2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Full Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published July 12, 2010

2:59 min

Inside Line roasts the tires of the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 then explains why the car's new Performance Traction Management system makes it harder to do � and why that's a good thing.

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published July 12, 2010

2:59 min

We're tempted to just shut up and let the ZR1 do the talking, but there's actually a reason we brought the hottest version of the 2010 Corvette into Inside Line HQ. Once the smoke settles from this one, we'll explain. See, the same monster power that does that makes it nearly impossible for the ZR1 to achieve its potential in the hands of a mere mortal. So seeing as most ZR1 drivers aren't exactly Johnny O�Connel, GM has introduced something new called Performance Traction Management. Basically, instead of gingerly laying off the throttle in the middle of a corner, we just drop the hammer and let the ZR1 take care of the consequences. PTM won't drive for you, but it provides that last, trickiest bit of skill required to properly drive a car this powerful. The advantages showed at the test track where PTM's new launch control came into play. We were able to get a zero to 60 time of 4 flat and quarter-mile of 11.7 seconds at 126.7 either with or without the PTM engaged. Who cares, you say? Well, it takes a trained driver who's done 0-60 tests every week for 10 years to get that time without PTM. With it, just about anyone can at least get close. Our handling tests went down the same way. The ZR1�s lateral g on the skid pad declined a bit compared to our last test, from 1.02 to "just" 1 flat, but the Corvette is actually 1 mph faster through the slalom at 72.8 mph. More important, PTM improves driver confidence during such quick transitions. So, the 2010 Corvette ZR1's new PTM system will make every owner seem like better, more skilled driver. But if you want to be a tire-smoking hooligan, you�ll just have to turn it off.