efficiency, as well as reduce emissions. And each is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6L45 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control. A six-speed manual is also available with the 2.0L Turbo.

Advanced safety features

ATS Coupe delivers the same safety technologies found in the ATS Sedan. Additionally, Cadillac provides available advanced safety based on Cadillac’s “control and alert” strategy, which employs up to two cameras, eight ultrasonic sensors and six radar signals to help prevent crashes.

The safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and can even help the driver avert potential crashes. In certain situations, Cadillac’s advanced crash-avoidance systems, such as automatic braking, can pre-fill and automatically apply braking in response to potential hazards.

Among the most sophisticated of the features is Fr ont and Rear Automatic Braking. It relies on radar, camera and ultrasonic technology to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.

Many of the advanced safety features are bundled in the Driver Awareness and Driver Assist Packages. The Driver Awareness package is available on Luxury and included in Performance and Premium Collections. It includes:

• Safety Alert Seat
• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist – new to Cadillac for 2015
• Intellibeam ® high-beam control
• Front and rear park assist
• Rear-vision camera with dynamic guidelines.

The Driver Assist package is available on Performance and Premium collections and includes all of the Driver Awareness package content, plus:

• Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic Collision Preparation
• Motorized safety belts
• Electronic Park Brake
• Front and Rear Automatic Braking
• Enhanced Side Blind Zone Alert – new to Cadillac for 2015
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Full-color head-up display.

The advanced technologies complement other ATS safety features, including eight standard air bags, safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with full-function traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, patented rotor coating protection and auto-dry functionality.