C7 Corvette Displacement On Demand: Would You Want a V4 Lock?

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An interesting and relevant point has come up on our forums regarding the Eco function and how it works on the C7 Corvette. With GM’s heavy use of Displacement On Demand, or cylinder de-activation, the Corvette’s motor can suddenly become a V4 motor, depending on conditions. So Corvette Forum member smilence asked an interesting question, essentially: Why can’t the V4 mode be locked in for Eco?

Personally, I have a very short commute to work (bed to computer, har har), but in reality, I am quite close to most things in my city. I wouldn’t have a need for all eight cylinders to sing in harmony for a trip to get sausage links. That said, I do also travel longer distances where highway miles would be a big majority of the route. I don’t need all eight cylinders to maintain highway speed. A “V4 lock” feature would find frequent use by me.

That said, some folks don’t feel the same way. Autos are sometimes used exclusively in paddle shift mode, outside of the jurisdiction of Eco functions. So for our owners of C7s, have you ever had Eco woes? Does it transition a bit less smoothly than you’d prefer? Would you pick a V4 lock if it was available?

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Patrick Morgan is an instructor at Chicago's Autobahn Country Club and contributes to a number of Auto sites, including MB World, Honda Tech, and 6SpeedOnline. Keep up with his latest racing and road adventures on Twitter and Instagram!


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