2016 Cadillac ATS-V revealed, the BMW M4 rival with a stick

The Cadillac ATS has been deemed a legitimate alternative to the all-conquering BMW 3-Series since its birth in 2012. Since then, we've all been waiting for the emergence of the performance variant, the ATS-V.

Wait no more, the first true images of the beefed up ATS have surfaced, and boy does it look mean.

In many ways, the ATS-V is exactly as you'd expect: lots of fancy hood scoops, winglets and sporty wheels. The 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 produces at least 450 hp to the rear wheels, meshed to either an 8-speed paddle shift automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox; both feature a trick "no-lift" system, according to Road & Track. Stiffness is said to have been improved by 50-percent over the base ATS and an optional track pack adds 100 lbs. of downforce at 150 mph.

We'll see the ATS-V in the flesh at the upcoming L.A. auto show. With the CTS-V and top-of-the-range CT6 set to be revealed early next year, Cadillac remains on track for a strong 2015. And after bit of quiet spell in terms of new product, that's exactly what GM's luxury arm needs.