CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8 2021 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
200 Driving and Operating
Manual Mode
Manual Paddle Shift
With the transmission in D (Drive), press the
M (Manual Mode) switch on the center
console to enter Manual Mode. Use the
paddles on the steering wheel to manually
upshift or downshift the transmission. The
right + (plus) paddle upshifts, and the left
−(minus) paddle downshifts. When using the Manual Paddle Shift
feature, the current gear will be displayed in
the instrument cluster or the Head-Up
Display (HUD), if equipped. See
Head-Up
Display (HUD) 093.
When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in
snowy and icy conditions, shifting to
2 (Second) gear, when available, will allow
the vehicle to gain more traction.
The Manual Paddle Shift system can be
deactivated by pulling the D (Drive) switch
on the center console.
With the transmission in D (Drive), pull the
right + paddle or the left −paddle to place
the transmission in Temporary Manual
Paddle Shift mode.
To exit Temporary Manual Paddle Shift
mode do one of the following:
.Hold the + paddle for more than
one second.
.Drive at a steady speed without manual
shifts or aggressive cornering for more
than six seconds.
.Bring the vehicle to a stop. While the Manual Paddle Shift feature is
active, the transmission will automatically
downshift through the gears as the vehicle
slows. The transmission will select 1 (First)
gear as the vehicle stops. From a stop, the
vehicle will start from and hold 1 (First) gear
unless Manual Paddle Shifts are used to
shift into a different gear, or D (Drive) is
selected.
To cause the transmission to downshift to
the lowest gear possible for the vehicle
speed, in Manual Paddle Shift or Temporary
Manual Paddle Shift mode:
.Pull and briefly hold the
−paddle. If the
paddle continues to be held as the vehicle
slows, downshifts will continue as vehicle
speed allows.
The Manual Paddle Shift system will not
allow an upshift or a downshift if vehicle
speed is too fast or too slow, nor will it
allow a start from any gear other than
1 (First) gear.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 201
When in Manual Paddle Shift mode,
if upshifting does not occur when needed,
vehicle speed will be limited to protect the
engine. When in Temporary Manual Paddle
Shift mode, the transmission will
automatically upshift if the accelerator pedal
is pressed all the way to the floor.
Manual Paddle Shift can be used with cruise
control. SeeCruise Control 0218.
The vehicle speeds required for Manual
Paddle Shift upshifts depend on several
vehicle inputs, which will vary the allowed
upshift speed by a few km/h (mph).
To prevent damage to the powertrain,
Manual Paddle downshifts to a lower gear
cannot be done above certain speeds. For vehicles with an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (Z51)
Upshift Allowed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
2nd 15 9 3rd 25 16
4th 36 22 5th 47 29
6th 60 37 7th 76 47
8th 92 57
Maximum Downshift Inhibit Speed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
1st 30 19
2nd 63 39 3rd 104 65
4th 164 102 5th 232 144
6th 304 189 7th 380 236

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
202 Driving and Operating
For vehicles with an Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (Without Z51)Upshift Allowed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
2nd 16 10 3rd 26 16
4th 37 23 5th 49 30
6th 63 39 7th 80 50
8th 97 60
Maximum Downshift Inhibit Speed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
1st 30 19
2nd 63 39 3rd 113 70
4th 174 108 5th 245 152
6th 321 200 7th 400 249 Double Paddle Declutch
Double Paddle Declutch allows the vehicle to
temporarily disconnect the engine from the
wheels
–similar to N (Neutral). This feature
is activated by pulling and holding both the
+ paddle and −paddle at the same time
while the vehicle is in R (Reverse), D (Drive),
or M (Manual Mode). The vehicle will
remain in this condition until both the
+ paddle and −paddle are released.
The R, D, or M indicator on the center shift
console will flash red to indicate that the
vehicle is in Double Paddle Declutch. In
addition, the current gear state indicator in
the DIC may dim to gray to indicate that
the vehicle is in Double Paddle Declutch.
To exit Double Paddle Declutch, release both
the + paddle and −paddle. The engine will
reconnect to the wheels and the shift
indicator will stop flashing. There are two
Double Paddle Declutch exit styles:
Rapid Exit : This is intended for use at a
closed course race track and not on public
roads. Engine power is reapplied to the
wheels quickly to support spirited driving.
The rate of launch is dependent on how
much the accelerator pedal is pressed when
the paddles are released: The further the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the greater the

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 203
rate of launch. Tire spin may occur with the
accelerator pedal pressed and the Traction
Control System (TCS) turned off.
This launch occurs when both of these
conditions are met:
.Vehicle speed is below 10 km/h (6 mph).
.Both the + paddle and−paddle are
released at the same time.
With the accelerator fully pressed and the
engine at the rev limiter, peak performance
only occurs if the paddles are released
within a short period of time after reaching
the rev limit (i.e., a few seconds).
Standard Exit : Engine power is reapplied to
the wheels gently to support normal vehicle
operation on public roads.
This occurs when paddles are released under
any of the these conditions:
.Vehicle speed is above 10 km/h (6 mph).
.The vehicle is in R (Reverse).
.The + paddle and −paddle are not
released at the same time.
If the vehicle was in Temporary Manual
Paddle Shift mode before entering Double
Paddle Declutch, the vehicle will return to D
(Drive) with automatic shifting upon exiting
Double Paddle Declutch.
{Warning
When exiting Double Paddle Declutch, the
vehicle may move rapidly. You could lose
control and cause a crash with nearby
people or objects. Be ready to release the
accelerator pedal or apply the brakes
immediately if the vehicle moves too
quickly. Do not use the Double Paddle
Declutch when people or objects are near.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 088.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
204 Driving and Operating
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See
Electric Parking Brake
Light 088 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 088.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer. If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 205
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brakepedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 177.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle. HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and a StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system. These
systems help limit wheel spin and assist the
driver in maintaining control, especially on
slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that the rear
wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to the
spinning wheel and reduces engine power
(by closing the throttle and managing
engine spark) to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
206 Driving and Operating
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used when TCS
begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control
will automatically disengage. Cruise control
may be reengaged when road conditions
allow. SeeCruise Control 0218.
If the driver disables TCS, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control will also be
disabled if Performance Traction
Management (PTM) is selected, or if
StabiliTrak is turned off.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0187 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated
.Flash when ABS is active
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
=comes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
=comes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
=comes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
The TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC button is on the
center console.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 207
To turn off only TCS, press and release@.
The Traction Off light
iilluminates in the
instrument cluster. To turn TCS on again,
press and release
@. The Traction Off light
idisplayed in the instrument cluster will
turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
@is
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
@until the Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light@illuminate and stay on in the instrument
cluster.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
@. The Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light@in the
instrument cluster turn off.
If the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
system is malfunctioning and the DIC
displays SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM,
StabiliTrak/ESC will be affected as follows:
.StabiliTrak/ESC cannot be turned off by
the driver.
.If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, it will be turned
on automatically.
.Competitive Driving Mode or Performance
Traction Management is unavailable.
.StabiliTrak/ESC will feel different in aiding
and maintaining directional control.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0231.
Hill Rollback Control
If the vehicle is in gear and inadvertently
rolls backwards, Hill Rollback Control helps
limit the rollback to a very low speed.
A noise may be heard while the vehicle
speed is actively being controlled. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message displays
when active.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the driver
to adjust the overall driving experience to
better suit preference by selecting different
modes.
Drive mode availability and affected driver
systems are dependent upon vehicle trim
level, region, and optional features. Driver
modes may include: Weather, Tour, Sport,
and Track, along with two customizable
modes: My Mode and Z-Mode. If the vehicle is in Tour or My Mode it will
stay in that mode through future ignition
cycles. If the vehicle is in any other mode, it
will return to Tour when the vehicle is
restarted. When each mode is selected, an
indicator will come on in the instrument
cluster and stay on.
Mode Activation
To activate My Mode, Weather, Tour, Sport
and Track Mode, turn the Driver Mode
Control (DMC) knob on the center console to
make a mode selection. When a mode is
selected, an indicator will come on in the
instrument cluster and stay on.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
208 Driving and Operating
To activate Z-Mode, press the Z-Mode button
on the steering wheel. To deactivate, the
driver can either select a different mode
through the DMC knob or press the Z-Mode
button on the steering wheel. When Z-Mode
is deactivated through the Z-Mode button,
DMC is always set back to Tour Mode.
Mode Description
uWeather :Weather Mode is used for
slippery surfaces to help control wheel
speed. This can compromise the acceleration
on dry asphalt. This feature is not intended for use when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, see
If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0187. See “Driver Mode
Attributes,” later in this section.
sTour :Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft ride. This
setting provides a balanced setting between
comfort and handling. This is the standard
mode. See “Driver Mode Attributes,” later in
this section.
rSport : Use when road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response. When this mode is
selected, a down shift will be immediately
felt. In this mode the vehicle also monitors
driving behaviors and automatically enables
Performance Shift Features when spirited
driving is detected. These features maintain
lower transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and improve
acceleration response. The vehicle will exit
this feature and return to normal operation
after a short time when spirited driving is
no longer detected. The steering will change
to provide more precise control. If the
vehicle has Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension will change to provide better cornering performance. When in Sport
Mode, the displays will change to sport
theme.
Competitive Mode can be accessed through
this mode. See
Competitive Driving Mode
0 214.
tTrack : Track Mode is used for closed
race tracks. Use when maximum vehicle
handling is desired. When in Track Mode,
the dual clutch transmission and steering
will adjust to track settings. The accelerator
pedal is adjusted to give maximum control
during the highest level of spirited driving.
This mode also modifies real time damping,
exhaust valve tuning, engine sound, brake
pedal feel, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
performance and Traction Control System
(TCS) performance. When in Track Mode the
displays will change to track theme.
Performance Traction Management (PTM)
can be accessed through this mode. See
“Performance Traction Management,” later
in this section.
qMy Mode : My Mode is used to
personalize everyday driving. This mode
allows the driver to configure the driver
systems to their driving preferences. This
mode modifies the suspension, steering,

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 209
pedal mapping, exhaust valve tuning, and
engine sound. My Mode will remain active
across ignition cycles.
Through the center display, the following
vehicle sub-systems may be available for
customization in this mode:
Engine Sound:Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering: Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension: Tour, Sport, Track
Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
For a more detailed description on how each
driver system is changed, see “Drive Mode
Customization,” later in this section.
Additionally the cluster theme can be set up
using the display menu in the cluster.
vZ-Mode : Z-Mode is used to
personalize dynamic driving. This mode
allows the driver to configure the driver
systems to their own preference for
maximum handling. Z-Mode further
enhances the experience by adding
powertrain customization. This mode
modifies pedal mapping, ESC performance,
TCS performance, suspension, steering,
exhaust valve turning, and engine sound. Through the center display, the driver can
customize multiple settings. The following
vehicle sub-systems may be available for
customization in this mode:
Engine Sound:
Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering: Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension: Tour, Sport, Track
Powertrain: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather
Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
PTM: Off, Wet, Dry, Sport, Race 1, Race 2
For a more detailed description on how each
driver system is changed, see “Drive Mode
Customization,” later in this section. For
more information on PTM, see “Performance
Traction Management,” later in this section.
Additionally, the cluster theme can be set
up using the display menu in the cluster.