RSS Official: Cadillac back on track with 600-hp ATS-V.R racer in FIA GT3 spec [w/video]

[Ringo64]

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac, Racing

There was already a rumor brewing that Cadillac might eschew the CTS as its racecar next season in favor of the ATS Coupe. It turns out that is absolutely the case, and now we know just what this 600-horsepower, future racer looks like. The coupe might not be limited to competing in just the US, though, because it's built to FIA GT3-specifications, meaning that this Caddy is also eligible to race in over 30 series worldwide against the likes of Bentley, McLaren, Audi and other premium brands.

The heart of this massively winged Cadillac is an engine dubbed the LF4.R. It's based around the unit in the production ATS-V and CTS Vsport but with larger turbos, bigger intercoolers, side exhausts and other tricks. Cadillac claims it makes a monstrous 600 hp and 520 pound-feet of torque in unrestricted form.

As the photo above shows, the ATS-V.R also wears an aggressive aero kit with a carbon fiber front splitter, and a wing at the back that could probably double as a picnic table in a pinch. The dry weight of the whole package is quoted at about 2,900 pounds, which is around 700 pounds less than the street version.

Cadillac spokesperson Brian Corbett confirms to Autoblog that the ATS-V.R is racing in the Pirelli World Challenge next season. However, it looks like some international appearances are at least being considered. "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," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen in the company's announcement.

The ATS-V.R, along with the ATS-V Coupe and Sedan, will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Scroll down to read the announcement of this upcoming racer and watch a video with a few more glimpses of it.

Continue reading Cadillac back on track with 600-hp ATS-V.R racer in FIA GT3 spec [w/video]

Cadillac back on track with 600-hp ATS-V.R racer in FIA GT3 spec [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2014 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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