Things are getting serious between the Cadillac ATS and BMW 3 Series. Cadillac’s answer to the 3 Series is finally getting a performance model and our spy photographer has the photos to prove it. The Cadillac ATS-V is due out for the 2015 model year but it has already been spotted doing some winter testing.
Cadillac wrapped its ATS performance mule up tight in camouflage but if you look close enough, the front-end sports huge 
air-intakes, headlights (as seen with the presence of an LED light bar), and redesigned fog lights. While nothing has been confirmed from Cadillac, the ATS-V tester features a rather telling bulge on the hood. Make your own assumptions about that for now. It’s unknown what will be under the hood once General Motors finally announces that the Cadillac ATS-V exists. However, our spy photographer said it had an impressive exhaust note, similar to that of a V-8 instead of the twin turbocharged, 380-horsepow er 3.0-liter V-6 that’s believed to end up under the hood.
The rear-end is also getting a rework, with new twin-dual exhaust tips poking out from underneath a redesigned stocky bumper. As for the wheels, those are simply for the mule but the wider tires signal that the ATS-V is going to pack a punch. The ATS has only been available now for less than a year but the proof of a performance model is a good sign for those looking for an answer to the BMW M3. It will be interesting to see if Cadillac’s proposed changes to the transmission will be evident with the ATS-V. Another hurdle Cadillac will need to clear if it hopes to keep up with the M3 is engine output. The M3 lays down 414 hp from a 4.0-liter V-8, but rumors insist the next-generation M3 will have a six-cylinder engine. The ATS-V is still a ways from making it to the production line but as more information becomes available, we’ll pass it your way so stay tuned.
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