Blog

Cadillac believes that a greater number of its Blackwing owners frequently bring their vehicles to track days compared to those who purchase BMW M or Mercedes-AMG models. When Alex MacDonald transitioned from his role as the vehicle performance manager for Corvette and Camaro to become the chief engineer for the CT4 and CT5 two years ago, his team urged him to produce a track-optimized chassis package they had been developing. This intense concept, initially shown on a CT4, will be introduced in the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing as the Precision Package, RPO V8V, expected to hit the market in early 2025.

The CT5-V Blackwing is already an impressive road performer, offering a choice between luxurious comfort and precise handling at the switch of a drive-mode selector. However, equipping it for the track with high-performance tires pushed it to the edge of what could be achieved with a road-focused design. The Precision Package aims to expand this capability by enhancing the car’s accuracy and increasing its cornering speeds. Executive Chief Engineer Brandon Vivian explains, “We designed this vehicle to break records on some of the world’s most challenging tracks and satisfy the most discerning driving enthusiasts.” Notably, the powertrain remains the same.

Comprehensive Stiffening

Cadillac addresses every weak point, both front and rear, to prevent simply shifting looseness around. The spring rates are increased by 70% in the front and 50% in the rear. While these numbers seem significant, the overall ride rate, which affects what occupants feel, increases by 20% at both ends. The tuning of the magnetorheological dampers in the MR 4.0 system has been extensively revised to avoid the harshness seen in stiff cars like the Ford Focus RS. The mounts for the front and rear dampers have been significantly stiffened to eliminate uncontrolled motion. The ride link bushings in the suspension are 79% stiffer in front and 63% stiffer in the rear, while the front anti-roll bar rate increases by 11%. Lastly, the forward-most rear cradle bushings are 1,000% stiffer. When asked why they didn’t use solid mounts, MacDonald responded, “We tried that, but it wasn’t right for Cadillac. It didn’t strike the right balance. Every road imperfection was felt throughout the car.”

Enhanced Adjustability

Two major changes allow for camber adjustments that are primarily beneficial on the track. The front knuckles enable this adjustment directly, while the rear features new toe-control links made from billet that provide an additional degree of negative camber. These components come with the car and can be installed on track days.

New Software Calibrations

The software that controls everything from the MR dampers to the stability control and electric power steering assist has been updated to match the Precision Package’s new hardware. The electronic limited-slip differential is also adjusted to feel steadier when accelerating.

Interestingly, the MR damping range is somewhat reduced, tightening things from the base setup to align better with the new spring and ride rates. Mike Hurley, known for his chassis development work on the Corvette team, has reportedly applied his expertise to the CT5-V Blackwing Precision Package, maintaining an unexpected level of comfort despite the stiffer springs.

No Changes to Tires/Wheels. Yet.

Initially, the Precision Package will feature the same 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer performance tires, with 275/40R19 front and 305/30ZR19 rear sizes, as other CT5-Vs. However, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires may be available in the future, and customers might choose them for track days, likely increasing the front size to a more common 285/30R19. When they do, they’ll find their 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Precision Package behaves like a smaller, more focused vehicle—similar to a CT4-V Blackwing with CT5-V-8 power. It will deliver power more effectively, handle corners with more confidence, and achieve lower lap times. We’re eager to see how Hurley’s enhancements maintain the Precision Package’s on-road comfort.

Availability and Pricing

Cadillac’s RPO V8V Precision Package will be offered in early 2025 on any CT5-V Blackwing, with the only mandatory option being the $9,000 carbon-ceramic brakes. Pricing hasn’t been finalized but is expected to be comparable to similar chassis packages (we anticipate something like the Corvette’s $6,345 Z51 package). Therefore, potential buyers should budget for a total cost exceeding $111,000, including gas guzzler taxes.