Is Z51 and/or MRC required to use Z mode ?

 

Z-Mode is standard across all C8 models & trims.

 

Nope, if no MRC you can't set Ride as no adjustment, but all other settings, Shifting as if in Track, Steering, eBoost, NPP (if you have that Option) all can be separately set. Advantages of Track Mode without the stiff ride etc.

• Setting PowerTrain to Track (believe that is they way they all come) is like having a different, more aggressive car.
• It only goes into 6th gear at ~72 mph, Never into 7th and 8th (at "normal" speeds.) BTW 4th gear is an OD ratio, at 0.88:1 (GM gives you 5 OD ratios, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th. Great to get them a high mpg EPA ratting AND when you want max gas mileage BUT you don't have to use them all!)
• Won't go into V4. Although V4 is seamless unlike my C7s.
• Shifts at higher rpm both up and down than even Sport Mode. But still depended on amount of throttle. Modest throttle, smooth normal drive, unless you like driving like an old man! BTW I'm 79 and don't!
• I find mpg is about 2 mpg less than the other Mode I use, MY Mode set to Sport, when driving in our rural area. If on an interstate just press Z Mode button and cancel it goes into Tour Mode.
• Can still use paddles if desired to downshift but with aggressive braking it will downshift at high rpm so I find I seldom use.
• iI use it a lot in our rural area. Must better than the Manual Mode I had used for the 1st month to get past my 63 years where EVERY DD I had was a standard shift.

This video show why the member uses it all the time and he's not driving aggressively. For those who think the C8 is boring it's their choice. Mine drives similar to how I drove my two standard shift C7s:
:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI9M...annel=jrock702

 

You need Z-51 and MSRC to get access to the Performance Traction Management (PTM) settings, which are primarily of value on the track. If you're planning to track the car, probably worth waiting for.

 

Yep, I drive in Z mode MOST of the time, unless I am on the highway and on a long trip. Around the town, Z mode with all options ticked, except the suspension since this can/will lead to bent rims.
Using the paddles is good practice (because SpringMountain also wants you to use manual mode), but often the D(auto) mode does a good job IMHO. I find sometimes it doesn't anticipate things that honestly the vehicle simply can't know where it might stay in a lower gear and higher RPM and all I have to do is tap the upshift paddle on occasion.

My main gripe with the paddles is it would have been nice if the paddles were FIXED and didn't rotate with the wheel, only because a nasty habit I have. There seems to be some debate about this. Ferrari likes them column mounted because you shouldn't be shifting and steering, Porsche 918, BMW, McLaren, Audi R8 are all wheel mounted.
My bad habit is using my leg/knee to steer or hold the wheel briefly in some cases where my hands are busy, I have in the past lifted my leg to hold the steering wheel (which is probably a huge no-no, but I will admit that I have done it from time to time).
Well, when the wheel is turned a little, it is very easy to hit the DOWNSHIFT paddle accidentally. Ohh boy, that is a rude awakening! Once you have tapped the paddle, it also won't auto-shift for a period of time, so you can red-line easily in 1st gear.

 

Yep leaving the Stop sign at the end of my street often merging into a 4 lane divided highway with packs of ~70 traffic (going to and coming from Myrtle Beach) is more than a grip when in Manual. With the wheel turned the car hits the Rev Limiter at ~34 mph in 1st in the blink or an eye. No fun with the paddle out of position. Cars coming up fast behind and all fuel stopes flowing!! I used Manual Mode for a month getting over every DD in 60 years being a standard shift. BUT after I hit the Rev Limiter several times, switched to mostly Z Mode.

The other Mode I use in MY Mode and have the issue you describe IF I use the paddle to downshift making a turn. Where in Z Mode it downshifts with hard breaking and upshifts by itself BUT in MY Mode after the paddle is used for 10 seconds you must shift or it hits 6000 rpm pretty quickly!

 

GF told me the steering wheel is square to make it easier to steer with your leg/knee while putting makeup on.
As far as Z-mode. I have mine set for stealth engine sound and My mode for max engine sound. Today pulled up beside the police and quicker to hit Z. So far Z stands for Zero tickets.

 

Since 1st day of delivery last month - Got Z mode set to all Track settings except Suspension. Suspension = Sport mode.

 

You shouldn't be @Knooger ing while driving.

 

Mostly while waving at other vettes! Haha.