How to Setup Z-Mode on your Corvette

What is Z-Mode?

Z-Mode is a customizable driving mode unique to the C8 Corvette. Unlike preset driving modes like Tour, Sport, or Track, Z-Mode lets you personalize your car’s handling, sound, and responsiveness to your preferences. This includes options for throttle response, steering feel, suspension stiffness, and much more.

Driver Mode Attributes

Understanding Z-Mode Settings

Engine Sound

Engine Sound adjusts the volume of engine noise. Settings range from quietest to loudest as you move from Stealth through Track.

• Stealth
• Tour
• Sport
• Track

Steering

This setting adjusts the effort required to turn the steering wheel. The steering wheel offers better feedback but requires more effort as you move from Tour to Track.

• Tour
• Sport
• Track

Suspension

This setting adjusts the firmness of the suspension in the vehicle. The suspension adjusts the stiffness of the shocks and/or springs. The ride is more comfortable at lower settings and stiffer at higher settings for better control.

• Tour
• Sport
• Track

Powertrain

This setting adjusts the throttle response, gear shifting, and engine performance. An increased throttle response enhances the acceleration feel as you move toward Track, but with a comfort trade-off due to more aggressive gear shifting.

• Weather
• Tour
• Sport
• Track

Brake Response

This setting adjusts the brake pedal response. Settings range from a slower response for more comfortable driving to the quickest response for quicker deceleration. Brake pedal travel decreases and caliper pressure increases as you move from Tour to Sport. Track allows for improved pedal precision at higher decelerations for high-performance driving.

• Tour
• Sport
• Track

Performance Traction Management (PTM)

To activate PTM through Z-Mode, configure Z-Mode to the desired PTM state in the center stack (Vehicle > Settings > Drive Mode Customization > Z-Mode). Press the Z-Mode button once to activate Z-Mode. When PTM is configured, a message will appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC): “Z-Mode Active — Press Again for PTM On — ESC May be Disabled.”

To confirm and enter PTM, press the Z-Mode button again. The PTM state can now be modified using the mode knob or by changing the Z-Mode settings in the center stack. Both the Z-Mode and PTM indicators will be displayed. To cancel, press the center dismiss button on the steering wheel (Z-Mode remains active). Selecting PTM states may modify other Z-Mode customization options.

• Off
• Wet
• Dry
• Sport
• Race 1
• Race 2

Display

This setting adjusts the cluster display theme (configured only through the cluster using the steering wheel controls).

• Tour
• Sport
• Track
• Weather
• Any informational tiles set up

How to Setup Z-Mode on a C8 Corvette

Step 1: Access Z-Mode Settings

To begin programming Z-Mode:

• Turn on the car and access the infotainment screen.
• Navigate to Settings > Vehicle > Drive Mode Customization > Z-Mode.
• Select the systems you want to customize.

Step 2: Customize Z-Mode

Step 3: Save Your Preferences

Simply back out of the Z-Mode customization menu to save your settings. You can adjust these preferences anytime.

Example Z-Mode Setups

Below are some of the best Z-Mode configurations we've tested for the Corvette. Whether you're a track enthusiast or a daily driver, these setups provide a great starting point. Feel free to adjust them to suit your preferences.

Track Day Setups

Novice Track Setup

Recommended for: Drivers new to track driving or learning a new track.

• Engine Sound: Sport
• Steering: Sport
• Suspension: Sport
• Powertrain: Sport
• PTM: Dry

Benefits: Maintains stability control while allowing moderate performance.

Intermediate Track Setup

Recommended for: Drivers familiar with track driving.

• Engine Sound: Track
• Steering: Track
• Suspension: Track
• Powertrain: Track
• PTM: Sport

Benefits: Enhanced performance while maintaining safety systems.

Advanced Track Setup

Recommended for: Experienced track drivers.

• Engine Sound: Track
• Steering: Track
• Suspension: Track
• Powertrain: Track
• PTM: Race 2

Benefits: Maximum cornering speed and full engine power.

Road Setups

Wet Weather Setup

Recommended for: Wet or damp conditions

• Engine Sound: Tour
• Steering: Tour
• Suspension: Tour
• Powertrain: Weather
• PTM: Wet

Benefits: Enhanced stability and reduced power for safer handling.

Daily Driver Setup

Recommended for: Regular commuting and casual driving.

• Engine Sound: Tour
• Steering: Tour
• Suspension: Tour
• Powertrain: Tour
• PTM: Off

Benefits: Optimal comfort and fuel efficiency.

Sport Road Setup

Recommended for: Spirited driving on public roads.

• Engine Sound: Sport
• Steering: Sport
• Suspension: Tour
• Powertrain: Sport
• PTM: Dry

Benefits: Enhanced responsiveness while maintaining comfort.

How to Activate and Deactivate Z-Mode

Press the Z-Mode button on the steering wheel to activate your custom settings. To deactivate, press the button again or select another mode using the Driver Mode Control knob.

Z-Mode vs. My-Mode: Understanding the Differences

The C8 Corvette offers two customizable driving modes: My-Mode for everyday driving and Z-Mode for dynamic performance driving. While both allow personalization, they serve different purposes and offer distinct capabilities.

My-Mode: Your Daily Driver Settings

My-Mode is designed for personalizing your everyday driving experience. It allows you to customize:

• Engine Sound (Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track)
• Steering (Tour, Sport, Track)
• Suspension (Tour, Sport, Track)
• Brake Response (Tour, Sport, Track)
• Cluster Display Theme

Key characteristics of My-Mode:

• Settings persist across ignition cycles
• Focused on comfort and daily usability
• Ideal for regular commuting and casual driving
• Accessible through the drive mode selector

Z-Mode: Your Performance Profile

Z-Mode takes customization further, offering additional performance-oriented options. It allows you to adjust:

• Engine Sound (Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track)
• Steering (Tour, Sport, Track)
• Suspension (Tour, Sport, Track)
• Powertrain (Tour, Sport, Track, Weather)
• Brake Response (Tour, Sport, Track)
• Performance Traction Management (Off, Wet, Dry, Sport, Race 1, Race 2)

Key characteristics of Z-Mode:

• Quick access via the Z-button on the steering wheel
• Enhanced powertrain customization
• Advanced stability control options through PTM
• Designed for maximum handling performance
• Ideal for track days and spirited driving

When to Use Each Mode

Choose My-Mode when:

• Setting up your preferred daily driving configuration
• Wanting settings to remain consistent between drives
• Focusing on comfort and everyday usability

Choose Z-Mode when:

• Heading to the track or engaging in performance driving
• Needing quick access to performance settings
• Wanting maximum control over vehicle dynamics
• Requiring specific PTM settings for different conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I control Active Fuel Management?

Active Fuel Management is not user-adjustable through Z-Mode. The system automatically deactivates cylinders to improve fuel efficiency when cruising.

Active Fuel Management is a preset of Powertrain and cannot be modified or changed independently.

Can I use Stealth Engine mode when doing spirited driving or on the track?

Using a stealth engine sound setting during spirited driving will cause the exhaust system to overheat and damage the variable exhaust valves. Do not use this setting when auto-crossing or driving on high speed tracks.

Does Z-Mode reset when I shut off the Corvette?

If you shut the car off in My Mode, it will restart in that mode. If you shut it off in Z-Mode, it will revert to Tour on the next start. The settings persist.