The 2010 Corvette ZR1 features a launch control system that is designed to help the driver keep control of the over 600 horsepower that the special LS9 engine puts out. Though it may seem like an unmanly device, it could actually save your life and the life of your Corvette ZR1.
The launch control of the Corvette ZR1 is located within the depths of the traction control so how do you know how to use it? If you press the traction control button two times you will be sitting in what is known as the performance mode. Next hit the ZR1 only traction knob just once and you will be sitting in the performance dry programming mode and this is where the fun comes in.
Once in your selected mode, you can put the car in first gear and then press the accelerator all the way to the floor while you have the clutch pushed in all the way as well. This will seem wrong but the ZR1 will limit your RPMs to 4000. Realizing that you indeed have a 6.2 supercharged beast under you, you can do what you are not supposed to ever do and dump the clutch. Everything about this move will seem wrong to you until you actually do it.
Now the Corvette ZR1 works its magic. The car will start the process of launch control by first measuring wheel spin. This will help the car determine how much surface grip is actually available to it and will then determine how much torque can be applied to the wheels at any given speed. The car then sends to the engine a torque request and the engine answers with just the right amount of spark and fuel for every single instant of torque that is demanded. This loop of feedback will control your launch and send you flying down the road or the track.
This of course happens in less time than it takes for you to blink and the end result is a run of 0 to 60 miles per hour that is simply amazing and controlled. While the system is fast and pretty self-reliant, the driver does have some control over the performance. For example, if you hesitate too much on letting the clutch go then the engine will burp and bog down and your 0 to 60 run could be increased to 4.5 seconds or higher. Yes that is still increasable fast, but take into consideration that the 2010 Corvette ZR1 can do the feat in 3.4 seconds if done just right.
Of course you can disable the entire system if that is your wish, but it is then recommended that you do not try to dump the clutch. You will still be able to have your 2010 Corvette ZR1 deliver mind numbing speed; you just won’t be as fast as you are with the launch control enabled. For that reason you have to just put pride aside and admit that the 2010 Corvette ZR1 is one bad machine and a little help from the car won’t hurt anything except for your competitor’s feelings.
