The Cadillac ATS-V: A Better BMW M3 Than the M3

Above all else, there’s one big problem with the ATS-V.

The Cadillac ATS-V fears nothing, except, perhaps it’s own shadow.

During my week with the V, the number one question I got was, “Does it have the LT1 V8 in it?” The LF4 V6 is a great engine, but GM’s unique selling proposition has always been the small block V8, and the new LT1 is another great engine. Also, the power outputs can’t be a coincidence: the LF4 and LT1 make virtually identical power figures with the boosted six making about 10 more horsepower and the all-American small block making about 10 more lb-ft of twist.

Cadillac designed the LF4 as a bespoke engine for the ATS-V. No other GM product uses this engine. It’s damn good, but part of me, the part that has driven V8-powered GMs, wants a V8 in this chassis. I understand why Cadillac went with a boosted V6, but the thought of an LT1-swapped ATS-V still lingers in the back of my head. Cadillac, you know what to do, now you just have to do it.

Additional photography supplied by Andrew Chen and Bassem Girgis.

Jake Stumph

Jake Stumph is a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, and former content editor for Internet Brands Automotive which he joined in 2015. His work has been featured by several other prominent automotive outlets, including Jalopnik and Autobytel.

He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science at the Ohio State University in 2013, then pivoted from covering politics and policy to writing about his automotive adventures, something that, he says, is a lot more fun. Since that time, he has established connections with most of the world's major automakers, as well as other key brands in the automotive industry.

He enjoys track days, drifting, and autocross, at least, when his cars are running right, which is uncommon.

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