Here it is ladies and gents, the fresh out the oven Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, and the sedan too. Everybody’s, of course, more keen to see the coupe version, but the Caddy launched the sedan too, probably as a head up to BMW that they’re coming after their M3 and M4.

Cadillac ATS-V coupe and sedan boast impressive enough specs to be a nuisance for BMW, but the Germans are not worried. The normal ATS was supposed to put an end to the reign of the 3-Series, but it is performing so terribly in the market, Cadillac has reportedly idled one of the shifts at the production line. We can’t see how the V-version can do any better.

But anyway, let’s talk numbers. The ATS-V family gets the twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine with 455 horsepower and peak torque of 445 lb-ft (603 Nm). No dual-clutch transmissions here, your choices of gearbox are still limited to a six-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. But you wouldn’t care, if Cadillac’s claims about the performance figures turn out to be true. They way the ATS-V, probably the Coupe, can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and reach 185 mph (297 km/h) flat out.

Straight-line performance is something the Americans have always been brilliant at. But to make sure Cadillac ATS-V coupe and sedan can hold their own against Euro rivals, GM engineers have put a lot effort into the chassis and suspension of the V. Compared to the standard version, everything is stiffened and tightened up here; the brakes are replaced with Brembo units; Magnetic Ride Control is retuned; and an electronic limited slip diff is put in.

Styling-wise, the ATS-V looks quite formidable, what with the mesh grilles up front, a carbon fiber aero pack, larger wheels, and lowered ride height. Same goes for the interior where you find Recaro seats, carbon trims, and a sport steering wheel as well as V-series instruments.