GM Press Release: Cadillac Next-Gen V-6 Engines Led by 3.0L Twin Turbo

Segment-leading power, efficiency in world’s most advanced six-cylinder

2015-03-20

DETROIT – Cadillac today announced a new generation of V-6 engines, led by an exclusive Twin Turbo V-6 that will be one of the industry’s most advanced six-cylinder gasoline engines. It leverages the latest technology to balance efficiency, performance and refinement in the upcoming, top-of-the-range CT6 luxury performance sedan.

The all-new Cadillac 3.0L Twin Turbo is designed to achieve new thresholds of refinement and specific output for the brand’s new prestige luxury sedan, which makes its world premiere March 31, at the New York International Auto Show. Production begins late this year at General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant.

Peak output is estimated at 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 400 lb-ft of torque (543 Nm), making it one of the most power-dense V-6 DOHC engines in the world, developing 133 horsepower (99 kW) per liter.

The 3.0L Twin Turbo is the only six-cylinder engine to combine turbocharging with cylinder deactivation and stop/start technologies to conserve fuel. Cadillac expects the combination to enhance fuel economy by up to an estimated 6 percent. Cylinder deactivation temporarily deactivates two of the cylinders in light-load driving conditions to enhance efficiency and seamlessly reactivates them when the driver demands full power.

With the stop/start system, the 3.0L Twin Turbo is shut down in certain driving conditions such as stop-and-go city driving to reduce fuel consumption, automatically restarting when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake pedal.

“Cadillac’s elevation on the world stage is driven in great part by its advanced powertrain technology and the all-new 3.0L Twin Turbo powers past the traditional segment leaders with higher degrees of the performance and refinement their reputations were built on,” said Rich Bartlett, assistant chief engineer.

The highly-acclaimed Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission transfers the 3.0L Twin Turbo’s power to the CT6.

Similar to the turbo system in the track-capable Cadillac ATS-V, the new 3.0L Twin Turbo features turbochargers with lightweight, low-inertia titanium-aluminide turbine wheels and an efficient, patented low-volume charge-air cooler, which contribute to optimal boost production and more immediate power delivery.

The advanced, low-inertia turbochargers enable the engine to sustain peak torque from 2,500 rpm to 5,000 rpm, giving it a broad torque curve that is conveyed to the driver through a feeling of responsive, sustained power across the entire rpm band.

“Torque is the pulling power of an engine and the new 3.0L Twin Turbo delivers it with confidence-inspiring smoothness and progression,” said Bartlett. “In fact, the potency of the torque across the rpm band is matched only by the satisfaction of the horsepower created as those revs climb quickly to 6,500 rpm.”

The 3.0L Twin Turbo’s estimated 400 horsepower and 133 hp per liter is 27 percent greater than the BMW 740Li’s 3.0L twin-turbo V-6 (315 hp and 105 hp/L) and 29 percent more than the Audi A7’s 3.0L supercharged V-6 (310 hp and 103 hp/L).

All-new architecture

Cadillac’s new 3.0L Twin Turbo is part of a new generation of technologically advanced V-6 engines, which includes a new version of the award-winning 3.6L naturally aspirated engine employed for years across the brand’s model range. Each features all-new structural and combustion elements designed to complement higher performance and greater efficiency with exceptional quietness and smoothness.

The 3.0L Twin Turbo is up to 5 dB quieter than the Audi 3.0L TFSI engine, while the 3.6L is up to 4 dB quieter than the Infiniti 3.7L V-6.

Features shared by the 3.0L Twin Turbo and 3.6L include:

  • Stronger, stiffer aluminum block with increased structure in the bulkheads for superior rigidity
  • Tough, refined rotating assembly with a stiff forged-steel crankshaft, friction-reducing polymer-coated pistons and strong high-copper-content, sinter-forged connecting rods
  • New four-cam phasing system with intermediate park technology that enhances efficiency by enabling late inlet valve closing in certain conditions
  • All-new, patented “targeted” cooling system that provides strategic cooling of the engine’s hottest areas while simultaneously fostering faster warm-up, which enhances efficiency
  • New cylinder heads that enhance combustion performance and include direct injection and feature integrated exhaust manifolds
  • Revised, simplified timing drive system with cushioned chain sprockets contributing to quieter engine operation
  • All-new oiling system moves the pump inside the block for quieter operation. The two-stage oil pump also enhances efficiency.

“This new architecture leverages the best of Cadillac’s proven, awarded V-6 engine technology and takes it farther with a finer focus on refinement and durability to match its benchmark output and efficiency,” said Bartlett.

A more complete look at the architecture, features and attributes of the new V-6 family is available in the 3.6L release.

Unique foundation

While the 3.0L Twin Turbo is based on the same, all-new architecture as the naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6, it incorporates specific components and features to support the load and cylinder pressure characteristics unique to a forced-induction engine.

Its 86mm bore specification is about 10 percent smaller than the 3.6L, while both engines share an 85.8mm stroke. The smaller bore reduces the size and consequentially the weight of the pistons in the 3.0L Twin Turbo, making the most of the rotating assembly’s geometry to match the quicker rev capability enabled by the low-inertia turbochargers’ quick spool-up.

“With nearly zero turbo lag and a commensurately low-inertia rotating assembly, this engine climbs the rpm ladder and produces power on demand,” said Bartlett. “Its performance is more than just the maximum output – it’s how it is delivered and the new 3.0L Twin Turbo delivers it with smoothness and precision.”

The smaller bores also allow larger water jackets between the cylinders, which helps maintain optimal combustion temperatures across the rpm band and during sustained high-load, max-boost performance.

Additional features unique to the 3.0L Twin Turbo include:

  • Lower 9.8:1 compression ratio vs. 11.5:1 on the naturally aspirated 3.6L
  • Extreme duty 44MnSiV6 steel crankshaft forging
  • The pistons incorporate a specific steel insert in the top ring land to support the turbocharged engine’s higher cylinder pressures
  • Large, 36mm intake valves and 29mm sodium-filled exhaust valves enable the engine to process tremendous airflow
  • The valves are held at 19 degrees on the intake side and 16 degrees on the exhaust side vs. the 3.6L’s 18 degrees for the intake and 15 degrees for the exhaust
  • Valve spring pre-load tension is increased to manage the greater exhaust pressure during peak load performance
  • Hardened AR20 valve seat material on the exhaust side is used for its temperature robustness, while the heads are sealed to the block with multilayer-steel gaskets designed for the pressure of the turbocharging system
  • Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness.

Low-inertia turbochargers and vacuum-actuated wastegates

The twin, low-inertia turbochargers’ featherweight titanium-aluminide turbines are used with vacuum-actuated wastegate control for precise, responsive torque production. The titanium-aluminide turbines reduce rotating inertial load by more than 50 percent, compared with conventional Inconel turbine wheels. That means less exhaust energy – which spins the turbines – is wasted in stored inertial loads.

In practical terms, that means the relatively small size of the turbochargers and their lightweight turbines foster more immediate “spooling,” which practically eliminates lag, for an immediate feeling of power delivery. They produce up to 18 pounds of boost (125 kPa).

A single, centrally located throttle body atop the engine controls the air charge from both turbochargers after the temperature is reduced in the intercooler. This efficient design also contributes to more immediate torque response, while reducing complexity by eliminating the need for a pair of throttle bodies.

Unique vacuum-actuated wastegates – one per turbocharger – are used with the Twin Turbo for better management of the engine’s boost pressure and subsequent torque response for smoother, more consistent performance. They are independently controlled on each engine bank to balance the compressors’ output to achieve more precise boost pressure response.

The wastegates also work in concert with vacuum-actuated recirculation valves to eliminate co-surge from the turbos – a condition that can result in dynamic flow reversal, such as the moment immediately after the throttle closes. This overall system integration contributes to the engine’s smoother, more consistent feeling of performance.

Patented low-volume charge-air cooling

Cadillac’s patented, manifold-integrated water-to-air charge cooling system also contributes to more immediate torque response, because the compressors blow through very short pipes up to the intercooler.

With no circuitous heat-exchanger tubing, there is essentially no lag with the response of the turbochargers. Airflow routing volume is reduced by 60 percent when compared with a conventional design that features a remotely mounted heat exchanger.

“It is a very short path from the compressors to the intake ports,” said Bartlett. “The compressors draw their air directly from the inlet box and send their pressurized air through the intercooler immediately for a tremendous feeling of power on demand.”

The charge-cooling heat exchangers lower the air charge temperature by more than 200 degrees F (94 C), packing the combustion chambers with cooler, denser air for greater power. Also, the air cooler system achieves more than 80 percent cooling efficiency with only about 1 psi (7 kPa) flow restriction at peak power, which contributes to fast torque production.

Manufacturing

Both of Cadillac’s new V-6 engines will be produced at GM’s Romulus Powertrain Operations assembly facility, near Detroit, which received a $540-million investment to build the next-generation V-6 engines.

FAST FACT: In 1903, the first production Cadillac motor cars were equipped with a single-cylinder engine rated at 10 hp.

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Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen’s Letter To Cadillac Enthusiasts And Skeptical Observers

Cadillac President, Johan de Nysschen recently posted a lengthy message on Cadillac’s Google Plus page, aimed at Corvette enthusiasts and the “odd skeptical observer”. His message was clear: Cadillac’s metamorphosis is just beginning and they plan to “shatter the status quo”. Below is his message:

Message to Cadillac enthusiasts and the odd skeptical observer:

Cadillac is embarking upon a bold new journey.

And the Cadillac organization is invigorated. It’s not often that a 112-year-old icon with such a legacy reinvents itself, and it’s awesome for all of us to be part of it.

Of course, those of you who follow our industry know that, over the last few months, we have already begun to disturb the status quo. In the process, we have unavoidably ruffled some feathers: moving part of our operations from Detroit to New York City; placing Cadillac in charge of its own operational destiny; outlining a plan to dramatically expand the product portfolio; creating a consistent nomenclature for our cars. And yes, as far as the car names go, I know it appears as if we are changing one set of “alphabet soup” names for another, but as they say in the classics, there is “method in the madness.” Have faith, it will all fall precisely and logically into place over time.

Furthermore, if you’ve been following our new product launches, you will know that the latest generation of Cadillac vehicles are among the very best available on the market today. Not only have we impressed every industry expert, the cars have received award after award.

Cadillac is back. The fact is that Cadillac’s resurgence as an automaker of exceptional prowess and producer of superlative automobiles is well underway, and this is reflected in many of the strong gains achieved around the world last year. Cadillac has never produced better product than is available today—and we have only just begun our product offensive—with a single-minded focus to stun friends and foes alike, with one fascinating new Cadillac after another.

While product fascination provides substance for our ambitions, we must also embark on a philosophical shift to match these ambitions.

To once again become the standard for excellence around the globe, we cannot follow any of the examples set by the luxury market “establishment,” nor meekly succumb to preconceived notions about this great brand, or even perceptions about our rivals. We respect each and every one of our competitors, but Cadillac will chart its own course, and we will speak our own truth.

Cadillac is on a mission to shatter the status quo. Cadillac will lead with highly aspirational products packed with advanced technology, superlative craftsmanship and distinctive design. And a brand character that symbolizes quality and respect. We don’t aim to be the biggest. We aim to be the best, the highly aspirational domain of the few.

In the words of one of the great American presidents, Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts.” Only those who are willing to accept risk, who have the courage to dare greatly, shape the future.

At Cadillac, we are about shaping our future, and with it, the future of the luxury automobile industry.

The presentation of the ATS-V in Los Angeles late 2014, followed by the CTS-V in Detroit in January this year, was the first salvo directly into what constitutes the very essence of the luxury segment. The next reveal under our bold philosophy of excellence will be in New York City, on the 31st of March. The unveiling of the CT6 Sedan will be the latest, most daring expression of Cadillac’s ambition.

But that’s not where it ends—as I stated, we have only just begun.

Advanced plans are underway to introduce 8 all-new vehicles before the end of the decade. The transformation of Cadillac is happening all around us. And it has been a while since our industry has witnessed change of this magnitude.

The auto industry is a long-cycle business, and we cannot execute all of our plans nor reach all of our goals overnight, but Cadillac is now firmly on course to reclaim its rightful place as the iconic, global luxury brand, made in America.

As we have our supporters, so too we will have our detractors—those who express their discomfort about this bold challenge to the status quo, through criticism and skepticism. We accept these loud protests at the disruption to the established order and understand it means we simply have to work harder and to convey the truth of today to those whose perceptions are still rooted in yesterday.

We know for some it may be a long and arduous journey.

But we are ready.
For at Cadillac, we dare greatly.
Thank you.

Johan de Nysschen
President
Cadillac

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Cadillac Plans Boutique Locations, and Other Dealer Network Upgrades

Cadillac Discusses U.S. Dealer Network Development

2015-01-22
GM Media Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of Cadillac’s overall mission to expand and elevate within the premium automotive sector, the brand today outlined its strategy to upgrade its U.S. dealer network.

Speaking at both the Washington, D.C. Auto Show today, and this weekend’s annual National Auto Dealers Association convention in San Francisco, Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen will outline how the brand will target enhancements in the customer experience.

The company’s philosophy is to place customers at the center of the brand experience. New concepts for facilities, network development, high-technology showroom systems and increased financial strength are key aspects of the plan.

“A strong, financially healthy dealer organization is an essential element of Cadillac’s expansion plans,” de Nysschen said. “The stronger our dealers are, the better our service quality will be. Cadillac is on a journey back to the pinnacle of premium brands, and dealers will contribute every step of the way.”

Cadillac’s current U.S. network consists of more than 900 stores, giving the brand a substantial advantage in geographic coverage against its import luxury competitors.

“Our comprehensive market coverage supports customer convenience, especially in access to service,” said de Nysschen. “Our task is to take further advantage of our network.”

Cadillac’s U.S. network today features a core of approximately 200 flagship, stand-alone dealerships. Its concept going forward is that core of roughly 200 flagship stores will be complimented by 700 smaller, boutique locations. The boutique concept would feature exclusive Cadillac consumer touch points, highly trained sales and service staff and luxury amenities.

“Our recently announced $12 billion investment in product must be accompanied by corresponding upgrades to the customer experience,” de Nysschen said. “For all dealers, including multi-brand outlets, we should strive to create a premium showroom atmosphere and the sophisticated brand experience that luxury consumers expect.”

de Nysschen outlined a plan to bring emerging technology to the showroom experience. “Virtual Showroom” systems could enable shoppers to quickly configure and envision multiple models, color and interior choices using interactive digital displays, or potentially even holograms.

He said Cadillac will develop new systems to incentivize and support customer satisfaction performance and dealer compensation. New standards for compensation will be built with more precise alignment of local sales and market potential for each dealer, to better ensure efficient investment.

Growth in dealer profitability will be supported by financial incentives to reward dealer investments into facilities and high achievement in customer satisfaction.

The company has no plans to reduce the number of U.S. dealers.

Cadillac dealers often rank at or near the top of influential customer satisfaction surveys, including J.D. Power’s Customer Service Champions designation of the best brands across major industries.

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Cadillac Pioneers Advanced Mixed-Material Manufacturing

CT6 to be constructed with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques

2015-01-22
GM Media Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cadillac will use the auto industry’s most comprehensive and advanced mixed-material manufacturing techniques to build its all-new CT6 top-of-range sedan, allowing creation of a top-of-range large luxury sedan with the agility and efficiency of a smaller vehicle.

The CT6, which goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2015, will be built at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant, using a unique combination of joining techniques, a first for any General Motors’ model. A new body shop with new tooling and advanced technologies – including 205 robots – has been added to the plant. The fully automated, roughly 138,000-square-foot shop is dedicated to the manufacturing of the high-end luxury sedan.

When it launches, the CT6 will expand the Cadillac range upwards – adding rather than replacing a current product. Positioned above today’s CTS and XTS product lines, the CT6 aims to join the elite group of top-class large luxury cars.

“For the Cadillac CT6 we have developed additional new body construction techniques and technologies allowing various types of advanced and lightweight materials to be combined within the manufacturing environment like never before,” Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen said today at the Washington Auto Show.

“We have invested $300 million in the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant to make this possible,” he said. “These actions will allow us to advance the art of manufacturing and take craftsmanship and manufacturing technology to a new level.”

Engineers faced a new challenge in manufacturing the advanced mixed material vehicle structure for the CT6. Combining different types of joining methods, the team overcame previous manufacturing difficulties involving the joining of traditionally dissimilar materials, while still allowing the engineering team to optimize every panel for its desired purpose.

Material joining techniques prominent in the body construction of the CT6 include:

  • Patented Aluminum Spot Welding Technology
  • Aluminum Laser Welding, which creates a seamless joining of exterior panels
  • Self-Piercing Rivets, which are able to join different types of materials together with a clean appearance
  • Flow Drill Screws, which are able to join different types or materials and used in conjunction with adhesive

Aluminum arc welding and structural adhesive are also separately used for CT6 body assembly.

Among the five techniques, the CT6’s engineers were able to select the best joining method depending on material combination and body location (for machine equipment access).

To weld both the inner and outer vehicle frames, 28 robots descend on the vehicle body in two separate framing stations, joining the body-in-white together from all angles. The robots are mounted above and beside the vehicle and can also reach beneath it. The two framing processes were choreographed to compensate for different microscopic vibrations, and CT6 body construction resembles an orchestra as the robotic arms move in and out around the vehicle.

“Never before has an automaker brought this combination of joining techniques together for a single vehicle,” said Travis Hester, CT6 executive chief engineer. “The manufacturing team has enabled body engineers to optimize the vehicle for mass, safety, stiffness and materials with more precision than ever.

“The result is a top-level large luxury sedan, with class-leading body stiffness that generates excellent driving characteristics and impressive fuel economy without compromises to safety, comfort or quality,” he said.

Once the body construction is complete, a large robotic arm lifts the entire vehicle from one part of the assembly line to an upper-level conveyer – unheard of for a vehicle the size of CT6 – to be transferred across the Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

Using these advanced manufacturing techniques allows for the CT6 to meet the highest standards in vehicle build quality, and to allow Cadillac to use the most mass-efficient materials while reducing fuel consumption and enhancing safety and driving dynamics.

The CT6 marks the return of a full-size luxury sedan to Detroit-Hamtramck. The plant also builds the Cadillac ELR electrified luxury coupe, among other products.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

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Cadillac XLR Registry Updated

We’re pleased to announce several new updates to the Cadillac XLR Registry here at the XLR Net.

Registry statistics have been updated to comply more with actual production statistics greater functionality and search capability.

The Cadillac XLR Registry is the only one of its type in existence and is the closest representation to actual Cadillac XLR production that we have.

 

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2016 Cadillac CTS-V arrives with 640 hp, 200-mph top speed

GM has officially pulled the wraps off the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V and it does not disappoint!Packing a 640 hp LT4 engine from the 2015 Corvette Z06, and a 200-mph top speed, the General has clearly set it’s gaze on European competitors like the “Eye of Sauron” from Lord of the Rings.

For all the details including highlights, specifications and photos, click on the links below:

Press Release / Specifications: 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Hits 200 mph with 640 hp

Gallery: 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Photos

Video: Cadillac V-Series Video – 2016 Cadillac CTS-V

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GM Press Release: Cadillac Adds Streaming Video to Enhance Driver Vision and Safety

Display eliminates visual obstructions, increases rearward vision by 300 percent

2014-12-18

DETROIT – Cadillac late next year will add high-resolution streaming video to the function of a traditional rearview mirror, removing obstructions of passengers, headrests and the vehicle’s roof and rear pillars.

The streaming video mirror improves field of vision by an estimated 300 percent, or roughly four times greater than a standard rearview mirror.

“The closest comparison to this kind of rear vision would be driving a convertible with the top down,” said Travis Hester, Cadillac CT6 executive chief engineer.

“In addition to the increased field of view, the technology eliminates any rear seat, rear pillar or passenger obstructions, allowing the driver an unimpeded view of the lanes behind and traditional blind-spots,” Hester said.

Thanks to a high dynamic range, the camera’s video feed reduces glare and allows a crisper image in low-light situations, versus a traditional glass electrochromatic, or auto-dimming, rearview mirror. The in-mirror display is an industry-leading 1280 by 240-pixel TFT-LCD display with 171 pixels per inch, combined with a HD camera designed specifically to enhance rear view lane width and maximize low-light situations.

A water-shedding hydrophobic coating is applied to the camera to keep it clean to maintain visibility regardless of the driving conditions.

Researchers and engineers working on this Cadillac innovation have been awarded 10 patents – one for the streaming video mirror and nine for video processing. The patents cover innovations in the wide field of view camera image calibration, de-warping, glare reduction and camera hardware design.

Drivers can disable the mirror’s video streaming function; flipping the toggle on the underside of the mirror will revert it to a traditional electrochromatic rearview mirror.

“The streaming video is a significant enhancement for the luxury customer interested in purposeful technology,” Hester said.

The technology will debut on the 2016 Cadillac CT6.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

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Cadillac's prototype rearview mirror capable of live-streaming an image from a camera mounted on the rear of a vehicle Tuesday, December 9, 2014 in Warren, Michigan. (Photo by Rob Widdis for General Motors)
Cadillac's prototype rearview mirror capable of live-streaming an image from a camera mounted on the rear of a vehicle Tuesday, December 9, 2014 in Warren, Michigan. (Photo by Rob Widdis for General Motors)
Cadillac's prototype rearview mirror capable of live-streaming an image from a camera mounted on the rear of a vehicle, increasing the driver’s rearward field of vision by approximately 300 percent compared to a traditional rearview mirror. (Pre-production unit shown.)
Cadillac's prototype rearview mirror capable of live-streaming an image from a camera mounted on the rear of a vehicle Tuesday, December 9, 2014 in Warren, Michigan. (Photo by Rob Widdis for General Motors)
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GM Press Release: Cadillac Introduces All-New ATS-V.R Race Car

Up-to-600-horsepower race car meets international FIA GT3 specifications

2014-11-14

AUSTIN, Texas – The next generation of Cadillac’s V-Series elite, high-performance cars began today with the introduction of an all-new race car, the Cadillac ATS-V.R. Set to begin competition in 2015, Cadillac debuted the new race car at the Circuit of the Americas, one of country’s pre-eminent racing venues.

The ATS-V.R is the racing extension of the upcoming 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, which channels more than a decade of V-Series engineering experience into the brand’s first compact performance model. The ATS-V Coupe debuts next week, along with the ATS-V sedan, at the Los Angeles Auto Show and arrives track-capable from the factory next spring.

The new, up-to-600-horsepower ATS-V.R meets international FIA GT3 specifications, a highly coveted pedigree that allows it to potentially run in more than 30 different GT series around the world. Other marques in this ultra-competitive racing class include Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche. The FIA is the governing body for worldwide motorsport, with the GT3 class representing a specific set of specifications for racing cars based on production models.

”The V-Series is the highest expression of Cadillac’s rising product substance,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “Elevating and expanding the V-Series is the next logical step in Cadillac’s growth, including this new race car developed in GT3-specification, enabling us to pursue racing on a more global scale.”

The heart of the ATS-V.R is the LF4.R, the racing version of the Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6 in the award-winning Cadillac CTS Vsport. Specific technical upgrades for the GT3-spec race car include larger, twin BorgWarner turbochargers; increased capacity intercoolers; competition engine management and a direct, side-exiting exhaust. The lightweight aluminum block and heads are counterbalanced by a rear transaxle unique to the race car, giving the ATS-V.R a weight distribution of 49 percent front, 51 percent rear.

“This car sounds wicked and screams like it’s ripping holes in the air. I love it,” said Andy Pilgrim, Cadillac Racing driver. “We have paddle gear shifters for the first time, and I’m enjoying the new tools. The engine torque is remarkable, as always, pulling strongly out of the corners.”

Among the many modifications performed to meet FIA GT3 specifications, the fenders of the ATS-V.R were redesigned to contain FIA-mandated tire sizes. Other modifications include an aero kit that gives the ATS-V.R a strong stance, and a carbon fiber front splitter – complemented by corner-mounted dive planes – that provides frontal aerodynamics. A full under tray directs air beneath the car to the rear diffuser, which helps create a downforce-producing effect and plants the 18-inch racing tires to the track.

Since its inception in 2004, Cadillac Racing has amassed 26 wins, 91 podium finishes (including wins) and 22 pole positions with the CTS-V sedan and CTS-V Coupe race cars. Cadillac is a five-time winner of the Pirelli World Challenge Manufacturer Championship, including the series’ past three seasons, as well as 2005 and 2007. Team Cadillac drivers won the Pirelli World Challenge Driver’s Championship in 2005 with Pilgrim and in 2014, 2013 and 2012 with driver Johnny O’Connell.

“The Cadillac ATS-V.R is a 170-mph billboard for the next generation of Cadillac’s V-Series,” said O’Connell. “On top of its power, its aerodynamic package should pay off in the fast corners and I’m looking forward to unleashing it.”

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

Cadillac ATS-V.R Specifications

Model Cadillac ATS-V.R
Construction Reinforced eight-point welded roll cage; carbon fiber hood, deck-lid, front fenders, doors, rear fenders
Engine LF4.R 3.6L, Twin-Turbo V-6 with production aluminum block and heads, up to 600 HP@7400 RPM torque 520 ft-lb (unrestricted), developed and built by GM Powertrain
Fuel supply 120 liter (31.7 gallons) fuel cell
Engine management Bosch MS5.1, programmable
Turbocharging BorgWarner EFR Series twin-turbochargers, boost set to FIA specifications
Intake Carbon fiber with integral high-capacity water-to-air-intercoolers
Exhaust Side exit direct exhaust from turbos, no mufflers
Transmission Xtrac sequential six-speed rear-mounted transaxle; steering wheel-mounted paddle shift; no lift shift; limited slip differential with 3.13 final drive
Traction control Electronic, driver adjustable
Brakes Brembo, six-pot front with 380mm rotor, four pot rear with 355mm rotor; Bosch ABS M4 controls with driver-adjustable modes
Suspension Three-way Penske adjustable shocks, front and rear independent SLA suspension
Chassis Reinforced production unibody with race-designed safety cage
Pedals Close-ratio foot pedal box, accelerator, brake, clutch pedals
Steering ZF hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering
Wheels BBS 12” x 18” aluminum front and 13” x 18” rears
Tires Racing tires, front 315/680 x 18, rear 325/705 x 18, series spec
Aero kit Carbon fiber five-piece aero kit including side skirts, front splitter, fascia and dive planes, rear diffuser and rear bumper cover
Dry weight (lb/kg) 2,900 /1,315
Other features Motorola two-way radio; Pratt & Miller-developed side-impact-reducing crush box, carbon fiber custom-molded cool seat and competition driver air conditioning system; Willans six-point racing driver seat belts; dash display rearview cameras
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