Sam Krahn 
Look at a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette next to a 2021 model, and you wouldn’t be able to tell the two C8 Corvettes apart, unless the 2021 model featured one of the new interior and exterior color color choices or stripe options. Apart from the new design and spec options, Chevy isn’t messing with success on the 2021 model, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Buckle to Drive, and the ability to option Magnetic Ride Control without the Z51 Performance Package. Other than those few equipment and color changes, it looked like that was all 2021 Corvette owners had different than 2020 owners. But a video by Rick Corvette Conti shows there are a few more hidden changes Chevrolet didn’t mention. The video outlines what you need to know:
All of these hidden changes are in the infotainment system, the most interesting being in the drive modes. Z Mode is a Corvette exclusive, and it allows a customizable drive mode accessible with a steering wheel button. This isn’t new, but when in Z Mode, 2021 Corvette models allow the driver to press that Z button again to change the Performance Traction Management (PTM) settings through the drive mode selector wheel on the center console.
In the center screen, the 2021 Corvette has a new Drive Mode Customization menu that houses settings for Z Mode and My Mode, which were previously their own menu. Here, you have new visuals when setting up steering, suspension, engine and transmission, brake feel, engine sound and PCM in these two custom drive modes. Another new setting, Visualization, brings all of these vehicle settings up on the center screen when changing drive modes, if Visualization is toggled on.
Finally, the center screen also has some radio menu changes. They allow for direct tuning on FM, and a new station selector for satellite radio, which shows a small channel description. Satellite radio also now gives recommended stations similar to what is being played.
While these infotainment settings are minor, they all improve ease of use and customizability on the 2021 Corvette. With these changes, plus the new color, stripe and interior options, waiting until 2021 to get a C8 Corvette isn’t looking too bad.
