2015 Cadillac ATS-V spied chasing BMW M3

The Cadillac ATS was conceived as a BMW 3-series fighter, so it stands to reason that a hotter version of the rear-wheel drive sedan -- a Cadillac ATS-V -- would be called forth to challenge the mighty M3.

New spy photos seem to show just that.

Of course, this could be a case of a privately owned BMW M3 being in the right place at the right time, catching up with what appears to be a heavily camouflaged Cadillac ATS-V on the road somewhere outside metropolitan Detroit. Except that the Bimmer was wearing manufacturer plates, which means the General likely added it to the company fleet for benchmarking purposes.

We probably won't get a clear view of the ATS-V until next year, perhaps at the 2014 Detroit auto show. But these photos show camo that was carefully extended to cover the wheel arches, so we could be looking at some mild fender flares. Some shots also seem to show a bulge on the hood. And is that a small rear spoiler?

If we could say for sure from the photos, the guys charged with applying the camouflage would probably be out of a job.

What we can see are beefy brake discs and calipers and quad exhausts. Exhaust note was reported to be “healthy,” with a twin turbocharged version of the company's 3.6-liter V6 being a likely bet for a powerplant. To go head-to-head with the BMW M3, the Cadillac ATS-V would need to produce 414 hp; the twin-turbo engine in the XTS kicks out 410 hp. In the CTS V-Sport, a similar engine is good for 420 hp.

Beyond that, the wrapper on the front fascia can't entirely conceal what appear to be larger openings, perhaps for air intakes. Feel free to speculate away until we have more information -- or more revealing spy photos.

By Graham Kozak