Learning How to Use the C8 Corvette’s Launch Control

C8 Corvette can dash to 60 miles per hour in the 2-second range with the high tech system.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is the best performing “base Corvette” ever. The relocation of the engine to the rear of the cockpit afford the C8 remarkable weight balance for superior handling, but the weight over the rear wheels also helps with a hard launch. To further make a hard launch from a stop more successful, the 2020 Stingray features a high tech Launch Control system, which when used correctly yields 0 to 60 times in the 2-second range.

However, using the Launch Control system in the 2020 Corvette isn’t as simple as just pushing a button and mashing the gas. The car needs to have the right drive mode settings selected and the driver has to apply a tremendous amount of brake pedal pressure. If the system isn’t set up correctly, or if the driver isn’t applying enough brake pedal pressure, the Launch Control system will not function as intended.

That is the issue plaguing “Rrigia“, who can’t seem to get the Launch Control system in his C8 Stingray to reach its peak potential. Fortunately, the CorvetteForum community is quick to provide some help.

C8 Corvette Launch Control Question

When the OP first posted his question to the forum, he doesn’t explain what problem he is having with his new Corvette, but he runs through the steps required to use Launch Control.

I am one of the lucky ones to have my C8 and love it.

1. Does my car have to have Magnetic Ride Control in order to use Launch Control?

If not here is what I have read:
1. Put car into Track Mode
2. Double tap the Traction Control button
3. This brings up the Performance Traction Management menu on the driver’s display.
4. Select Wet,Dry, Sport, Sport 2 or Race.
5. Engage the Brake
6. Floor the gas pedal
7. When 3500 rpm is reached let go of the brake.
8. Does the computer stop the rpm’s at 3500?

I would appreciate an answer(s) on this.

Later on in the thread, he provided some detail as to what he is dealing with when trying to use Launch Control.

For some reason I can’t hit 3500 RPM ! it stops at around 2000RPM.! Track mode and 2 X TCS button. Last night I tried it again and had my brake depressed as much as possible and had the gas pedal floored. Now I do not have the Z51 so does this matter?

Also, when I tried the same sequence in sport mode the car fishtailed unlike when I have it in Track mode.

The Community Responds

The first person to reply to the initial post was “Dane@LGmotorsports”, one of the CorvetteForum sponsors.

That looks correct. I’ve only done it selecting race, haven’t tried any others. Computer will stop it at 3,500. Make sure you press hard on the brake pedal or it won’t work.

Next, “Skvette” shared some details on how to use the system in a C8 Corvette that does not have Magnetic Ride Control suspension.

If you do not have Magnetic Ride like my car you will see Competitive Driving Mode after the double tap of the Traction Control button. This will allow for launch control. I just used it today 3.2 seconds to 60 with a passenger. Best time so far is 2.7 with driver only. You really need to mash the brake it to kick in.

Skvette would later share the image below of his gauge cluster with a 0 to 60 time of just 2.6 seconds, courtesy of the Launch Control system.

The most helpful reply comes from “Jagamajajaran”, who shared a video showing how to properly use the Launch Control system in his 2020 Corvette. For anyone who has a C8 Stingray and who is not familiar with the various systems, this video is very informative.

If you have input or questions on how to use the Launch Control system in the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, click here to head into the original thread.

Interior and exterior C8 images courtesy of GM Media

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Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com