Corvette Z06 Driver vs Computer Stability Control Track Test

Is a good driver faster around a track in a Corvette Z06 using sheer talent or with the help of the computer's "Competitive Mode"? Road and Track says Competitive Mode, even for their hired gun test driver.

Rather than bench race, we decided to find out for ourselves.

Thanks to Jack Farr of Motorsport Ranch (motorsportranch.com) for use of his racetrack to do this testing.

Andi Baritchi
blog.andibaritchi.com

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

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• Andi
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• Corvette
• Z06
• CompetitiveMode
• Compeititive
• Mode
• Journalism
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• StabilityControl
• Stability
• Control

[SilveradoSS500]

What gear where you in coming out of big ben? 4th?

[oppositelocksmith]

@SilveradoSS500

I was exiting big bend in 3rd. C6Z has very tall gears - 2nd goes to 90 and 3rd goes to 125. I don't recall having to use 4th at all at MSR.

[GlenRoseFireFighter]

Wads that COMP mode the second time or traction control? I have a C5 Z06 and in order to enter comp mode, you need to hold the button for ten seconds. He clearly just pushes the button for a sec.  In COMP mode (on the C5Z06) it's doesn't interfere with the power, just braking, at least for me.

[oppositelocksmith]

c5 and c6 activate the trac/AH settings differently.

[SilveradoSS500]

@oppositelocksmith NICE, Yeah, I have a C6Z as well with Stoptechs / Penskes. I'm out at MSR all the time. I think you and actually met before on a little fun run to some lake for lunch. I was driving in a blacked out E92 M and you were in front of us playing with Shawn's old 997S.

-Adam

[TheArfdog]

Uh a computer is nothing like a horse's brain. wtf? A horse does its own thing. The comptuer does what we program it to do.

I drove my best laps (and fastest of the track day participants) with the ESC ON. That way I didn't have to worry about the rear end, which steps out very quick on the Z06.

[boldswede]

i havent seen the vid yet. I'm typing while im watching. But i reckon it will be quicker with the gadgets..... lets see......

[patkoelling]

watch?v=j-hHWSQhKuc&feature=fv­st

and it is for a reason that the US and EU gov. made a law that says in a few years every new car has to be equipped with esc

[patkoelling]

You obviously dont get my point or you are confused. I do not deny that this car or any car is faster on the track without stabilty control if there is a really good driver inside. But on the street it is just a fact that a car equipped with ESC is a safer,better one! The under/oversteering of the car is avoided! Either you still dont know how such a system works or you just dont understand what i mean. That might be because i cant express as good in english as a native speaker.

[FateTorn]

The Law Of Physics What stays in motion remains in motion, until an abrupt opposite force unleashes forceful energy that stops the object in the motions; movements.. Ok Physics Fact The Viper handles better under bre-a-king points and lateral G's Without computer aid I believe you are confused This is not a test of Einstein(Darwin,Socrates)Theor­y Of Motion. It is a Driver and Machine If you have to have help then you are just a little less skilled So What was all that JIBBER ABOUT