600-HP Cadillac ATS-V.R Race Car Revealed

Cadillac revealed the ATS-V.R race car at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Tex., this week. Based on the recently leaked ATS-V production model, the 600-hp Cadillac ATS-V.R race car meets international FIA GT3 specifications.

"The V-Series is the highest expression of Cadillac's rising product substance," said Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen in a release. "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."

Power comes from a modified version of the street car's twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6, dubbed LF4.R in racing trim. Starting with a production aluminum block and heads, the race engine has been updated with larger BorgWarner turbochargers, a carbon fiber intake manifold with integral high-capacity water-to-air intercoolers, and a Bosch programmable engine management system. The side-exit exhaust discharges gases straight off the turbos sans mufflers.

A rear-mounted Xtrac sequential six-speed transaxle with steering wheel-mounted paddles replaces the street car's transmission. The rear end features a limited-slip differential and a 3.13 final drive gear, while the traction control system is driver-adjustable. With the rear-mounted transaxle, weight balance is said to be 49 percent front and 51 percent rear.

Suspension details include adjustable three-way Penske shocks and a short-long-arm suspension at both ends. Stopping power comes from Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers and 15.0-inch rotors up front and four-piston calipers and 14.0-inch rotors out back.

The chassis features a reinforced production unibody with a race-designed safety cage and reinforced eight-point welded roll cage. A hood, deck-lid, front fenders, doors, and rear fenders all made out of carbon fiber help reduce weight. The fenders have also been modified to fit the FIA-mandated tires, which measure 315/680 x 18 in the front and 325/705 x 18 at the rear. The tires are mounted on BBS wheels measuring 12 inches wide up front and 13 inches wide in back. Aerodynamics are handled by a carbon fiber front splitter and corner-mounted dive planes, a full under tray and rear diffuser, and a large rear wing. Dry weight is a claimed 2900 pounds.

There's currently no word on which series Cadillac plans to take the ATS-V.R racing, but given that the brand already competes in the Pirelli World Challenge with a CTS-V, continued participation in that series is likely. Building the car to GT3 specifications also makes the ATS-V.R eligible for competition in the Tudor United SportsCar Championship and FIA GT3 Championship.

Source: Cadillac