Cadillac is raising the price of the ATS-V Coupe for the 2019 model year, with the starting price of the ultra-high-performance compact coupe jumping by $4,000, from $64,790 to $68,790 (in the United States).
The increase isn’t completely unwarranted, since the 2019 ATS-V Coupe gains the Carbon Fiber Package and the Performance Data Recorder (PDR) as standard equipment. Previously, the package and the PDR were $5,000 options.
The Carbon Fiber Package on the ATS-V includes the following carbon fiber parts:
The package also includes black composite (non-carbon) rocker extensions and a rear spoiler that is 30 mm taller than the regular unit.
Aside from adding the Carbon Fiber package as a standard feature, the 2019 ATS-V Coupe loses the Phantom Gray Metallic and Vector Blue Metallic exterior colors, while gaining a new Wave Metallic color.
The 2019 model also does away with the sweet-looking Championship Edition option, along with two options – the Winter Protection Package and the Vehicle cover.
Powertrain remains unchanged, with the 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine making 464 horses and 445 pound-feet of torque. Shifting duty is done by a standard six-speed manual or an available eight-speed automatic, which is a $2,000 option.
Cadillac is in the process of transitioning the ATS range to its successor. The ATS and ATS-V Sedan will not live past the 2018 model year, and rumor has it that the ATS and ATS-V Coupe will end production after the 2019 model year.
Taking the place of the ATS line is the upcoming Cadillac CT5 range, which has been confirmed to indirectly replace the CTS and ATS lines. It is currently unclear whether the CT5 will have a two-door version to succeed the ATS Coupe, but design patents hint that a gorgeous Cadillac coupe is in the works. Some versions of the CT5 are expected to launch in the 2019 calendar year, as 2020 model year vehicles. For North American markets, the CT5 will be built at the Cadillac Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan and ride on an updated version of the highly-acclaimed Alpha platform that also underpins the current ATS and CTS. Size-wise, the CT5 is expected to come in between the ATS and CTS.
About year after
[/caption]About year after, Cadillac is expected to launch another sedan to slot under the CT5. Believed to be called CT4, the vehicle will be smaller than the CT5 while using a smaller version of the updated Alpha architecture. Like the CT5, the CT4 will also be built at Cadillac’s Lansing Grand River facility.Here’s what all that means: if you’ve been lusting after the compact and luxurious rocket called the ATS-V Coupe, now is the time to get one. But if you’ve been holding out for its replacement, then continue waiting – as the CT5 is just around the corner.
One of four new colors for the 2025 model year.
And it now represents the best value in its segment.
A curious sighting from a video of the Cadillac design studio.