ATS-V+ Model to feature LS7 V8

[cp-the-nerd]

http://wot.motortrend.com/1505_cadillac_ats_v_to_feature_ls7_power.html

 

In a shocking development, GM is not only developing an ATS-V+ model, but they're shoehorning the LS7 V8 under the hood with your choice of an 8-speed automatic or 7-speed manual. Both are firsts for LS7 application.

 

This announcement pleases me greatly. <--Vast understatement. I peed a little.

[Thed]

On a scale form one to even...

 

I can't

[ocnblu]

This will be the new Standard around the world.  Lick it on the underside, BMW and Benz!

[cp-the-nerd]

I really thought this news would have blown up across the automotive world this morning, but it's not reported anywhere else yet and people aren't talking about it. I am utterly elated that they're 1) keeping the 7.0L/427 ci N/A engine alive despite all the fuel economy regulations and 2) they're being so creative and awesome with ATS development.

[Cmicasa the Great]

I really thought this news would have blown up across the automotive world this morning, but it's not reported anywhere else yet and people aren't talking about it. I am utterly elated that they're 1) keeping the 7.0L/427 ci N/A engine alive despite all the fuel economy regulations and 2) they're being so creative and awesome with ATS development.

 

 

 

As I said in the ATS-V Review thread.. I am seriously doubting this will happen for several reasons. 

 

1) The LS7 will be a crate motor, but I doubt that GM wants to hand-build it for any more than special buyers who want to pony up that cash.

 

2) Cadillac wants its own engines.. hence the development and seemingly dive deeper into Twin Turbos

 

3) To the point above.. because Cadillac is trying to build numbers in other markets, particularly China, Europe and S.Amer... displacement will matter in pricing/penalties. I expect the 6.2L LT4 to also be a short lived product of at most, an engine to only be for this generation of CTS.. which is only 3 years away from a new model altogether

 

4) Only 500HP and 481 lbs-ft of bump. In truth.. they could simply turn up the boost on the LF4 and get 500HP and certainly more torque. Think about it... the TTV6 is only.. and I said ONLY 36 HP away for that LS7's numbers. Boost, and a less restrictive exhaust and U are there with minimal investment

5) Cadillac needs a more fleshed out line for the ATS to move product to the mainstream.. a VSport with a detuned LF3 making 360-380HP would make more sense

[cp-the-nerd]

Logic be damned! I LOVE that engine.

[Cmicasa the Great]

Logic be damned! I LOVE that engine.

 

 

 

I love it too, but the fact of the matter is that I love Cadillac more.. and they need their independence, not to mention a weeee bit of logic MORE. Putting up a bunch of non-obtainable super-cars is not gonna sell cars as much as putting up a bunch of consumer focused ones will. 

 

Instead of ATS/C, ATS/C-V, ATS/C-V+.. there should be money focused on ATS/C 2.5 - 3.6L, ATS Wagon, ATS Convertible, ATS VSport, and certainly XT3, XT5, XT6, XT7, and CT7 and 8. CTS needs more variations. Where is a small sport roadster? They could do all of these things and not waste resources on a ATS-V+.

 

Tell U the truth, I think it is absolutely POINTLESS until they solidify the line-up. They have the ATS and CTS-V. CT6 isn't supposed to get a V-Series, but the way it looks the 3.0L will be a screamer by default, I'm betting good money that we will see 0-60 times in the 4.0-4.3 second range with that (Keep in mind that the AWD 4400lb XTS-VSport with less torque is pulling in at 4.9). The Top of the line VSport (where it is supposed to stop) will be getting the TT V8, with a possible 500HP. 

[regfootball]

Motor Trend has been wrong before.

 

Cadillac should be sure to pump up their available crossovers to sell in bunches to enable them the cash to make cars like the ATS-V+.  I am sick of seeing the roads full of Audi Q's and Merc and BMW bim and buffy machines that pad their bottom lines to allow them to spend so much money making cool sedans and coupes.

Edited May 24, 2015 by regfootball

[Suaviloquent]

Well it's a great development, but I expect the ATS-V+ if anything to be what the Centennial Edition Package was for the Z06. For one year only and perhaps ditching some niceties like rear seats and other weight-saving measures.

 

But before any of that can come to fruition, they need to flesh out their lineup. Enough VSports and VSeries. Now it's time for the meat and potatoes. 

[El Kabong]

When I first read this I was pretty stoked. Actually, I still am stoked. I don't see it as a simple A+B=C scenario, though:

-the LS7 is a hand-built engine, and always has been. Therefore I don't foresee build and sales volumes becoming an issue.

-I would be a bit surprised if was an actual LS engine. The reasoning behind not doing a 7L LT block was supposedly the inability for the cylinder deactivation to work well with 7000-plus RPM valvetrain components. They didn't say a thing about issues with DI, though.

-GM is a big outfit. Doing software interfaces for 8L90 and 7-speed manual transmissions should be fairly straightforward.

-I agree that Cadillac is going for greater independence from the rest of GM, and this is a good thing. However, a hand-built, dry-sump engine has that certain snob appeal. The sound it makes is the capper.

-and lastly, a point that kinda shoots down my last one but is too awesome to ignore: this engine in an Alpha Camaro is a bona-fide Shelby GT350 killer.

A bit off-topic, but thanks for all the friend invites I've gotten. If I don't return them right away it's nothing personal: I'm pretty busy with work right now and I really haven't explored this place's capabilities too much yet. I'll get around to it, I promise *L*

Edited May 24, 2015 by El Kabong

[Suaviloquent]

When I first read this I was pretty stoked. Actually, I still am stoked. I don't see it as a simple A+B=C scenario, though:

-the LS7 is a hand-built engine, and always has been. Therefore I don't foresee build and sales volumes becoming an issue.

-I would be a bit surprised if was an actual LS engine. The reasoning behind not doing a 7L LT block was supposedly the inability for the cylinder deactivation to work well with 7000-plus RPM valvetrain components. They didn't say a thing about issues with DI, though.

-GM is a big outfit. Doing software interfaces for 8L90 and 7-speed manual transmissions should be fairly straightforward.

-I agree that Cadillac is going for greater independence from the rest of GM, and this is a good thing. However, a hand-built, dry-sump engine has that certain snob appeal. The sound it makes is the capper.

-and lastly, a point that kinda shoots down my last one but is too awesome to ignore: this engine in an Alpha Camaro is a bona-fide Shelby GT350 killer.

Your points are great except the last one.

 

Besides that fact that yes, your speculation has been very good for a good while, I'd be wary of speculating the performance of the GT350 when we've heard tidbits here and there. The Z28 itself was a surprising debut for the Zeta Camaro. I think it'll be an epic potential match-up, but I'm not leaning on either side yet.

[El Kabong]

I'm pretty comfortable saying a lightly-freshened 7L engine combined with a handling package on an Alpha chassis will bloody the Shelby's nose. And I'm on record as saying I love the Shelby.

It makes little sense for GM to go through the hoops they went through to make their cars lighter if they totally forego the advantages that light weight gives them. I like the LT4 a lot, but there is a time and a place for something that is a bit lighter and high-strung.

[Suaviloquent]

I'm pretty comfortable saying a lightly-freshened 7L engine combined with a handling package on an Alpha chassis will bloody the Shelby's nose. And I'm on record as saying I love the Shelby.

It makes little sense for GM to go through the hoops they went through to make their cars lighter if they totally forego the advantages that light weight gives them. I like the LT4 a lot, but there is a time and a place for something that is a bit lighter and high-strung.

You know me, I have to see it to believe it.

 

I'm going with your gut, but damn does FPC and high redlines leave me with a bit of opening for the Shelby.

[oldshurst442]

Well...I WANT it to happen...

 

But Casa also makes me want it to NOT happen...

Because of what he said...based on what Johan wants of Cadillac...

Johan wants Cadillac to be independent...with their own engines...and this is a PURE CHEVROLET engine...

 

Way to go Casa...be a kill joy for me!

 

Sometimes Casa, you are way too logical...leave us have some dream time,  will ya?...

 

I will retract from what I said in the other ATS thread and go with what Casa said...no...I dont think Johan will do this one...but maybe Johan has another crazy engine lined up...one that is a Cadillac...and I did read that Cadillac will be pumping out its own engines very shortly...

Edited May 24, 2015 by oldshurst442

[G. David Felt]

ATS-V EV That is the radical Future!

[Drew Dowdell]

This sounds fishy to me.  I wonder if GM built a test mule setup like this (certainly possible) to test some things out, and then someone else got the wrong idea. 

[G. David Felt]

sounds like a test mule to me.

[oldshurst442]

Well, if it is indeed a test mule of some sorts...would not that mean that the LS7 will make it to a product model of some sorts?

 

Things that make you go HMMMMM  just the same...

[G. David Felt]

Well, if it is indeed a test mule of some sorts...would not that mean that the LS7 will make it to a product model of some sorts?

 

Things that make you go HMMMMM  just the same...

Not necessarily, I have seen plenty of test mules where they stretched out the fenders to support a drive train truly meant for some other product but they wanted to throw off the Photo Hounds. This could be just such a test mule. Something for the CTS but they wanted to hide it so left off inner wheel well covers to test a drive train and in this case it could be the LS7 system for a new CTS-V Coupe maybe.

[oldshurst442]

 

Well, if it is indeed a test mule of some sorts...would not that mean that the LS7 will make it to a product model of some sorts?

 

Things that make you go HMMMMM  just the same...

Not necessarily, I have seen plenty of test mules where they stretched out the fenders to support a drive train truly meant for some other product but they wanted to throw off the Photo Hounds. This could be just such a test mule. Something for the CTS but they wanted to hide it so left off inner wheel well covers to test a drive train and in this case it could be the LS7 system for a new CTS-V Coupe maybe.

 

yes...exactly...a product model of some sorts..."not necessarily an ATS" is what I should have continued on to say.

But yeah...it seems like the LS7 might live on...

[Drew Dowdell]

 

 

Well, if it is indeed a test mule of some sorts...would not that mean that the LS7 will make it to a product model of some sorts?

 

Things that make you go HMMMMM  just the same...

Not necessarily, I have seen plenty of test mules where they stretched out the fenders to support a drive train truly meant for some other product but they wanted to throw off the Photo Hounds. This could be just such a test mule. Something for the CTS but they wanted to hide it so left off inner wheel well covers to test a drive train and in this case it could be the LS7 system for a new CTS-V Coupe maybe.

 

yes...exactly...a product model of some sorts..."not necessarily an ATS" is what I should have continued on to say.

But yeah...it seems like the LS7 might live on...

 

 

If it was an LS7

[El Kabong]

sounds like a test mule to me.

Could be. I remember seeing FWD smallblock Monte Carlos rumbling around the grounds of GM Oshawa back in the day when I was still gainfully employed there. In that case it went into production (whether or not THAT was a good idea is a whole 'nother discussion).

I will be the first to admit that the LS7 would be a bit of an odd duck in an all-DI smallblock world. But it has the credentials, and it's always been a low-volume build engine. A slight refresh to get it up to 520hp is probably doable.

Edited May 26, 2015 by El Kabong

[Suaviloquent]

 

sounds like a test mule to me.

Could be. I remember seeing FWD smallblock Monte Carlos rumbling around the grounds of GM Oshawa back in the day when I was still gainfully employed there. In that case it went into production (whether or not THAT was a good idea is a whole 'nother discussion).

I will be the first to admit that the LS7 would be a bit of an odd duck in an all-DI smallblock world. But it has the credentials, and it's always been a low-volume build engine. A slight refresh to get it up to 520hp is probably doable.

 

Perhaps it's a test mule for a possible 2020 ish dedicated coupe for Cadillac, to kind of go against F-Type, 911 (overlap with Corvette); but a massaged Alpha based coupe with CF - damn it's gonna go against fish that don't know they are on the brink of being fried if it was made.

[smk4565]

The LS7 came out 8 or 9 years ago, it is an old engine at this point.  GM did of course keep the 3800 around for 30 years, but I don't think the LS7 will live on in any 2016 or beyond models.  Even thinking that Cadillac can be saved with a Chevrolet engine from 2007 is exactly why Cadillac is where it is.

[balthazar]

Yes; because everyone who drives a 500+ HP lightweight coupe immediately asks "What year did this one-of-the-World's-most-powerful N/A, hand-built engines first appear?" 

Edited May 27, 2015 by balthazar

[Guest Geo]

I would have liked to see this engine in a bigger-bodied Cadillac, such as the CT6. Here i am hoping for a normally aspirated 6.2L L86 V8 in the CT6, however, a flat-torque LS7 428 V8 would be welcome.

 

[Guest Guest]

 

I really thought this news would have blown up across the automotive world this morning, but it's not reported anywhere else yet and people aren't talking about it. I am utterly elated that they're 1) keeping the 7.0L/427 ci N/A engine alive despite all the fuel economy regulations and 2) they're being so creative and awesome with ATS development.

 

 

 

As I said in the ATS-V Review thread.. I am seriously doubting this will happen for several reasons. 

 

1) The LS7 will be a crate motor, but I doubt that GM wants to hand-build it for any more than special buyers who want to pony up that cash.

 

2) Cadillac wants its own engines.. hence the development and seemingly dive deeper into Twin Turbos

 

3) To the point above.. because Cadillac is trying to build numbers in other markets, particularly China, Europe and S.Amer... displacement will matter in pricing/penalties. I expect the 6.2L LT4 to also be a short lived product of at most, an engine to only be for this generation of CTS.. which is only 3 years away from a new model altogether

 

4) Only 500HP and 481 lbs-ft of bump. In truth.. they could simply turn up the boost on the LF4 and get 500HP and certainly more torque. Think about it... the TTV6 is only.. and I said ONLY 36 HP away for that LS7's numbers. Boost, and a less restrictive exhaust and U are there with minimal investment

5) Cadillac needs a more fleshed out line for the ATS to move product to the mainstream.. a VSport with a detuned LF3 making 360-380HP would make more sense

 

 

 

I really thought this news would have blown up across the automotive world this morning, but it's not reported anywhere else yet and people aren't talking about it. I am utterly elated that they're 1) keeping the 7.0L/427 ci N/A engine alive despite all the fuel economy regulations and 2) they're being so creative and awesome with ATS development.

 

 

 

As I said in the ATS-V Review thread.. I am seriously doubting this will happen for several reasons. 

 

1) The LS7 will be a crate motor, but I doubt that GM wants to hand-build it for any more than special buyers who want to pony up that cash.

 

2) Cadillac wants its own engines.. hence the development and seemingly dive deeper into Twin Turbos

 

3) To the point above.. because Cadillac is trying to build numbers in other markets, particularly China, Europe and S.Amer... displacement will matter in pricing/penalties. I expect the 6.2L LT4 to also be a short lived product of at most, an engine to only be for this generation of CTS.. which is only 3 years away from a new model altogether

 

4) Only 500HP and 481 lbs-ft of bump. In truth.. they could simply turn up the boost on the LF4 and get 500HP and certainly more torque. Think about it... the TTV6 is only.. and I said ONLY 36 HP away for that LS7's numbers. Boost, and a less restrictive exhaust and U are there with minimal investment

5) Cadillac needs a more fleshed out line for the ATS to move product to the mainstream.. a VSport with a detuned LF3 making 360-380HP would make more sense

 

the unique thing about the 7.0L LS7 is that it has a flat-torque curve; rare for a small-block and all to common in big-blocks. It would ensure a special feeling when you tap the throttle. The 5.3L LS4 had a flat torque-curve as well but we won't talk about FWD V8s here.

[cp-the-nerd]

Yes; because everyone who drives a 500+ HP lightweight coupe immediately asks "What year was this one-of-the-World's-most-powerful N/A, hand-built engines first appear?" 

 

Kinda my reaction too. It's always been exclusive and hand built. It's still competitive with 505 hp and a 7000 rpm redline. It still sounds incredible. Just last year it was a big part of turning the 5-year-old Camaro into a world beater all over again with the Z/28 package that pulled an incredible upset to become Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car.

 

Frankly, it's a better engine than the C6 Corvette really deserved.

Edited May 27, 2015 by cp-the-nerd

[Cmicasa the Great]

The LS7 came out 8 or 9 years ago, it is an old engine at this point.  GM did of course keep the 3800 around for 30 years, but I don't think the LS7 will live on in any 2016 or beyond models.  Even thinking that Cadillac can be saved with a Chevrolet engine from 2007 is exactly why Cadillac is where it is.

 

 

I hardly think that the thinking is that Cadillac needs to be "saved" with an LS7.

 

I think that enthusiasts naturally love big engines. At least in the U.S. That being said.. I still believe that this is a hoax.. and Motor Trend got the info wrong. Whatever happens.. I win either way. I would love to see it, but at the same time I truly believe that Cadillac needs to go its own route and the TTV8 is the way to go.. even eventually in the CTS-V which is getting a SC 6.2L. It is a necessity if they are going to be a global luxury company simply because of the global market rules. Even the U.S.A rules will soon look down on V8s unless they are getting 4 Cylinder numbers. A smaller Twin Turbo Set-Up would allow for a smaller 4 to 5 Liter, and GM cylinder deactivation to make even those larger V8s be real 4 cylinders for the EPA test cycles. Right now.. a 6.2L shutting down 1/2 of the cylinders effectively yields U a theoretical 3.1L engine, but the 3.0L Twin Turbo is the only six-cylinder engine to combine turbocharging with cylinder deactivation... we are looking at a 1.5L. That is a real 4cyl capable of 400HP/400lb-ft of torque. And stop/start technologies only make it more so. I am very excited about the achievements in fuel economy with this engine for them to have gone thru the effort. 

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

Yes; because everyone who drives a 500+ HP lightweight coupe immediately asks "What year was this one-of-the-World's-most-powerful N/A, hand-built engines first appear?" 

 

Kinda my reaction too. It's always been exclusive and hand built. It's still competitive with 505 hp and a 7000 rpm redline. It still sounds incredible. Just last year it was a big part of turning the 5-year-old Camaro into a world beater all over again with the Z/28 package that pulled an incredible upset to become Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car.

 

Frankly, it's a better engine than the C6 Corvette really deserved.

 

 

 

Thing is the LS7 is a Chevy engine. Its a known Chevy engine. It shouldn't be put into a Cadillac now, because Cadillac is trying to differentiate itself from the rest of GM. As a luxury car buyer I want Cadillac to build their own engines for superficial reasons even tho I kno the SBC is as technologically advanced as anything on the market. 

[Drew Dowdell]

I still don't think it was really an LS7.... I mean, what testing would they really need to be doing in a mule at this point? If they're calibrating a new transmission (possibly) they could just throw the transmission in a car where the LS7 already resides.   You wouldn't do it in a cut up ATS-V.

[Cmicasa the Great]

I still don't think it was really an LS7.... I mean, what testing would they really need to be doing in a mule at this point? If they're calibrating a new transmission (possibly) they could just throw the transmission in a car where the LS7 already resides.   You wouldn't do it in a cut up ATS-V.

 

 

Yep. I will also add that the info comes from a document from back in 2012. The info could have easily been a case study before they settled on the TT3.6L LF4 which wasn't even done yet. I will state again that I think the 464HP ATS-V is fine as a top engine for now, and that the thing they need to do is put the CT6 AWD system in and avail in the VSeries cars, both the CTS and ATS, though I'm betting that with the ATS and CTS really only having 2 more years on the market before the next overhaul.. the Gen 2 ATS and Gen 4 CTS (under new names CTx) will have that feature added

 

Worrying about an LS7 in the ATS is silly.. and priorities seriously need to be focused elsewhere at Cadillac right now.,

Edited May 27, 2015 by Cmicasa the Great

[Drew Dowdell]

 

I still don't think it was really an LS7.... I mean, what testing would they really need to be doing in a mule at this point? If they're calibrating a new transmission (possibly) they could just throw the transmission in a car where the LS7 already resides.   You wouldn't do it in a cut up ATS-V.

 

 

Yep. I will also add that the info comes from a document from back in 2012. The info could have easily been a case study before they settled on the TT3.6L LF4 which wasn't even done yet. I will state again that I think the 464HP ATS-V is fine as a top engine for now, and that the thing they need to do is put the CT6 AWD system in and avail in the VSeries cars, both the CTS and ATS, though I'm betting that with the ATS and CTS really only having 2 more years on the market before the next overhaul.. the Gen 2 ATS and Gen 4 CTS (under new names CTx) will have that feature added

 

Worrying about an LS7 in the ATS is silly.. and priorities seriously need to be focused elsewhere at Cadillac right now.,

 

 

Oh, I had missed that part, I thought it was recent.  In that case it probably was an LS7 but they opted to not go in that direction. 

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

 

I still don't think it was really an LS7.... I mean, what testing would they really need to be doing in a mule at this point? If they're calibrating a new transmission (possibly) they could just throw the transmission in a car where the LS7 already resides.   You wouldn't do it in a cut up ATS-V.

 

 

Yep. I will also add that the info comes from a document from back in 2012. The info could have easily been a case study before they settled on the TT3.6L LF4 which wasn't even done yet. I will state again that I think the 464HP ATS-V is fine as a top engine for now, and that the thing they need to do is put the CT6 AWD system in and avail in the VSeries cars, both the CTS and ATS, though I'm betting that with the ATS and CTS really only having 2 more years on the market before the next overhaul.. the Gen 2 ATS and Gen 4 CTS (under new names CTx) will have that feature added

 

Worrying about an LS7 in the ATS is silly.. and priorities seriously need to be focused elsewhere at Cadillac right now.,

 

 

Oh, I had missed that part, I thought it was recent.  In that case it probably was an LS7 but they opted to not go in that direction. 

 

 

 

 

Well. that would have made the most sense back then. Use what U have." I'm betting good money that they probably have a mule running around Milford with an LS9 in the CTS

[Cmicasa the Great]

Plus... WTF am I even thinking??? The LT1 is damn near 500HP stock. It takes only a few parts and a tune to pull those numbers in the Stingray. Why would GM even consider putting a more expensive to build engine in an ATS-V+??? 

[G. David Felt]

 

 

I really thought this news would have blown up across the automotive world this morning, but it's not reported anywhere else yet and people aren't talking about it. I am utterly elated that they're 1) keeping the 7.0L/427 ci N/A engine alive despite all the fuel economy regulations and 2) they're being so creative and awesome with ATS development.

 

 

 

As I said in the ATS-V Review thread.. I am seriously doubting this will happen for several reasons. 

 

1) The LS7 will be a crate motor, but I doubt that GM wants to hand-build it for any more than special buyers who want to pony up that cash.

 

2) Cadillac wants its own engines.. hence the development and seemingly dive deeper into Twin Turbos

 

3) To the point above.. because Cadillac is trying to build numbers in other markets, particularly China, Europe and S.Amer... displacement will matter in pricing/penalties. I expect the 6.2L LT4 to also be a short lived product of at most, an engine to only be for this generation of CTS.. which is only 3 years away from a new model altogether

 

4) Only 500HP and 481 lbs-ft of bump. In truth.. they could simply turn up the boost on the LF4 and get 500HP and certainly more torque. Think about it... the TTV6 is only.. and I said ONLY 36 HP away for that LS7's numbers. Boost, and a less restrictive exhaust and U are there with minimal investment

5) Cadillac needs a more fleshed out line for the ATS to move product to the mainstream.. a VSport with a detuned LF3 making 360-380HP would make more sense

 

 

 

I really thought this news would have blown up across the automotive world this morning, but it's not reported anywhere else yet and people aren't talking about it. I am utterly elated that they're 1) keeping the 7.0L/427 ci N/A engine alive despite all the fuel economy regulations and 2) they're being so creative and awesome with ATS development.

 

 

 

As I said in the ATS-V Review thread.. I am seriously doubting this will happen for several reasons. 

 

1) The LS7 will be a crate motor, but I doubt that GM wants to hand-build it for any more than special buyers who want to pony up that cash.

 

2) Cadillac wants its own engines.. hence the development and seemingly dive deeper into Twin Turbos

 

3) To the point above.. because Cadillac is trying to build numbers in other markets, particularly China, Europe and S.Amer... displacement will matter in pricing/penalties. I expect the 6.2L LT4 to also be a short lived product of at most, an engine to only be for this generation of CTS.. which is only 3 years away from a new model altogether

 

4) Only 500HP and 481 lbs-ft of bump. In truth.. they could simply turn up the boost on the LF4 and get 500HP and certainly more torque. Think about it... the TTV6 is only.. and I said ONLY 36 HP away for that LS7's numbers. Boost, and a less restrictive exhaust and U are there with minimal investment

5) Cadillac needs a more fleshed out line for the ATS to move product to the mainstream.. a VSport with a detuned LF3 making 360-380HP would make more sense

 

the unique thing about the 7.0L LS7 is that it has a flat-torque curve; rare for a small-block and all to common in big-blocks. It would ensure a special feeling when you tap the throttle. The 5.3L LS4 had a flat torque-curve as well but we won't talk about FWD V8s here.

 

But to some the coveted Audi FWD appliances are superior to anything us lowly americans can build.

[cp-the-nerd]

Plus... WTF am I even thinking??? The LT1 is damn near 500HP stock. It takes only a few parts and a tune to pull those numbers in the Stingray. Why would GM even consider putting a more expensive to build engine in an ATS-V+??? 

 

The LS7 is lighter than the LS3, which is already like 50 lbs lighter than the LT1. Cadillac engineers are really REALLY serious about weight loss.

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

Plus... WTF am I even thinking??? The LT1 is damn near 500HP stock. It takes only a few parts and a tune to pull those numbers in the Stingray. Why would GM even consider putting a more expensive to build engine in an ATS-V+??? 

 

The LS7 is lighter than the LS3, which is already like 50 lbs lighter than the LT1. Cadillac engineers are really REALLY serious about weight loss.

 

 

 

Fully dressed the LT1 comes in at 465lbs

Fully dressed the LS7 comes in at 458lbs

 

I seriously don't see a reason why a tunable, AFM, DI having LT1 with a baseline of 455HP would be passed over for an LS7, which has been around now for a decade, for a measly 7 lbs

[cp-the-nerd]

 

 

Plus... WTF am I even thinking??? The LT1 is damn near 500HP stock. It takes only a few parts and a tune to pull those numbers in the Stingray. Why would GM even consider putting a more expensive to build engine in an ATS-V+??? 

 

The LS7 is lighter than the LS3, which is already like 50 lbs lighter than the LT1. Cadillac engineers are really REALLY serious about weight loss.

 

 

 

Fully dressed the LT1 comes in at 465lbs

Fully dressed the LS7 comes in at 458lbs

 

I seriously don't see a reason why a tunable, AFM, DI having LT1 with a baseline of 455HP would be passed over for an LS7, which has been around now for a decade, for a measly 7 lbs

 

 

I was mistaken, the LS7 is not lighter than the LS3. Must have been something I picked up in an old Corvette Z06 article. All the talk about lightweight components and what not. I had the LS3 vs LT1 weight difference about right though.

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

 

 

Plus... WTF am I even thinking??? The LT1 is damn near 500HP stock. It takes only a few parts and a tune to pull those numbers in the Stingray. Why would GM even consider putting a more expensive to build engine in an ATS-V+??? 

 

The LS7 is lighter than the LS3, which is already like 50 lbs lighter than the LT1. Cadillac engineers are really REALLY serious about weight loss.

 

 

 

Fully dressed the LT1 comes in at 465lbs

Fully dressed the LS7 comes in at 458lbs

 

I seriously don't see a reason why a tunable, AFM, DI having LT1 with a baseline of 455HP would be passed over for an LS7, which has been around now for a decade, for a measly 7 lbs

 

 

I was mistaken, the LS7 is not lighter than the LS3. Must have been something I picked up in an old Corvette Z06 article. All the talk about lightweight components and what not. I had the LS3 vs LT1 weight difference about right though.

 

 

 

 

All good. I get your point.. but the thing is that Cadillac doesn't need to go that far back into the GM parts bin. The LS7 is a great engine, but its time to move on. SOme times we hold on to stuff like that. I listen to my dad on a regular basis talk about the 409 Chevy BB and 425 Buick Nailhead. Legendary, but times have changed

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

While it’s always fun to think a newer, hotter, more ferocious super-performance version of an already incredible car like the Cadillac ATS-V is on the way, that’s just not the case, this time. There is no ATS-V Plus in the works.

 

That’s the official word from Cadillac’s communications manager David Caldwell, who told Motor Authority that reports of the V-8-powered ATS-V Plus, rumored on Motor Trend and elsewhere, won’t be happening—in no uncertain terms.

 

 

David Caldwell is Denying ATS-V+

[SalesmanSean]

Can't argue with the last line of that article.  "Still, it would have been cool."

[Frisky Dingo]

I just don't see this happening.

[smk4565]

It is not happening as Cmicasa posted the link to the article where Cadillac denies it.   I knew this wasn't going to be true from the start.  Not worth the money to put a new drivetrain in and certify it and all that for the super low volume it would be.  What is the v-series take rate on Cadillac models, like 5% ?  On an ATS we might be talking 100 V-series sold per month, a V+ would be such a low take rate, it would be a money loser.

 

Cadillac needs to worry about getting the XT5 and a compact crossover to market, as well as the CT6 and some type of convertible.

[Cmicasa the Great]

It is not happening as Cmicasa posted the link to the article where Cadillac denies it.   I knew this wasn't going to be true from the start.  Not worth the money to put a new drivetrain in and certify it and all that for the super low volume it would be.  What is the v-series take rate on Cadillac models, like 5% ?  On an ATS we might be talking 100 V-series sold per month, a V+ would be such a low take rate, it would be a money loser.

 

Cadillac needs to worry about getting the XT5 and a compact crossover to market, as well as the CT6 and some type of convertible.

 

 

For the Gen2 CTS-V, which at the time was the only VSeries, the take rate was 9%

[Suaviloquent]

What about the new 4.5L TT? That oughta be a knockout in an ATS-V+