Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

C7 Corvette with Magnetic Ride Control benefits from new software calibrations

Chris Chin
By

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Image used with permission by copyright holder
With the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in full blast this past week in Las Vegas, Chevrolet thought to utilize the media attention to make a small announcement for C7 Corvette owners and future models equipped with General Motors’ Magnetic Ride Control. Current C7 Corvette owners and prospective customers can expect a new software update to be rolled out very shortly.

Magnetic Ride Control is GM’s proprietary adaptive suspension system found on cars like the latest Chevrolet Corvette to the Cadillac CT6 luxury sedan. Developed by Delphi Automotive and now used on many cars, from much of GM’s stable to some of today’s Ferraris, it separates itself from other air- and hydraulic-based adaptive suspension systems by utilizing a hydraulic mixture of fluid and magnetic filings. Then, when a specific electric signal is pulsed through the liquid, engineers can control the viscosity and thus, suspension shock behavior on the fly. It’s downright brilliant, and it first launched on the Cadillac Seville STS from 2002.

Recommended Videos

According to the release, the software update consists of new software calibrations that improve performance and response while bettering ride quality. It also includes a new “Track” mode that served up some faster lap times when the new calibrations were applied to current Corvette Z06 FE6 and FE7 models.

More specifically, Chevrolet engineers were able to knock off a whole second off of a 2016 Corvette Z06’s lap time around GM’s own 2.9-mile Milford Road Course.

Here’s the full list of C7 Chevrolet Corvette models that benefit from new Magnetic Ride Control calibrations:

  • 2014-16 Stingray with Z51 features new calibrations in Tour and Sport modes.
  • 2016 Stingray (non-Z51) features new calibrations in Tour, Sport, and Track modes.
  • 2015-16 Z06 (non-Z07) features new calibrations in Tour, Sport, and Track modes.
  • 2015-16 Z06 with Z07 Performance Package features new calibrations in Tour, Sport, and Track modes.

“These new calibrations leverage the latest tuning strategies of the Corvette development team to offer increased performance, while improving ride quality,” said Jim Campbell, GM’s U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports. “The result is a greater feeling of balance and more linear responses to driver inputs — changes you’ll feel and appreciate immediately.”

New Corvettes equipped with Magnetic Ride Control get the new software update while current owners with the setup will need $350 and some time to spend at a local Chevrolet dealer. Chevrolet confirms that there are no hardware changes and the new calibration is factory backed with no effect on warranties.

Topics
Chris Chin
Chris Chin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Since picking up his first MicroMachine, Chris Chin knew his passion for automobiles was embedded into his soul. Based in…
Rivian R1T gets estimated 410 miles of range with Dual-Motor powertrain, Max Pack battery
People and a dog standing in front of a Rivian R1T electric pickup truck.

The Rivian R1T electric pickup truck now gets 410 miles of range with the new Max Pack battery and Dual-Motor powertrain, the company claims.

Rivian posted range estimates for the Max Pack, which is not available with Rivian's Quad-Motor powertrain, on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday, but those haven't been confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The 410-mile range estimate applies to trucks with 21-inch wheels. Opting for 22-inch wheels knocks the estimated range down to 380 miles. The available 20-inch wheel and all-terrain tire combination — which helps maximize the R1T's impressive off-road capability — brings a further range reduction, to 355 miles.

Read more
Tesla Model 3 vs. Hyundai Ioniq 6: Which electric sedan is best?
Front three quarter view of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

There are finally some more electric sedan options. For years, the Tesla Model 3 was really the only good electric sedan that comes at a reasonable price -- until, Hyundai recently launched the Ioniq 6. The Ioniq 6 certainly takes some cues from the larger Ioniq 5, but is smaller and sleeker, with a design seemingly inspired by the Porsche 911.

But the Tesla Model 3 is still clearly an excellent option for those looking for an electric car, and who don't want a larger crossover. Which is better? Here's a look.
Design
The exterior design of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 is quite different. If you've seen a Tesla car before, then you'll immediately recognize the Model 3 -- it looks largely like a slightly different version of every other Tesla (except the Cybertruck).

Read more
Scout Motors Electric SUV: rumored price, release date, design, and more
Scout SUV Teaser

There's another electric SUV on the way, and this one comes with a familiar name. Volkswagen is reviving the classic Scout name for a new electric SUV that's billed as being an "RUV," or a rugged utility vehicle. And, it could well prove itself as the best electric SUV in its price range, when it does finally come out.

The new EV isn't due out for quite some time, but there's already a fair bit that we know about it. Curious to learn more? Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Scout SUV.
Design
There's very little we actually know about the Scout SUV so far, but we do know a little about the eventual design. A few teasers for the upcoming vehicle have been released, showing sketches of both the SUV and the accompanying pickup truck, along with what's presumably the front of the SUV -- though in a dark environment, with little detail.

Read more