What's Behind the 2020 Stingray's Z Mode

Z Button

Ford introduced a race key in the two-year limited production run of the new Mustang Boss 302. Dodge is staying true to form with a similar technology integrated with the Challenger SRT Hellcat, a black key for day to day driving and a red key that unlocks the vehicle’s race performance. So, what is the 2020 Stingray’s key to unlocking the real power and performance of the mid-engine Vette C8?  The answer comes at the push of a button, the Z button to be precise.

Cockpit Controls

The Z51 package C8 Stingray can run from 0 – 60 mph in less than three seconds.  The 6.2-liter LT2 V8 mid-engine can unleash 495 horsepower but Corvette owners can still take their experience a step further if they wish to.  That, my friends, is where the Z button comes into play. Pushing the Z button accesses the 2020 Corvette C8 Stingray’s Z Mode which is a fully customizable, personal drive mode setting. The "Z" button gets its name from the tradition of the Z06 and the ZR1 performance variant Corvettes. 

Personalized Drive Control

However, the ability to change driving modes isn't new for the Corvette.  The C7 allowed drivers to select performance characteristics for Tour, Weather, Eco, Sport, and the Track.  So, what makes the Z Mode different or better? Two words: customizable options.  Drivers can set their preferences for the aforementioned modes but can allow for additional tweaks to the engine, transmission, and steering response.  Drivers select the settings via the car’s brand new cockpit-like control panel. The preferences are saved as presets that can be accessed with the push of the Z button. 

Click Click Boom

With personalized, preset performance at the push of a button, what other surprises does the 2020 Corvette C8 Stingray still have waiting for drivers?  How about a Targa Top? The removable top will be able to be taken off the car and stowed inside of the car’s trunk which will be in the rear section of the Stingray, tucked behind the 6.2-liter LT2 V8 mid-engine powerplant.  Trunk space is limited but a Corvette isn’t designed for hauling soccer balls and trips to the grocery store. 

Full Auto

Much to the dismay of sports car and muscle car lovers, the 2020 Corvette C8 Stingray will not feature a manual transmission option.  The C8 has an improved automatic transmission to complement the performance and horsepower ratings driving the car forward at optimal shift times. Previous manual transmission Corvette models had inferior sales numbers in comparison to automatics so even if they could why would they?  So unfortunately, no matter how badly you may want to slam through the gears and burn some rubber, you’ll have to rely on the C8’s automatic transmission to do the work for you.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Stingray's Z button right here in LS1 Tech Forum!

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