2016 Cadillac ATS-V Spy Photographs: No Camo, Lots of Energy

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We catch the twin-turbo beast sans camouflage.

• KGP PHOTOGRAPHY AND


• MICHAEL SIMARI

What It Is: With the CTS possessing moved up a notch in size and value and no longer straddling the middle ground between compact and mid-size luxury automobiles, the upcoming CTS-V will no longer do battle with the conventional sports-sedan and -coupe bogeys, BMW’s M3 and its newly rechristened M4 sibling. That is now left to the ATS observed right here, uncovered and powered by a version of the CTS Vsport’s stout twin-turbo V-6.

Why It Matters: If you are a luxury manufacturer playing in the fiercely competitive reduced finish of the spectrum, BMW’s 3-series has been your historic bugaboo. Matters get worse with all-out zoot penciled into the equation, as BMW has traditionally had that on lockdown with its M cars. Cadillac is aiming squarely for the latter, however, with the ATS-V, and there’s space for a takedown. Despite the BMW’s healthy 3.7-to-60 and 12-second quarter-mile numbers (with an automatic), we lamented the artificiality of the M4. Given that the regular ATS feels far more enjoyably carlike and gives greater handling than the workaday 4-series, if the V holds the very same tack, issues could get extremely intriguing certainly.

Platform: Constructed on GM’s rear-drive Alpha platform, a stretched version of which underpins the CTS and will serve as the basis for the subsequent Camaro, the normal ATS has proved itself in the corners. Count on the V to be even more relentlessly competent when factors get tight. Also expect it to be saddled with Cadillac’s fussy CUE infotainment technique, which we once unfavorably (is there any other way?) compared to fecal matter. We hope it will be updated by the time deliveries of this auto commence.

Powertrain: We’ve previously estimated that the V’s 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 would put out about 420 horsepower. The M4 tends to make 425 from its exceptional twin-turbo inline-6. The Cadillac will practically definitely be at least a skosh lighter than the Bimmer, which ought to translate into numbers that equal or exceed those of the entrant from Munich. Count on a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic to deal with shifting duties. We prefer GM’s 8-speed automatic to BMW’s occasionally-balky DCT, and the 6-speed stick works extremely nicely in the Corvette. Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz do not let you the option of rowing your own gears, which is nigh sufficient to make this a 2-dog fight in our manually biased eyes.

Competitors: BMW M4, Audi RS5, Lexus RC-F, Mercedes-AMG C63.

Estimated Arrival and Cost: Provided that it is due to be unveiled at the L.A. auto show next month, the ATS-V ought to begin populating dealer lots in the spring wearing stickers that start somewhere around $ 60K.

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2016 Cadillac ATS-V Spy Photographs: No Camo, Lots of Energy

2017 Subaru Impreza Spotted Wearing Camo: Fuji Goes Modular Global

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One thing far much more considerable than a 5-door WRX.

• KGP PHOTOGRAPHY,


• ROBERT KERIAN, AND


• THE MANUFACTURER

What It Is: Very first, let’s talk about what it’s not: a 5-door WRX. Subaru nevertheless says that it has no plans to bring back the 5-door WRX, so nonetheless it may possibly appear like a 5-door WRX and nevertheless considerably we would love to see yet another 5-door WRX, this is not a 5-door WRX. In addition to, if it was, we’d see bigger wheels, larger brakes, a wider track, some kind of exhaust plumbing, and definitely no cover over the hood scoop, lest it starve the engine for air throughout hot-climate testing.

Our intelligence indicates that this is a mule for Subaru’s next-generation Impreza, to arrive in 2016 as a 2017 model. If this is the case, the Impreza appears poised to grow wider, as evidenced by the wider WRX-primarily based front bodywork, taped roof panel, and body sides that have been spread apart an added inch or so on either side, most evident from the rear-3-quarter view.

We’re also not ruling out the possibility that this could be a mule for Subaru’s planned plug-in hybrid, also due in 2017. There’s no apparent sign of a charging port, but look closely beneath the rear bumper and you can make out what seems to be a modest, single exhaust pipe, signaling the presence of an internal-combustion engine. We can also see a rear differential, so, yes, it will nevertheless provide all-wheel drive.

Why It Matters: The Impreza is Subaru’s entry into the hugely competitive compact-car segment, and the 2017 iteration will be the 1st product to ride on Subaru’s new modular worldwide architecture. Those bones will at some point serve below most—if not all—of the automaker’s future products from the Impreza to a planned 6-seat crossover.

Earlier this year, Subaru announced that it will bring a plug-in hybrid to the U.S., likely in the vein of the Viziv 2 idea previewed earlier this year in Geneva. Automotive News reported that the automobile will be primarily based on an current nameplate and is slated to be sold in the states that adopt California emissions regulations, such as New York, Massachusetts, and other people. It could or may not replace the XV Crosstrek Hybrid in the lineup when it arrives.

Platform: Subaru’s new worldwide modular architecture is anticipated to be stronger and lighter than the one particular used by the existing Impreza. We anxiously await details on the new architecture, and as soon as we turn up more data, we’ll bring it to you.

Powertrain: The 2017 Impreza’s new platform will also accommodate a new generation of direct-injected engines with cylinder deactivation. While the specifications of mentioned engines stay undisclosed, you can bet that they will remain horizontally opposed and will boast improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and, hopefully, increased output compared to today’s offerings.

Competitors: Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf

Estimated Arrival and Price: No date has been announced for the subsequent-generation Impreza, but a 2016 debut is most likely. The plug-in will comply with, arriving sometime in the course of the 2017 model year. Due to the stiff competitors in the compact segment, we anticipate that pricing for the next-gen Impreza will not stray far from the current $ 19K–$ 24K range. An Impreza-based hybrid would most likely hit showrooms wearing a sticker closer to the present XV Crosstrek’s $ 27K–$ 31K cost spread.

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