Pfadt Race Engineering Cadillac ATS hits 162.5 at Texas Mile

Pfadt Race Engineering is claiming it has the world's fastest Cadillac ATS after clocking 162.5 mph in the standing mile at the latest Texas Mile event in Beeville.

Pfadt used the turbocharged four-cylinder ATS as a starting point and upgraded the turbo, intercooler, suspension and exhaust. Pfadt says the engine improvements are responsible for adding more than 100 extra hp in the lightweight luxury sedan, which starts with 272 hp.

Pfadt says pricing and part numbers will come soon, and also that the Texas Mile is just the beginning for the hopped-up ATS.

The speed landed the Caddy and driver Aaron Pfadt in seventh place in the four-cylinder automobile category, behind two Subarus, two Mitsubishis, a Saab and Plymouth Neon. When compared with all autos in the event, the Pfadt ATS slotted in between a stock 2012 Cadillac CTS-V sedan and a 2007 Mercedes E63 AMG sedan. Not bad company.

A mid-powered upgrade for the 2.0-liter-equipped ATS is a good business move for Pfadt, considering it's the only engine currently offered with a six-speed manual transmission, as long as the price is right. The ATS Turbo starts $35,795.

The Texas Mile runs twice a year and gives participants a chance to test the max speed on their cars in a safe, controlled environment. The event started in 2003. Full results from the last event—which are pretty interesting to peruse—can be found here.

By Jake Lingeman