The 2023 Corvette Z06 will come standard with a new Custom Launch Control system that allows the user to adjust the vehicle’s launch RPM and wheel slip.
Corvette chief engineer Josh Holder provided some details on the Custom Launch Control system for the 2023 Corvette Z06 during a recent presentation at the National Corvette Museum Bash in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Holder says the adjustable traction control system will allow the user to select the maximum engine speed that the vehicle will hold the throttle at during the launch phase, along with the maximum amount of wheel slip the system will allow.
This feature could be useful for Corvette Z06 owners who want to drag race the vehicle, as drivers may desire different traction control settings based on the track surface quality, preparation and temperature, among many other possible factors. The highest RPM setting will allow the most immediate torque input and offers the fastest potential acceleration, however this level may be too aggressive for surfaces that aren’t extremely grippy. The vehicle will also automatically optimize engine and transmission torque output for each of the different RPM options.
“This offers the driver the ability not just to use the traction control that we provide, but based on track conditions, for example if you take to a drag strip, you can adjust the launch speed of the engine and the slip of the rear tires,” Holder said of the new adjustable launch control system.
Holder admits this technology probably won’t make too much of a difference (the best traction control is usually your right foot, after all) but promises drivers will find it fun to use and play around with when they are at the race track.
“I would tell you it’s probably more juvenile fun than actual performance, but it’s certainly a cool feature,” he said.
As we already know, the 2023 Corvette Z06 will come standard with GM’s new flat-plane crank 5.5L LT6 V8 engine. This 32-valve, dual overhead camshaft eight-cylinder is factory rated at 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and will give the Z06 the ability to hustle from zero to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. The revised and upgraded Tremec eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is also a major contributor to the supercar’s impressive acceleration performance, benefitting from a different final drive ratio, beefed-up clutch packs and a redesigned casing.
The 2023 Corvette Z06 will enter production at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky later this year. Pricing has yet to be announced.
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Comments
I would say this option is more for the few than the majority but that only my opinion . I would much rather that GM add more saftey related features like lane centering, forward collision control, better rear vehicle approaching monitoring, pedestrian safety. It’s already available why not make it standard when you are already paying an arm and a leg for your new hot rod! Make it safer!
Tomg
As a Corvette owner and am glad these safety items you mention are not standard on Corvettes. Not only do I not want the added complexity, but all of these safety features you mention are unnecessary for an attentive driver.
I respect your opinion, and just sharing mine.
I’m not a tech-hater…I embraced ABS when it was optional on many cars years ago…and seatbelts and airbags are obviously good standards for all cars.
Options are great for those that want the additional features, and I guess I’d agree with you for all non-sports cars (non-hot rods)…to protect me from those that can’t stay in their lane or avoid hitting things in front of them. I remember a period where I was hit 4 times in 3 years while stopped/stationary (thankfully I was in my daily driver).
Tony, sorry, you are wrong. Active Cruise Control (once you use it yourself) will be something you will
never want to be without – my new motorcycle has it, and it is fantastic.
It saves attentive drivers extra valuable energy that can be spent on other controls that require our attention.
Saying you do not want more intelligence in your car is like saying a plain ol stick-and-rudder biplane is
better than a F35 fighter jet. Maybe, you are a classic old school guy, and there are plenty of antiques for you to drive for sure. But the future, is going high-tech.
Active (Adaptive?) Cruise Control is the most infuriating thing I have ever experienced, and I’ve tried it in everything from a Tesla to a Honda Civic. I have a C7 z06 and as with Tony I DO NOT want these features in my racecar that has been adapted to be a road car (which is exactly what the z06 is).
If you need the cars help in situations like this then you have absolutely no business buying a sports car.
Weight.
The Corvette is a drivers car not a cruiser for the high way,
If you need all this sensor warning stuff it is a sign you need to put down the phone.
Cars are safe it is the driver that is lacking. Often self imposed.
I agree Tomg, to steal and old saying, safety is performance.
When you have a fine tuned machine that can monitor your environment,
the pilot can focus on other tasks.
Everything about the C8 allows me to drive at incredibly high speeds, safely.
But for some reason, forward looking radar and a few other features are still only in the Cadillacs.
(and the Toyotas, and the everything-else-out-there).
But for many people the mantra is give me a carburetor and a clutch pedal or give me death.
It was a massive oversight to leave out the features you list. Some Corvette drivers fancy themselves as superior at actually being a driver, but I suspect it is more chauvinistic bravado and a small frontal lobe.
I own a C7, I have driven a C8, the only additional safety equipment I would like is blind spot warning.
I see inattentive drivers every day, had a Tahoe driver look at me and he pulled out and forced me over a lane just yesterday. Who knows what was going on in his car: programming his heads down display, texting, half blind, whatever…maybe he needs a car with auto-drive. Sports cars are for engaged drivers–speed doesn’t kill, inattentive distracted driving kills
What are you Tomg ? A driver ed teacher ? Go buy a AUDI or Saab ! For that matter, I suggest a MINI VAN for you . LOL
Will this new version of launch control eventually be available on the Stingray
I sat in a Z06 yesterday. It had 800 miles on it. And the only person allowed to drive it was insured by GM.
The car was not allowed to be started, until it was time to put it back on the trailer.
I asked ” Tell me something I do not know and have not read online about a Z06″ – and the answer was:
“It has a front wing , under /inside the front bumper to pull the front end down. (not the splitter or canards, an internal wing).
along with some lower pan air guiding . No way to check this, but his tablet had pictures showing these parts.
This person was with the Z06 traveling show visiting a dealer to show off the car.
The car is impressive, without being over the top. A nice balance.
A friend and I are already planning on getting a set of the wheels for our plain old stingrays and are considering
buying the rear fenders and bumper to swap on our regular C8’s. Because for me, I will not live long enough to see a Z06
in my garage.
I will enjoy this new feature. I like to adjust and fine tune things like this.
Has anyone heard rumblings of flat plane crank problems with the 5.5L?
I’ve heard they were having some problems balancing it.
You should need a special license to own and drive a Z06. Much like certain Ferraris are limited for sale to only people
that have demonstrated skill (not just money).
Seriously. And that might allow us other folks to actually purchase one.
When will we see: “2023 Corvette Z06 To Get an MSRP.”