PWC: Cadillac tests new GT3-spec racecar

GM Racing has kept the information surrounding the replacement for its current Cadillac CTSV-R racecar rather quiet, but RACER has learned the brand's next-generation Pirelli World Challenge car turned it first laps in testing this week at the Gingerman road course in Michigan.

Created by longtime GM Racing partner Pratt & Miller Engineering, the new-for-2015 Cadillac Racing chassis is expected to be unveiled as a 2-door ATS coupe (pictured ABOVE), replacing the 2-door CTS-V coupe platform which won back-to-back PWC GT titles in 2012 and 2013 with driver Johnny O'Connell.

Reached for comment by RACER on Tuesday, a Cadillac Racing representative declined to speak on the topic.

O'Connell currently leads the PWC GT championship and has three wins to his credit this season. Designed to the PWC rulebook, the production-based CTSV-R (LEFT) conforms to a specification that is unique to the North American series. On a global front, PWC GT specs could be described as something akin to the former ACO GT1 regulations, albeit with higher weight and less power.

The popularity of lighter, more powerful GT3-spec cars in PWC GT has seen the CTSV-R struggle as an influx of GT3 machinery continues to displace bespoke PWC cars like the Cadillac. Facing GT3 opposition from AMG Mercedes, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Dodge, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche has become a daunting task as the season heads towards its final two events.

Of the 12 rounds held so far, nine wins have gone to GT3 cars, including the last six consecutive victories, making Cadillac's new GT3 ATS a timely replacement. Known for its thundering V8 engine in the CTSV-R, the ATS is expected to be unveiled with a twin-turbo V6 powerplant driving the rear wheels. The production ATS is sold with turbocharged 4-cylinder and naturally-aspirated 6-cylinder options.

It's unclear whether the GM Racing will produce customer versions of the luxury model and make it available for domestic or international GT3 markets.

A pair of double-headers remain starting this weekend at Sonoma Raceway, with the season finale coming two weeks later at Miller Motorsports Park. O'Connell holds a 1228-1146 lead over Audi R8 Ultra LMS driver Mike Skeen, and a maximum of 560 points are up for grabs across those four races.