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[Update to this post follows my original post]
I have never owned a corvette nor have I ever been interested in owning one until the C8. Like most of us, I bought one without ever driving one and that is pretty much the same for most of my cars in the past. I have done an intermediate amount of HPDEs and AutoX in past cars which include an NSX (a DD for 10+ years I put over 100K miles on), an E46 M3 and a highly modded 996 Turbo S. On paper the C8 seemed to check almost every box (the Z06 checks every box I was looking for).
I now have around 1200 miles on my C8, though I have not yet taken it to the track. I added the 2 extra qts of transmission fluid this weekend and will be doing Spring Mountain in July. I'm holding off on HPDE until after that.
I have to say though, so far I'm not sure this car is a keeper. I tend to drive it in two modes, Z mode (basically configured to track) and my mode which is similar to tour but with loud exhaust. I acknowledge it's a beautiful car. It's a fast car, it handles amazingly, but it's boring as hell. And I'm being driven crazy switching between modes then having to adjust the HUD and switching manually back to MyMode after turning off Z mode. And Z mode so far is not predictable. I floored it today after switching to Z mode and it didn't downshift the several gears like track mode does.
The transmission is SO perfect, you feel nothing on a shift, you only hear it (which yes, on paper is exactly what you want but when driving... BORING)..... Feedback from the steering wheel is non existent....... when people ask how much I love the car, the only way I have to explain it is that it's a 'digital experience' vs the analog experience of the 911, M3 and NSX. While yes, those were all manual transmissions, I also had a modded Audi S3 (8V) with a DCT which while far from perfect (with understeer from hell), it was more exciting than the C8.
I can't really put my finger on what it is I'm missing exactly, I'm hoping Spring Mountain will change my mind, but right now I'm on the fence as to whether I should keep the C8 or sell it. I'm on multiple Z06 waitlists and I'm starting to second guess myself about that as well.
Absolutely beautiful car though.
5/22 update:Ok time for a follow up.................. I've completely changed my mind after some of the recommendations here and watching a lot of videos. Z mode to PTM Sport 1 and generally manual shifting is my new every day setting unless I'm on a long highway slog (which hasn't happened yet). I spent about 3 hours driving backroads today, carefully started finding some of the limits (which are much higher than I was expecting and I still haven't found, but went far enough to start hearing some tire screech) and I'm now in love with this car. The downside is the 12.4 mpg from my last tank per Fuelio. Oh well!! I think the only thing I'd like to be able to change is to knock suspension down one level at times because new england roads are crap. But if I do that in Z mode, it disables the ability to use PTM modes. But this car is now behaving exactly how I was hoping it would, thank you to those who provided helpful advice over the past week.
I also hit 1500 miles today and tried launch control for the first time. First run was a 2.9. Best run was a 2.7. Both of these were in PTM Sport 1. PTM Sport 2 and Race were consistently slower by a couple of tenths. Same location was used for all runs, a closed industrial park with nice new pavement. Had my top down, but I don't know how much aerodynamics comes in to play up to 60, probably not much at all.
I'm not sure why you're frustrated. Going into and out of Z mode is just a button press on the steering wheel. You nailed it, though, if you don't love it, bail and buy something else while you wait on your Z06, if you end up deciding to follow through on that purchase.
To acknowledge one of your only objective complaints of the car - both drive mode and hud position can be set to stay between driving sessions. Hud position is saved with seat position memory, and sport / MyMode will stay between drives if you shut the car off with them on.
It doesn't go back to my mode though after unpressing, I think it goes to tour, then I have to turn the **** to mymode, then re-adust the HUD setting and location (even though I've already saved them previously). But that's just a minor irritant, not a huge deal, though I find myself doing it often.
Really it's more about adrenaline and excitement of daily driving. It's lacking in that dept, the sound, the feeling of torque ready to go on demand (unless in manual mode), the feel of the road through the steering wheel....... I'm looking for fun driving pretty much 100% of the time, not only when I'm pushing it at 7/10+. It's an incredibly capable car when needed, just most of the time it's not needed and when not called upon, it seems pedestrian to me. I truly want to get past that. That's actually one of the main reasons I sold the Turbo S. It was either boring or HOLY **** I'M GOING TO DIE with no in between. I really hope Spring Mountain changes my mind, I very much want to fall in love with this car.
Did you set up Z mode trans to track ? It should be the same if you set it up right. My Z mode set up is almost exactly like track except my driving and steering set to sport.
Just asking.
I think so? There only seem to be 6 or 7 variables. I set everything to max and turned off a couple of the nannies as well.
My 2 cents.....I interpret your "boring" as more like "refined".....having never owned a Corvette before I can understand your comparisons to other cars. I have owned 4 previous Corvettes, the latest having been a 2017 Grand Sport. And to be honest, the refinement of my C8, or boring as you refer to it, is definitely a change from the rawness of my C7 GS. I'm not contesting, or disagreeing with what you stated. In my mind there is some truth to your observations. But in the end, I wouldn't trade my C8 for any other Corvette. It's simply an amazing car. I have a sneaky feeling you're going to enjoy the z06 a lot more than the base. I know I would, but it's not in the cards for me....at least at this point since I never placed a deposit on one, sadly....
Thanks for your post OP.... I admit I'm waffling between trading my Macan S for a '23 C8.... the Macan is NEVER boring... it is fun ALL the time... the C8 will be here the first or second week of June... I sold my '19 C7 because of the "it's as exciting as a Buick - until you stick your foot into it..." Now, I'm REALLY unsure!
I have been getting those mixed thoughts today also. My c 8 has almost reached the 500 mile break in and I was putting some miles on it in the calif foothills. I came out of a long sweeping curve with a 35mph speed limit at 59mph and sitting there was a cop… well he left me alone thank goodness. The car is just so easy to drive fast. Maybe it is just too subdued when driving fast on public roads. I have a 1967 big block with a 5 speed and can quickly run it through the gears and not be at crazy speeds and it it’s easy to get a little sideways fun. I also have a Honda S2000 and that thing feels like you are driving a go kart on the street and again you are not too far off speed limits. It feels Like the c8 is gonna get me in trouble and I am 70 years old. It’s just too good at what it does!!
I’ve owned plenty of stupid cars over my life, most of them 2-seat. My mindset relegates me to only owning cars that stir the soul. So now I drive an old Bimmer and an Elise. My C8 is due to arrive next week. As stated from the OP, I’ve never driven a C8. That will change next week. I’ll report back in due time.
I relate to this too. I've had my C8 a year now and it's my daily driver. I find that unless I'm driving aggressively it is rather boring. This is my first automatic sports car in 23 years. I drive it in MA ual mode 100% of the time to keep engaged but it's nothing like a manual. The styling of the car is amazing and ego boost from people around is awesome, but I find myself nearly daily looking for potential replacements. My prior C7 Z06 manual was always fun but the power too much for the streets. My C6 GS was perfect and i think i would have been very happy in a C7 GS. I think if the C8 had a true manual I'd be much h happier. I also think the car is too quiet inside. It makes you feel disconnected from the road. For now, with the lack of options in the car market I'm sticking it out, but that may change at some point.
The OPs description nailed it. I was trying to figure why my C8 sits in the garage a lot and could not decide why. Last week we went on a Corvette club members lunch cruise. Turns out the route was one I travel a lot on my motorcycle and its a nice rural area with river, mountains, lakes etc Not really twisty but nice. During the hour drive, I was bored and GF fell asleep. The car is just too refined and will spend a lot of time in the garage as I will prefer to take a motorcycle unless bad weather. I am sure the car is great on the track but my track days are long past.
PS This is the first sports car I owned that I have the audio system playing something. Previously my entertainment was the car.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
There is some merit to what the op is saying. The C8 is very capable and refined, not the animal my previous Z06 was. It tends to insulate you from the sensation of speed and its too quiet.
The C8 Z06 will remedy alot of that.
Stay on the Z06 list. It will be a fantastic car.
Most likely you bought the wrong car. It happens. Especially without having the opprtunity to drive one first. This car is definitley not the same as previous corvettes. Nothing like my ZR1, that car is an animal. But the C8 is no slouch either, just very refined as everyone states. Im happy with mine. Spring Mountain will definitely allow you to see how capable a track car it is.
I have never owned a corvette nor have I ever been interested in owning one until the C8. Like most of us, I bought one without ever driving one and that is pretty much the same for most of my cars in the past. I have done an intermediate amount of HPDEs and AutoX in past cars which include an NSX (a DD for 10+ years I put over 100K miles on), an E46 M3 and a highly modded 996 Turbo S. On paper the C8 seemed to check almost every box (the Z06 checks every box I was looking for).
I now have around 1200 miles on my C8, though I have not yet taken it to the track. I added the 2 extra qts of transmission fluid this weekend and will be doing Spring Mountain in July. I'm holding off on HPDE until after that.
I have to say though, so far I'm not sure this car is a keeper. I tend to drive it in two modes, Z mode (basically configured to track) and my mode which is similar to tour but with loud exhaust. I acknowledge it's a beautiful car. It's a fast car, it handles amazingly, but it's boring as hell. And I'm being driven crazy switching between modes then having to adjust the HUD and switching manually back to MyMode after turning off Z mode. And Z mode so far is not predictable. I floored it today after switching to Z mode and it didn't downshift the several gears like track mode does.
The transmission is SO perfect, you feel nothing on a shift, you only hear it (which yes, on paper is exactly what you want but when driving... BORING)..... Feedback from the steering wheel is non existent....... when people ask how much I love the car, the only way I have to explain it is that it's a 'digital experience' vs the analog experience of the 911, M3 and NSX. While yes, those were all manual transmissions, I also had a modded Audi S3 (8V) with a DCT which while far from perfect (with understeer from hell), it was more exciting than the C8.
I can't really put my finger on what it is I'm missing exactly, I'm hoping Spring Mountain will change my mind, but right now I'm on the fence as to whether I should keep the C8 or sell it. I'm on multiple Z06 waitlists and I'm starting to second guess myself about that as well.
Absolutely beautiful car though.
Spring Mount may help with how to best drive the C8 fast BUT there are some things you can do right now by carefully reading the Owner's Manul or a poster may give full details like setting HUD.
I drive only in the 2 Modes you mention. BUT set Z Mode how you like NOT just what comes from the factory. I have Powertrain set to Track BUT Ride set to Sport and You can pick where you want steering feel. You can set it for Tour, Sport or the stiffest Track. Same with eBoost brake by wire. Three settings. Takes some time to feel differences.
The other Mode I use is MY Mode BUT as it says each feature must be set there is no such thing as a standard My Mode. I have mine set to Sport, so it's in Sport Power and Ride, therefore my Ride is always in Sport if I'm in Z Mode or My Mode.. Have my eBoost brake and Steering feel set the same as I do in Z Mode so again I have the same feel. BUT in MY Mode it used V4 and all 8 gears. Some would say boring! In Z Mode (Powertrain set to Track they way it comes) it's a different car. Drives like I did my manual 2014 Z51 and 2017 Grand Sport. Seldom shifted past 5th. Downshifts is even more aggressive. Brake hard and from the 4 lane divied highway in front of the 4 lane divided highway to the twist 25 mph limit road in the Country lub where I live it downshifts 2 gears in the blink of an eye rev matching in each. And better than when I was using only Manual ode for the 1st month, when I merge into often heavy ~70 mph traffic from a stop sign on that highway the upshift paddle is not needed to prevent hitting Rev Limiter! It never goes into V4 and only shifts to 6th at ~72 mph. Never goes into 7th and 8th. Feels more responsive and no need to downshift as it does in MY Mode.
Here is a trick I use and never have to hunt to get it back to MY Mode after being in Z Mode. Yep when you leave MY Mode it will automatically switch to the Safe Touring mode! That is built in no choice. BUT without looking or hunting when I want to go back to MY Mode I don't touch the Z Mode button to shut it off. I reach down and without looking put my hand on the Mode **** Wrist Rest and turn the **** one hard twist had CCW. It will go into MY Mode! Can keep my eyes on the road and HUD watching for all the AH driver's texting or looking to see who sent them that last useless text message!
PS: I have my iPhone set to not accept calls or beep when I'm moving. All my focus today is on watching for distracted drivers to keep my 60-year driving record of not having an accident with another car- AND DRIVING AGREESIVELY AS I ALWAYS HAVE!
It doesn't go back to my mode though after unpressing, I think it goes to tour, then I have to turn the **** to mymode, then re-adust the HUD setting and location (even though I've already saved them previously). But that's just a minor irritant, not a huge deal, though I find myself doing it often.
Really it's more about adrenaline and excitement of daily driving. It's lacking in that dept, the sound, the feeling of torque ready to go on demand (unless in manual mode), the feel of the road through the steering wheel....... I'm looking for fun driving pretty much 100% of the time, not only when I'm pushing it at 7/10+. It's an incredibly capable car when needed, just most of the time it's not needed and when not called upon, it seems pedestrian to me. I truly want to get past that. That's actually one of the main reasons I sold the Turbo S. It was either boring or HOLY **** I'M GOING TO DIE with no in between. I really hope Spring Mountain changes my mind, I very much want to fall in love with this car.
im cross shopping an Emira and base 718. I’m hoping the C8 is more fun than you say cause that’s my fav. Both my other choices are arguably more involving but I’ve never owned a muscle car, that may be the final push favoring the C8
05-15-2022, 12:25 AM
Mixed thoughts on C8
