Page 249 of 414

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-37
Competitive Driving Mode
(Except Z06 with magnetic
Selective Ride Control or ZR1)
Competitive Driving Mode allows full
engine power while the Active
Handling System helps maintain
directional control of the vehicle by
selective brake application. In this
mode, TCS is off and Launch
Control is available. Adjust your
driving style to account for the
available engine power. See
“Launch Control”later in this
section.
This light is on when the vehicle is
in the Competitive Driving Mode.
This optional handling mode can be
selected by pressing the Active
Handling button on the center
console quickly two times. COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See
Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑42.
When the Active Handling button is
pressed again, the Active Handling
and TCS systems are on. The
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING-ON message displays
briefly in the DIC and a chime is
heard.
Performance Traction
Management (Z06 with
magnetic Selective Ride
Control or ZR1)
Performance Traction Management
integrates the Traction Control,
Active Handling, and Selective Ride
Control systems to provide
improved and consistent
performance when cornering. The
amount of available engine power is
based on the mode selected, track
conditions, driver skill, and the
radius of each corner.
This light is on when the vehicle is
in the Performance Traction
Management Mode.
This optional handling mode can be
selected by pressing the Active
Handling button on the center
console quickly two times. PERF
TRAC 1 - WET ACTIVE HANDLING
ON displays in the DIC.
To experience the performance
benefit of this system, after entering
a curve and at the point where the
driver would normally start to
increase acceleration, the
accelerator pedal can be fully
pressed. The Performance Traction
Management system will modify the
level of engine power for a smooth
and consistent corner exit.
Page 250 of 414

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-38 Driving and Operating
To select a mode while in
Performance Traction Management,
turn the knob on the center console.
The Performance Traction
Management system contains five
modes. These modes are selected
by turning the Selective Ride
Control/Performance Traction
Management knob on the center
console. The driver scrolls up or
down through modes 1–5 by turning
the knob to the right or left.The following is a DIC display
description and the recommended
usage of each mode:
PERF TRAC 1
–WET ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
.Intended for all driver skill levels
.Wet or damp conditions only —
not intended for use in heavy
rain or standing water
.Active Handling is on and engine
power is reduced based on
conditions
PERF TRAC 2 –DRY ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
.For use by less experienced
drivers or while learning a new
track
.Dry conditions only
.Active Handling is on and engine
power is slightly reduced
PERF TRAC 3 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING ON
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
mode 2
.Active Handling is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2
PERF TRAC 4 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING OFF
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3
.Active Handling is off and
available engine power is the
same as mode 3
Page 251 of 414

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-39
PERF TRAC 5–RACE ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
.For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
in other modes
.Active Handling is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed
Press and release the Active
Handling button to turn off
Performance Traction Management
and return to the Active Handling
and Traction Control Systems. The
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE
HANDLING-ON message displays
briefly in the DIC and a chime is
heard.
Launch Control
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (except Z06 with magnetic
Selective Ride Control or ZR1) or
Performance Traction Management (Z06 with magnetic Selective Ride
Control or ZR1), on vehicles with a
manual transmission to allow the
driver to achieve high levels of
vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of
traction control that manages tire
spin while launching the vehicle.
This feature is intended for use
during closed course race events
where consistent zero to sixty
and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
.Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (except Z06 with
magnetic Selective Ride Control
or ZR1) or any of the
Performance Traction
Management modes are
selected (Z06 with magnetic
Selective Ride Control or ZR1).
The TCS light comes on the
instrument panel and the
appropriate DIC message
displays.
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
.The clutch is pressed and the
vehicle is in first gear.
.The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle.
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle.
A smooth, quick release of the
clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip. Complete shifts
as described in Manual
Transmission on page 9‑29.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Mode (except Z06 with magnetic
Selective Ride Control or ZR1) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z06 with magnetic Selective Ride
Control or ZR1).
Page 252 of 414

Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-40 Driving and Operating
Competitive Driving Mode,
Performance Traction Management,
and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not
intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle
can give more traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works
like a standard axle most of the
time, but when traction is low, this
feature allows the drive wheel with
the most traction to move the
vehicle.
Selective Ride Control
The vehicle may have a ride control
system called magnetic Selective
Ride Control. The system provides
the following performance benefits:
.Reduced Impact Harshness
.Improved Road Isolation
.Improved High-Speed Stability
.Improved Handling Response
.Better Control of Body Ride
Motions
Except Z06 with magnetic
Selective Ride Control or ZR1
This knob is on the center console.
Turn it to select the suspension of
your choice.
TOUR:Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting
provides a smooth, soft ride. SPORT:
Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand
more control. This setting provides
more “feel,” or response to the road
conditions.
The setting can be changed at any
time. Based on road conditions,
steering wheel angle, and the
vehicle speed, the system
automatically adjusts to provide the
best handling while providing a
smooth ride. The Tour and Sport
modes will feel similar on a smooth
road. Select a new setting whenever
driving conditions change.
Three Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages (SERVICE
RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE, and MAXIMUM
SPEED 129 KM/H (80 MPH) display
when a malfunction occurs with the
Selective Ride Control system.
Refer to Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑42.
Page 253 of 414

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-41
Z06 with magnetic Selective
Ride Control with PTM or ZR1
This knob is on the center console.
Turn it to select the suspension of
your choice. The knob will return to
the center position when released.
The switch will illuminate the current
suspension setting.TOUR:
Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting
provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT: Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand
more control. This setting provides
more “feel,” or response to the road
conditions.
The setting can be changed at any
time. Based on road conditions,
steering wheel angle, and the
vehicle speed, the system
automatically adjusts to provide the
best handling while providing a
smooth ride. The Tour and Sport
modes will feel similar on a smooth
road. Select a new setting whenever
driving conditions change. The Selective Ride knob will not
display the Tour or Sport setting
when the Performance Traction
Management mode is selected.
When this mode is selected, turning
the Selective Ride knob will change
the Performance Traction
Management mode and the
suspension setting will be
determined automatically. See
Competitive Driving Mode on
page 9‑36.
Three Driver Information Center
(DIC) messages (SERVICE RIDE
CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE, and MAXIMUM
SPEED 129 KM/H (80 MPH) display
when a malfunction occurs with the
Selective Ride Control system.
Refer to
Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑42.
Page 254 of 414

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-42 Driving and Operating
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can
be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
Cruise control will not work if the
parking brake is set, or if the master
cylinder brake fluid level is low.
{WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.If the vehicle is in cruise control,
and has the Traction Control
System (TCS), and it begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑34. When road conditions
allow the cruise control to be safely
used again, it can be turned
back on.
The vehicle has cruise control.
9(Off):
Turns the system off.
R(On):Turns the system on.
+(Resume/Accelerate): Makes
the vehicle accelerate or resume a
previously set speed.
T(Set): Press this button at the
end of the lever to set the speed. Setting Cruise Control
If the cruise button is on when not in
use, it could get bumped and go into
cruise when not desired. Keep the
cruise control switch off when cruise
is not being used.
1. Move the cruise control switch
to on.
2. Get up to the speed desired.
3. Press
Tat the end of the lever
and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the cruise control is engaged,
the CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Cruise Control Messages on
page 5‑37.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a
desired speed and then the brakes
are applied, the cruise control is
disengaged without erasing the set
speed from memory.
Page 255 of 414

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
Driving and Operating 9-43
Once the vehicle speed reaches
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more,
move the cruise control switch
briefly from
Rto+. The vehicle
returns to the previous set speed
and stays there.
If the switch is held at resume/
accelerate, the vehicle keeps going
faster until the switch is released or
the brake is applied. Do not hold the
switch at resume/accelerate, unless
you want the vehicle to go faster.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated,
.Use the accelerator pedal to get
to the higher speed. Press
Jat
the end of the lever, then release
the button and the accelerator
pedal. If the accelerator pedal is
held longer than 60 seconds,
cruise control will turn off.
.Move the cruise switch fromRto
+. Hold it there until desired
speed is reached, and then
release the switch.
.To increase the vehicle speed in
small amounts, move the switch
briefly to
+. Each time this is
done, the vehicle goes about
1.6 km/h (1 mph) faster.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated,
.Press and hold the set button
until the lower speed desired is
reached, then release it.
.To slow down in small amounts,
briefly press
J. Each time this
is done, the vehicle goes about
1.6 km/h (1 mph) slower. Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends upon the vehicle
speed, load, and the steepness of
the hills. When going up steep hills,
you might want to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the
vehicle speed. When going
downhill, you might have to brake or
shift to a lower gear to keep the
vehicle's speed down. When the
brakes are applied the cruise control
is disengaged.
Page 256 of 414

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2013 - crc2 - 11/8/12
9-44 Driving and Operating
Cruise Control in Sport and
Manual Paddle Shift Gear
Selection
When the vehicle is in S (Sport) and
the manual paddle shift controls are
not being used, cruise control
operates in the same manner as
D (Drive).
When the vehicle is in S (Sport) and
the manual paddle shift controls are
being used, cruise control operates
as follows:
.If cruise control is active and a
gear is selected with the manual
paddle shift controls, the vehicle
speed is maintained in the driver
selected gear and will not
automatically up-shift or
down-shift the transmission
while the driver’s gear selection
is active.
.If driving in hilly terrain, cruise
control may not be able to
maintain vehicle speed if an
up-shift or down-shift is not
selected by the driver. While
driving on hilly terrain and cruise
control is active with a manual
paddle shift gear selection, the
driver must select the proper
gear for the terrain or select
D (Drive) on the gear range
selector for full automatic
transmission operation.
Ending Cruise Control
.To disengage cruise control,
step lightly on the brake pedal.
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, lightly tap the
clutch to end the cruise control
session.
.To turn off the cruise control
system, move the cruise control
switch to
9. When cruise control is disengaged,
the CRUISE DISENGAGED
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Cruise Control Messages on
page 5‑37.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory by moving the
switch to
9or if the ignition is
turned off.