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We have an undeniable affection for the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. With its 668-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, optional manual transmission, spacious rear seating, and seamless blend of comfort and performance, it has been a three-time winner of the 10Best award and remains one of our top sports sedans. For 2025, Cadillac is amplifying the Blackwing’s aggressive character with a significant suspension upgrade known as the Precision package. After testing a prototype at Virginia International Raceway, we were thoroughly impressed.

This new package enhances the 2025 updates to the entire CT5 lineup, featuring a refreshed front end, larger dashboard displays, and a revamped Performance Data Recorder. The Precision package for the CT5-V Blackwing is focused on enhancing the car’s responsiveness and speed on the track. Development engineer Derek Zalewski mentioned that inspiration for this upgrade partly came from former GM performance chief John Heinricy’s experience racing a CT4-V Blackwing in the SCCA’s T2 class. The question was how to further enhance the CT5 Blackwing’s track capabilities.

The solution involved increasing the front spring rates by 70% and the rear by 60%, along with installing a stiffer front anti-roll bar and replacing almost every bushing.

Some components are borrowed from the Camaro SS 1LE and ZL1 1LE, including a rear cradle bushing that is now 1000% stiffer. The standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are complemented by optional track-focused Cup 2R tires, which are 10 millimeters wider than the stock tires. Unlike the usual custom tires for GM vehicles, these are off-the-shelf. The front suspension knuckles were modified to accommodate 2.8 degrees of negative camber, and a second set of rear toe-control links, found in the trunk and about 0.1 inch longer, allow rear camber adjustments to negative 2.0 degrees (compared to the stock -2.4 degrees front and -1.5 degrees rear track alignment). Electronic systems like steering, MR dampers, stability control, and the electronically controlled limited-slip differential have also been recalibrated. While the LT4 V-8’s power remains unchanged, 668 horsepower is still impressive.

At Virginia International Raceway, the Cup 2R tires’ additional grip was immediately noticeable.

The front tires maintained their grip without squealing, increasing the average grip through Turn 1 by nearly 10% compared to the previous Blackwing model. With our usual three days of testing, the improvement is expected to be even more pronounced. The CT5’s enhanced stiffness significantly boosted stability under braking and in challenging corners. Braking into Turn 1 was uneventful, unlike the standard Blackwing’s tendency to wiggle. The CT5 navigated the NASCAR section—an area where a fast left-hand sweeper leads into a braking zone—more predictably, making it easier to reach the apex smoothly. Similarly, the off-camber left-hander after the climbing esses showcased the CT5’s newfound precision, eliminating the stock Blackwing’s slight rear-end wobble.

Despite the Precision package’s substantial track improvements, it remains remarkably comfortable on the street. The only noticeable downside is a slight increase in head toss over low-speed bumps. Otherwise, it’s surprisingly refined, making it an ideal choice for daily driving, which underscores GM’s engineers’ expertise in balancing ride quality and handling.

Cadillac hasn’t announced pricing for the Precision package yet, but it will be available in early 2025. The package requires the carbon-ceramic brake option and can be selected with or without the carbon-fiber aero packages. Although no official lap time was recorded during our preview drive, Cadillac is confident that the Precision-equipped Blackwing could become the fastest gas-powered four-door in our Lightning Lap history, needing to be just 1.7 seconds quicker to surpass the Porsche Panamera Turbo S.