How to Use Launch Control on a C8 Corvette (2020-2025)

If you own a 2020-2025 Chevrolet C8 Corvette and want to experience lightning-fast launches from a standstill, you’re in the right place. Launch Control on the C8 Corvette is a built-in feature designed to help drivers accelerate as quickly and smoothly as possible. In this article, we’ll explain what Launch Control is on a C8 Corvette, how to activate Launch Control step by step, and answer common questions about its safety and availability. Whether you’re a new Corvette owner still getting familiar with your car or a seasoned track enthusiast looking to improve your 0-60 times, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in a friendly, conversational tone.

What is Launch Control on a C8 Corvette?

Launch Control is a driver-assist feature that helps you achieve optimal acceleration from a dead stop. In simple terms, it’s a special program in your C8’s computer that modulates engine power and wheelspin for the quickest possible launch. Chevrolet describes Launch Control as a form of traction control that **manages tire spin while launching the vehicle** to help achieve high levels of acceleration in a straight line. Essentially, it lets even less experienced drivers perform racecar-like launches by automatically balancing throttle and traction.

When activated, Launch Control will hold the engine at a specific RPM and limit wheel slip as you take off, providing a repeatable and rapid acceleration. This is especially useful at the drag strip or track, where consistent 0-60 mph and quarter-mile times are desired. The system works by temporarily overriding some traction and stability control settings to give you maximum power to the pavement without overpowering the tires. Once the car is launched, normal traction/stability modes resume, but you’ll already be rocketing forward.

It’s important to note that Launch Control on the C8 is intended for performance driving in controlled conditions. The Corvette’s manual emphasizes that features like Competitive Driving Mode, Performance Traction Management (PTM), and Launch Control are designed for closed-course racetrack use and are **not intended for use on public roads**. Always make sure you’re in a safe, legal environment (like a drag strip or track) before using Launch Control.

Does My C8 Corvette Have Launch Control?

Good news: if you have a C8 Corvette from 2020 onward, you do have Launch Control. This feature comes standard on all versions of the C8 Corvette Stingray (2020-2025), regardless of trim level. Whether your C8 is a base Stingray or equipped with the Z51 Performance Package (or even the Z06 model in 2023+), the car’s electronics include Launch Control functionality as part of the performance driving features.

There is no separate “Launch Control button” in the C8; instead, the feature is accessed through the car’s drive modes and traction control settings (more on the exact steps in the next section). Essentially, if your C8 has the dual-clutch transmission and drive mode selector (which all 2020+ Corvettes do), it has Launch Control built-in. The system became available with the introduction of the C8 Stingray in 2020 and continues through the 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years. So, rest assured that your new Corvette is ready to rock off the line like a supercar, as long as you know how to activate it!

One thing to be aware of: C8 models equipped with the Z51 package have an advanced traction management system called PTM (Performance Traction Management), whereas non-Z51 models use a simpler “Competitive Driving Mode” for performance launches. Both setups include Launch Control – the process to engage it is just slightly different in terms of which mode you select. We’ll detail those differences below.

How to Use C8 Launch Control (Step-by-Step)

Now for the fun part – let’s go through how to activate and use Launch Control on your C8 Corvette. The process is straightforward, but it’s crucial to follow each step closely to ensure the system engages properly. We’ll start with the prerequisites (things you need to have done or set up before attempting a launch), then the activation steps, and finally some custom settings and pro tips for the best results.

Prerequisites: Getting Your C8 Ready for Launch

Before you engage Launch Control, make sure the following conditions are met for a smooth and safe experience:

• Complete the Break-In Period: If your Corvette is brand new, ensure you’ve put at least 500 miles (800 km) on the odometer (the recommended break-in period) before doing hard launches. The Corvette’s instruction manual cautions that you should not use the launch control feature until the new vehicle break-in period is completed – otherwise, the performance will be limited and you could risk powertrain or engine damage. In short, be patient for those first few hundred miles.
• Proper Warm-Up: Make sure the engine and transmission are fully warmed up. Launching with cold engine oil or transmission fluid is not ideal. Likewise, your tires should be at proper temperature and pressure for best grip. Doing a launch on cold tires may cause extra wheel spin (or the system might limit power more to compensate).
• Safe Location: Always perform Launch Control in a safe, controlled environment. This means a drag strip, racetrack, or an empty closed road with permission. Never use Launch Control on public streets – it’s unsafe and illegal to do so. Ensure there’s plenty of straight-line distance ahead of you and no obstacles or bystanders around.
• Vehicle Setup: Your C8 should be in the correct drive mode and settings before initiating launch. **Put the car in either Sport or Track mode** using the Driver Mode Selector dial. Launch Control is only available in these higher-performance modes and will not engage in Tour or Weather mode. Most enthusiasts prefer Track mode for maximum performance. If your Corvette has the Z51 package (with PTM), it’s recommended to use Track mode so you can utilize the PTM settings (more on that shortly).
• Straight Steering: Ensure the car is at a complete stop on a level surface, and the steering wheel is pointed straight ahead. Launch Control will not activate if the car is moving or if the front wheels are turned. This is a safety measure so the vehicle launches in a straight line without any unintentional swerving.

Activation Steps: Engaging Launch Control in Your C8

Once you’ve prepared the car as outlined above, you’re ready to activate Launch Control. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Engage Competitive Driving Mode / PTM: With the car in Sport or Track mode, **quickly press the Traction Control button twice**. This is the button on the center console with the traction/stability control icon (slippery car symbol). Double-tapping it will put the car’s electronic stability control into a special mode. On a non-Z51 C8, this activates Competitive Driving Mode, which turns off Traction Control (TCS off) but keeps stability control (StabiliTrak) in a performance setting. If you have a Z51-package C8, double-pressing will activate Performance Traction Management (PTM) in Track mode, allowing you to select PTM launch modes (we’ll cover PTM modes in the next section). In either case, the instrument cluster should confirm the change – for example, you might see a message like “ESC Competitive Mode” on the Driver Information Center. This indicates Launch Control is now available.
2. Hold the Brake Firmly: With your left foot, press and hold the brake pedal as hard as you can. You need to press it firmly all the way to the floor, almost like a panic-braking force. The car must register that you are fully on the brakes. (This is to ensure the car doesn’t creep forward when you apply throttle.) Keep holding the brake down throughout the next step. Tip: If you have the brake adequately pressed, the car will remain stationary even after you floor the gas in the next step. If the car starts to inch forward, press the brake even harder. The owner’s manual notes that if the vehicle rolls when you apply throttle, you should release the accelerator, press the brake more firmly, and try again.
3. Floor the Accelerator: Now, with your right foot, **rapidly press the accelerator pedal to the floor (wide-open throttle)**. Do this quickly (within a second or so) while still holding the brake with your other foot. When you do this, the engine revs will surge up, but the Launch Control system will automatically cap the RPM to an optimal level (typically somewhere in the mid 3000s RPM for the Stingray, though it can vary). **Do not lift off the accelerator** – keep the gas pedal floored. The car’s computer is now in Launch Control mode, holding the engine at a steady launch RPM. You might hear the engine note stabilize and feel the car straining to go – that’s normal.
4. Release the Brake (Launch!): Here’s the moment of truth – swiftly release the brake pedal while keeping the accelerator pedal fully depressed. The car will leap forward with maximum acceleration. The Launch Control system will manage power delivery to minimize wheel spin – you might hear a chirp of the tires but the electronics will try to prevent them from just boiling into wheelspin. As you release the brake, the C8 should rocket forward in a controlled, straight line. Hold on tight to the steering wheel! 📈 The gear shifts will be handled by the dual-clutch transmission’s performance logic, so all you need to do is keep that right foot planted until you reach your desired speed.

That’s it – you’ve just executed a Launch Control start. Under the hood, the Corvette’s computer was momentarily limiting engine torque and modulating the clutches to put down power effectively. If done correctly, you’ll get a blistering launch with consistent acceleration. After you launch and accelerate, the car will remain in its performance mode (Competitive/PTM) but the special launch algorithm disengages until you do the sequence again.

Here's a quick video showing how it is executed:

Custom Settings and Modes (If Equipped)

The C8 Corvette gives drivers some flexibility in how Launch Control behaves, especially if your car is equipped with the Z51 Performance Package. In a base (non-Z51) C8, Launch Control works through the Competitive Driving Mode as described above – essentially an on/off setting for a performance launch. However, C8s with Z51 include Performance Traction Management (PTM), which offers five selectable modes that fine-tune traction and stability settings for track driving. These PTM modes can subtly affect how Launch Control feels by adjusting available power and wheelspin allowance based on conditions:

• PTM Mode 1 – Wet: Intended for wet or damp track conditions. The car’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) remains on, and engine power is somewhat reduced for safety. If you launch in this mode, the system will be very conservative to prevent wheel slip on a slick surface.
• PTM Mode 2 – Dry: Designed for dry conditions with a bit more leeway. ESC is on and engine power is slightly reduced. Launch Control in Dry mode allows a little more aggressive start than Wet mode, since traction is better.
• PTM Mode 3 – Sport 1: For dry conditions, more aggressive than Dry mode. ESC stays on, and additional engine power is available. This mode is a sportier setting that will let the car launch harder while still catching minor slides.
• PTM Mode 4 – Sport 2: For dry conditions as well. In Sport 2, ESC is turned off, and the available power is the same as Sport 1. Essentially, it disables stability control entirely, which can allow the rear to step out more – though Launch Control will still manage wheel spin off the line. This mode is for experienced drivers on a track.
• PTM Mode 5 – Race: The most aggressive setting, meant for expert drivers on dry tracks. ESC is off and even more engine power (with less intervention) is available. In Race mode, Launch Control will give you the fiercest launch, permitting just enough wheel slip to get optimal acceleration. This mode assumes you can handle the car without any electronic stability net.

To use these PTM modes on a Z51-equipped C8, you need to be in Track Mode (via the driver mode dial) and double-tap the traction control button to bring up the PTM selection (as mentioned in the activation steps). You can then rotate the mode selector knob to cycle through PTM 1–5 on the instrument cluster. Choose the mode that suits the track conditions and your comfort level. Regardless of which PTM mode you’re in, Launch Control itself is engaged with the same brake-and-throttle procedure described earlier. The difference will be in how the car manages the power during the launch (more intervention in PTM Wet vs. very little in PTM Race, for example).

If your Corvette is not a Z51, you won’t have those PTM sub-modes – you’ll simply use the Competitive Driving Mode (which roughly corresponds to a single all-purpose performance mode). That’s perfectly fine; you can still execute very fast launches. In fact, even in Competitive Mode, the C8 is capable of sub-3 second 0-60 launches under ideal conditions!

Another custom setting to be aware of is the Z-Mode button on your C8 (the programmable mode button on the steering wheel). As a pro tip, some owners like to configure their Z-Mode for quick access to a “launch-ready” setup. For instance, you could set Z-Mode to activate Track suspension and engine settings, but leave traction in Sport or Race (Competitive) mode. This way, you can simply hit the Z-Mode button, and then perform the brake/throttle routine without having to twist the mode dial and double-tap the TC button every time. Essentially, Z-Mode can be your shortcut to prepare the car for Launch Control with one press. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to use the brake and accelerator sequence to actually initiate the launch. See more on how to setup z-mode on your C8 Corvette.

Pro Tips for the Best Launch Control Results

Even with the C8’s Launch Control handling the hard work, a few extra tricks can help you get the absolute best results and ensure you do it safely:

• Use Good Tires & Surface: The better the traction, the better your launch. If you’re serious about drag times, consider performance summer tires or even drag radials (for track use) and launch on a prepped surface. Launch Control can only do so much if your tires are balding or the pavement is dusty. Fresh, warmed-up tires on a good surface will let the system propel you forward with minimal wheel spin.
• Avoid Unnecessary Weight: If you’re at the track, lighten the car a bit for slightly better results. For example, don’t launch with a trunk full of cargo or with the removable roof panel stowed in the back if you can help it. Every little bit of weight reduction can improve acceleration.
• Timing the Tree (for Drag Racers): If you’re using Launch Control at a drag strip, activate the launch sequence (brake held, throttle floored) just a moment before you need to go. You don’t want to sit on the rev-limiter too long. Fortunately, the C8’s system will hold the RPM and not build excessive boost or anything crazy, but it’s good practice to time it so you’re ready to release the brake as soon as the light turns green.
• Don’t Rapid-Fire Repeated Launches: While the C8 is a robust machine, doing multiple back-to-back launch control starts can heat up the drivetrain (engine, transmission, axle) significantly. Give the car a cool-down period between runs. This not only is mechanically sympathetic, but it also helps your subsequent launches stay consistent because heat soak can sap a bit of power. Remember, Launch Control is **designed for occasional track use**, not every stoplight.
• Stay Straight and In Control: Keep both hands on the wheel when you launch, and make sure the steering is pointed straight. The car should go arrow-straight if the road is even and you’ve set the wheels forward. If you feel the car getting squirrely (which is uncommon if using Launch Control correctly on a good surface), be ready to ease off the throttle slightly. But generally, the system’s goal is to prevent that scenario by modulating power.
• Check Your Results: Use the Corvette’s Performance Data Recorder or built-in performance timers to measure your 0-60 or 1/4 mile times. This is a fun way to see how effective your launch was. The C8’s instrument cluster can time 0-60 automatically when you use Launch Control – a timer usually appears once you’re in the right mode. Reviewing these times can help you refine your technique (for example, you might find you launch harder in PTM Sport 1 vs. Sport 2 depending on track conditions).

With these tips, you’ll not only rely on the technology but also apply some driver know-how to get the most out of your Corvette’s Launch Control feature. It’s a blend of advanced engineering and driving skill that results in truly thrilling launches.

Is Launch Control Safe to Use on a C8 Corvette?

A common question among new owners is whether using Launch Control will hurt the car or if it’s safe to use regularly. The answer is that Launch Control is a factory-developed feature, so it’s generally safe for the vehicle when used as intended. The Corvette’s engineers designed the system to manage wheel spin and stress to prevent excessive wear during hard launches. In other words, the car is moderating power to protect itself while still delivering quick acceleration. It’s even smart enough to reduce engine speed if something isn’t ideal (for example, if the tires are slipping too much or if you didn’t press the brake hard enough).

However, “safe” doesn’t mean you should abuse it. Using Launch Control puts more strain on the drivetrain than normal driving – you’re dumping a lot of torque through the transmission and into the rear axle very suddenly. The C8’s dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and axles can handle it, but doing launch after launch without break can generate heat and wear. That’s why we advise against frequent, repeated launches. If you use it occasionally (say, at the track on weekends or the occasional demonstration for friends) and let the car cool down between runs, you shouldn’t have any issues. The car’s warranty will typically cover any failures as long as you’re using the feature as intended and not, for instance, modifying the car beyond what it can handle.

Another aspect of safety is driver and bystander safety. Launch Control should only be used in safe conditions. The acceleration forces are intense – 0-60 in around 2.9-3.0 seconds for a C8 Stingray with good traction – which can surprise an unprepared driver. Always keep the steering wheel straight and grip it firmly, and make sure you have plenty of room ahead. Never attempt to hold a camera or phone while doing a launch; focus on driving. Likewise, ensure anyone watching your launch is standing well off to the side and not behind or in front of the car.

In summary, Launch Control on a C8 is safe for both the car and driver when used properly: after the break-in period , in appropriate settings, and in moderation. It’s there to enhance your Corvette experience, and when coupled with common-sense precautions, it’s an absolute blast to use without undue worry.

Final Thoughts

The C8 Corvette’s Launch Control is a shining example of how modern technology can amplify driving excitement. It allows virtually anyone to perform a race-caliber launch with the press of a few buttons and pedals, making the most of the Corvette’s potent V8 and smart traction management. As we’ve discussed, it’s important to use this feature responsibly: save it for the track or drag strip, make sure your car is prepared, and always prioritize safety. When used correctly, Launch Control can help you nail consistent fast launches that will put a huge grin on your face.

Finally, remember that every bit of performance counts. If you’re looking to further enhance your Corvette or protect it during spirited drives, consider investing in quality aftermarket accessories. ACS Composite offers a range of aerodynamic parts and accessories for the C8 Corvette that can not only improve its appearance but also its functionality on and off the track. From splitters and side skirts that add stability, to rock guards that protect against debris, ACS Composite has you covered. Equip your C8 with the best, use features like Launch Control wisely, and you’ll enjoy the ultimate Corvette experience.

Now get out there and enjoy that awesome C8 Launch Control – responsibly, of course! 🚀