Product Overview
Upgrade the aggressive styling of your 2016–2019 Cadillac ATS-V with this GM Carbon Package Style Dry Carbon Fiber Front Upper Grille Trim Insert (Left & Right). Engineered to deliver a perfect balance between performance aesthetics and precision craftsmanship, this carbon fiber trim enhances the front-end appearance of your ATS-V while maintaining an authentic factory look.
Manufactured from aerospace-grade pre-preg dry carbon fiber, each grille trim insert is autoclave-cured to ensure superior strength, lightweight construction, and long-term durability. The glossy 3K twill carbon weave adds a premium motorsport-inspired finish, while the UV-protected clear coat maintains a deep, mirror-like shine resistant to fading, oxidation, or yellowing.
This GM-style replacement piece integrates seamlessly with the ATS-V’s aggressive front fascia, aligning precisely with OEM mounting points for a direct clip-on installation. Designed for enthusiasts who value both form and function, it’s the ideal finishing touch to complete your Cadillac’s carbon fiber front-end upgrade—pairing perfectly with other GM Carbon Package components like splitters, vents, and hood inserts.
Whether you’re refining your vehicle for street presence or show-level appeal, this front grille trim insert delivers race-ready carbon performance with factory-fit refinement, exclusively for Cadillac ATS-V models.
Key Features
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Precision Fitment: Custom-engineered for 2016–2019 Cadillac ATS-V models (not compatible with standard ATS trims).
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Authentic GM Carbon Package Design: Replicates the factory styling found on Cadillac’s high-performance carbon package models.
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Premium Dry Carbon Fiber Construction: Crafted using pre-preg dry carbon and autoclave-cured for exceptional strength and ultra-light weight.
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Glossy 3K Twill Weave Finish: Provides an elegant, high-end appearance with consistent carbon weave and a deep, reflective gloss.
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UV-Resistant Clear Coat Protection: Shields the carbon fiber surface from fading, discoloration, and environmental wear.
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OEM-Quality Integration: Designed to replace factory trim pieces with exact alignment and a seamless fit on both grille sides.
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Lightweight Performance Upgrade: Reduces unnecessary front-end weight while maintaining strength and rigidity.
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No Modification Needed: Direct clip-on installation to factory mounting points—no drilling, cutting, or trimming required.
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Aggressive Sport Styling: Enhances the ATS-V’s bold and aerodynamic front profile, complementing other carbon fiber accents.
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Built to Last: Designed to endure extreme driving conditions, temperature changes, and long-term exposure to sunlight.
Installation
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Installation manual not included.
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Direct clip-on installation — reuses factory mounting points.
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No drilling or modification required.
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Hardware not included; designed for direct snap-in fitment using OEM clips.
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Clean the surface before installation for maximum fitment precision.
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Professional installation is recommended to ensure perfect alignment and finish protection.
Vehicle Compatibility
FITMENT Fits ALL 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS-V Models ( Does NOT Fit ATS Models )
| Year | Make | Model | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Cadillac | ATS-V | Coupe 2-Door |
| 2018 | Cadillac | ATS-V | Coupe 2-Door |
| 2018 | Cadillac | ATS-V | Sedan 4-Door |
| 2017 | Cadillac | ATS-V | Coupe 2-Door |
| 2017 | Cadillac | ATS-V | Sedan 4-Door |
| 2016 | Cadillac | ATS-V | Coupe 2-Door |
| 2016 | Cadillac | ATS-V | Sedan 4-Door |
About Dry Carbon Fiber
Dry Carbon Fiber vs Wet Carbon Fiber — What’s the Difference?
Not all carbon fiber parts are made the same. The biggest distinction comes down to how the carbon is processed — commonly known as dry carbon and wet carbon. Both use genuine carbon fiber weave, but the production method, finish, and performance are completely different.
Manufacturing Process
Dry carbon fiber parts are produced using a pre-preg (pre-impregnated) carbon cloth, where the exact amount of resin is pre-applied by the manufacturer. These sheets are then vacuum-sealed and cured under high pressure and temperature in an autoclave, removing excess air and resin.
The result is a light, extremely strong, and precisely formed component — the same process used in motorsport and aerospace applications.
Wet carbon fiber, on the other hand, uses a hand-lay or wet-lay method. The carbon cloth is laid into a mold and liquid resin is manually brushed or poured over it before curing. Because it’s not vacuum-bagged or autoclave-cured, there’s usually more trapped resin and air pockets, leading to a heavier part and a less uniform finish.
Weight & Strength
Dry carbon fiber is roughly 30–50% lighter than wet carbon. This is due to the controlled resin ratio — just enough to bind the fibers without unnecessary weight.
By comparison, wet carbon or carbon-over-fiberglass parts can be up to 70% heavier, since excess resin and fiberglass layers add mass without increasing stiffness.
For reference:
- Carbon Fiber Density: ~1.55 g/cm³
- Fiberglass Density: ~2.6 g/cm³
Dry carbon also offers a much higher modulus of elasticity (~125 GPa), giving it outstanding rigidity under stress — ideal for aerodynamic and high-load components.
Visual & Structural Differences
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Backside: A true dry carbon piece will look identical front and back — you can see the same woven pattern throughout.
Wet carbon or fiberglass-backed parts often have a dull, uneven underside with visible fiberglass texture or color variation. -
Edges: Solid dry carbon has clean, uniform black edges.
Wet carbon or overlay parts may show a white or grey line along the edge, revealing the fiberglass underneath — sometimes hidden with black paint trim. -
Finish: Dry carbon typically has a consistent matte or satin finish, while wet carbon can appear glossy but uneven due to hand-applied resin.
