The New ATS-V

The LA Auto show is proving to be the holy grail of american performance vehicles.  First, Ford wowed with the new 350GT, and now Cadillac is ready for the spot light.

The standard ATS in no slouch.  It has held its own against is german rivals, in the luxury sedan market.  But with the introduction of BMW'S M3 and M4, Cadillac is ready to take on the competition with its own luxury performance contender.

Introducing the New Cadillac ATS-V

The ATS-V comes in both coupe and sedan versions.  Both the coupe and sedan are powered by a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6, that makes 455 hp and 445 1b-ft of torque.  Zero to sixty clocks in a 3.9 seconds and the ATS-V will keep on, eventually hitting a top speed of over 185 mph.

The engine comes mated with an option of either a six-speed manual, or GM's new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. GM clams that their new automatic transmission is faster than Porsche's PDK; which is the benchmark of all automatic transmissions.

The car uses GM's third generation of Magnetic Ride control, witch allows forty percent faster damping response.  That means that the car can adjust dampening every inch of road travel,  down from the three inches of the last generation.

The mechanical components are not the only part of the ATS to receive upgrades.  The outside of the car gets some serious new upgrades as well.  Both ATS-V models get a new ventilated carbon fiber hood. A huge new grill, that allows fifty percent more air-flow than the standard ATS.  Other body upgrades include, brake-cooling ducts, a carbon-fiber chin splitter, flared and vented fenders, a rear diffuser and a spoiler.

All these new upgrades resulted in the ATS-V being Cadillac's fastest car around the Nurburgring ring, ever.

All I can say is, watch your back BMW.








Photo Credit: (In order of appearance)

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1411_2016_cadillac_ats_v_coupe_sedan_shine_under_l_a_auto_show_lights/83921799/2016-cadillac-ats-v-front-hood-details.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1411_2016_cadillac_ats_v_coupe_sedan_shine_under_l_a_auto_show_lights/87340447/2016-cadillac-ats-v-front-three-quarter.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1411_2016_cadillac_ats_v_coupe_sedan_shine_under_l_a_auto_show_lights/87620320/2016-cadillac-ats-v-sedan-rear-three-quarter.jpg

A Legend Reborn

50 years ago, Ford introduced the first ever mustang, and soon followed up with a performance model, the original Shelby GT350.  Fast forward to today, Ford is proving that the past does repeat itself.  Because the all new 2015 Mustang has just hit the showrooms and now Ford is introducing their new performance Mustang, and is resurrecting a legend.

Introducing the new Shelby GT350

Making is debut at last weeks LA Auto Show.

This is the track focused version of the new Mustang, and it has its eye on very specific vehicle, Motor trend's best driver's car the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

The new and improved pony gets its power from a 5.2-liter V-8.  Ford hasn't released exact details, but Ford has promised that the GT350 will make over 500 hp, and about 400 lb-ft of tourque.  It is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever put is a Mustang.

The rest of the car has been tweaked over the standard mustang as well.  Every thing from a lower hood, a wider front track, stiffer suspension, and bigger brakes are new.  In fact every piece of the sheet metal in front of the windshield is brand new, and exclusive to the GT350.  The hood and the front fenders are made of aluminum to help save weight.  The fenders are also wider to help accommodate the brand new, specially developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The GT350 is wider and lower than the standard Mustang, sitting two inches lower.

The suspension is also brand new, not only for the Mustang, but for the entire Ford fleet.  The mustang brings with it MagneRide adaptive dampers, which is found in cars like the Ferrari 458.  The system monitors the road conditions and driving inputs every 8 milliseconds, and can adjust the liquid viscosity in the dampers every 10 milliseconds.

This new mustang on paper, sounds like it will be a formidable thorn in the Camaro's side.  We will just have to see if the Mustang can dethrone the king of muscle cars.

Photo Credit: (In order of appearance)

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1411_ford_shelby_gt350_mustang_comes_to_l_a_with_flat_plane_v_8/84353145/2016-ford-shelby-gt350-mustang-front-end.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1411_ford_shelby_gt350_mustang_comes_to_l_a_with_flat_plane_v_8/84353142/2016-ford-shelby-gt350-mustang-front-end-02.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1411_ford_shelby_gt350_mustang_comes_to_l_a_with_flat_plane_v_8/84353172/2016-ford-shelby-gt350-mustang-rear-three-quarter.jpg

Ford teases something

A new teaser has just been released by Ford.  The teaser includes this image, and the first of five teaser videos..  The teaser image has the date of November 17th, along with what looks to be the back end of a roofline.  And what a coincidence the date, Nov 17th is the day before the LA Auto show opens its door to the press.  The video that accompanied the teaser payed homage to Ford's racing legacy.
So I'm sure that the car they unveil will be performance related.

1965 Shelby G.T. 350

Now that brings us to the question of what car is ford going to announce?  A lot of speculation turns towards the return of the legendary shelby GT350 mustang.  I on the other hand think it might be the successor to the Ford GT. Or who knows, Ford might surprise us with a car that no one was expecting. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Photo credit: (in order of apperence)
http://jalopnik.com/the-ford-mustang-gt350-is-coming-back-1654068131
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Mustang#mediaviewer/File:196X_Ford_Mustang_GT350.jpg