Two new supercars have joined the Cadillac line-up in the Middle East with the unveiling of the CTS-V and ATS-V at a special event in Abu Dhabi this week.

The new luxury cars, which have already entered the market in US, represent the very best of the Cadillac brand. "The V-Series represents the pinnacle of our design, performance and technology,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president.

The "beastly" sports cars that roar on the tracks are equally at ease on roads and offer great comfort and state-of-the art features. The cars will be in showrooms across the Middle East by December.

The cars were put to test at the Cadillac V-Week at YasMarina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. While the contours of sophisticated cars were pleasing to the eyes, the raw power of the vehicles was awe-inspiring, as experts and guests negotiated the circuit.  

The 2016 CTS-V is the centerpiece of Cadillac’s growing product line and builds on the V-Series legacy. Leveraging on the strength of the CTS architecture, it delivers a luxury sedan with sophisticated road manners and unprecedented performance, with true track capability.

"It is the third generation of the acclaimed luxury sports sedan that has been redefined for a new generation of drivers that include the aspirational Millennials," said Felix Weller, regional director, sales and marketing at Cadillac.

Meanwhile, the first ATS-V – offered as a coupe and sedan – introduces class-leading twin-turbocharged power and a comprehensive suite of design and performance systems, expanding the ATS product line.

2016 CTS-V
The 2016 CTS-V introduces a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine SAE certified at 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 630 lb-ft of torque (855 Nm). It’s backed by Cadillac’s paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting.

The new CTS-V is capable of 0-96 kph performance in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 322 kph.

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.

The CTS’ structure is highly mass optimised and designed to meet higher performance requirements, with enhancements to the V-Series developed to respond to cornering and torque loads that go significantly beyond the levels experienced by the non-V models.

Building on the strengths of the award-winning ATS product line, the V-Series adds impressive track capability to what was already the lightest and most agile-driving car in the luxury compact class, he stated.

Other CTS-V highlights include:
• Standard carbon fiber hood and available carbon fiber hood vent, front splitter, rear spoiler and rear diffuser
• Brembo high-performance brake system
• Gen 3 Magnetic Ride Control with a 40-per cent faster damping response
• Selectable driving modes for touring, sport, snow and track
• Performance Traction Management includes segment-exclusive performance-spec traction and stability calibrations
• An interior with high-performance seats and ergonomics focused on performance driving
• Avilability of Performance Data Recorder
• Phone integration capability
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer-only tri-compound tyres offering excellent grip with extended tyre wear

ATS V
The ATS-V is powered by the first-ever twin-turbocharged engine in a V-Series. Rated at an SAE-certified 464 horsepower (346 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm), the engine is the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder and enables 0-96 kph performance in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 304 kph. It is backed by a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift.

"The Cadillac Twin Turbo engine supports comprehensively redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems developed to make the ATS-V one of the most agile, responsive and confident luxury performance cars on the market," stated Nadim Gharyeb, Cadillac's regional brand manager.

Other highlights of ATS-V:
• Offered with the all-new Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission
• Brembo high-performance brake system
• Gen 3 Magnetic Ride Control with a 40-per cent faster damping response
• Integrated chassis controls include class-exclusive Performance Traction Management
• Driver-selectable driving modes for touring, sport, track and snow
• Available downforce-generating track aerodynamics package mostly made of carbon fiber
• An interior with high-performance Recaro seats and ergonomics focused on the driver’s interfaces with key features for performance driving
* Performance Data Recorder
• Cadillac CUE connectivity, including Apple CarPlay capability
 
“As the smallest and lightest V-Series ever, the ATS-V forges a great connection with the driver, with exceptional nimbleness and responsiveness,” remarked David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer.

“It’s adaptable to the driver’s preferences, with every selectable mode developed to deliver the best performance for all types of driving scenarios, including the track,” he added.

The ATS-V sedan is priced Dh265,000 ($72,149); the ATS-V coupe Dh275,000 ($74,874); and the CTS-V will cost Dh315,000 ($85,764) in the regional markets.-TradeArabia News Service