Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V to be replaced by 410kW super sedan and CLA45 rival

NEWS FROM America overnight will be disheartening for Aussie motoring enthusiasts, with Cadillac confirming the ATS-V and CTS-V will both be ending production over the northern hemisphere’s summer (our winter).

The sports sedan duo have a vocal fan following in Australia, despite not being sold locally. This is largely down to the fact they follow the same four-door performance formula of the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore.

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However, it’s not all bad news, with the duo’s replacement being evaluated for Australia.

Wheels recently spoke to Holden and GM executives about Cadillac coming to Australia, and the indications were positive. A full story features in Redline of the October issue of Wheels, on sale from October 4th.

Cadillac is said to be focussing on its SUV line-up and rationalising its sedan range. Insiders have suggested the ATS-V and CTS-V will be merged, while a new model will slot in underneath to rival the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 sedan.

Once the ATS-V and CTS-V shuffle off their mortal coil in the coming months, their replacement will be the CT6-V, which has a 4.2-litre twin-turbo V8 producing an ‘estimated’ 410kW and 850Nm.

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The new small-block bent-eight engine was honed on Australian soil at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground.

Though impressive, the CT6-V’s power figures are outperformed by the supercharged 6.2-litre LT4 V8 of the outgoing CTS-V, which boasts 477kW and 855Nm.

The CT6-V will be sized to rival the likes of BMW’s 5 Series and 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz’s E- and S-Class.

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It was confirmed earlier this year Cadillac is also working on a rear-drive sedan which is smaller than the outgoing M3-rivalling CTS-V.

Former head of Cadillac Johan de Nysschen told Jalopnik the sedan would compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3, and be a competent track performer.

“It will certainly lap the Nurburgring faster than any one of our competitors in that category, if they care about that,” he told the website.

Steve Carlisle is the boss of Cadillac, taking over from de Nysschen earlier this year.

The new head honcho said the brand’s performance range will grow in the future, while indicating the company is considering interests outside of North America.

"As we accelerate Cadillac’s growth around the world, our V-Series will continue to expand the brand, enhance its image and attract new buyers to our showroom,” he said.

It’s early days yet, but if Holden’s new chief David Buttner can convince the right people in Detroit, Australians with a yearning for rear-drive performance sedans from GM’s stables could soon have two tantalising options to choose from.