As we view this recent YouTube video uploaded by rising social star and GM spokesperson, Emilia Hartford, the oft-used phrase, “What’s old is new again!” drums in our minds much like Disturbed’s “Down With The Sickness” intro drumline. Let me explain.

Much like the music we choose to listen to, today’s automobiles have become quite complex. A myriad of sensors, computers, and ancillary wiring come together to give our modern cars more power, drivability, and overall performance than many historic cars from the past. The ‘net is chock full of recent reviews of the all-new 2023 Z06 Corvette, many extolling the car into the hall of supercar status.

YouTuber Emilia Hartford documents her trek to try and beat GM’s official time for the C8 Z06 and includes some information on custom-tuning the car to the driver’s preferences.

There is no doubt that much of what we enjoy out of today’s autos is directly attributed to the extent of electronic gadgetry found throughout the vehicle. But there are several reasons why those components are present – some make you a better driver (feel free to comment below if you feel otherwise) and some allow you to tailor the car more to your style of driving. No matter their purpose, there is no doubt their presence builds the Z06 (and many other cars) into more than any set of points, carburetors, and distributors could ever have imagined. “But you could TUNE cars with points, carbs, and a distributor!” – right? Let us say it again, “What is old, is new again.”

Fine-Tuning The C8 Z06 Corvette

If you look back when fuel pressure replaced fuel siphoning, many felt as if their toolboxes had essentially been welded shut by the OEMs. While not typically held by those who embrace the LS-based engines of today, one of the oft-heard statements you’ll hear is, “You can’t do anything with all those electronics in today’s cars!” Emilia’s recent video serves as the missing link that effectively brings the circle back around and answers that statement with a resounding “Yes. You can!”

Emilia has direct contact with folks inside the Blue Box and they explain a few tuning aids new to the Z06 Corvette. Enthusiasts can also connect with GM folks at many events throughout the year such as Corvettes at Carlisle and the Corvette Corrals at many races throughout the country.

Much like those vinyl aficionados who prefer hearing their favorite tunes from the grooves of a record, there will always be those who enjoy a good tug of the shifter and the muscle tone of a clutch-friendly left leg. This video definitely does not resonate with them. The first thing they’d notice is that throughout each run, Emilia doesn’t even utilize the “flappy paddles” GM put on the steering stalk to control the C8’s “automatic”, dual-disc transaxle. Instead, she relies on the onboard gadgetry to do the heavy shifting. But this video shows exactly why today’s autos are becoming more “tunable” and less “point and shoot” than some would have you believe.

Just like any OEM auto manufacturer, GM is building any car to meet the broadest scope of ownership in whatever market the car is designed for. They strive to make the car as good as it can be, but it is still far from optimized because of the many types of owners and the various ways they will be using their cars – especially when you’re talking about Corvettes. As we see it, there are basically three types of new Corvette owners, those who will enjoy their car just as GM engineered it, those who will modify it for more performance right out of the chute, and those who will learn about the car and make adjustments or modifications to bring the car to its fullest potential for their exact situation.

Building A Better Z06

When you think about the broad scope of drivers who will be purchasing new Z06s and the cost and commitment of building a vehicle for production, it becomes easier to see how GM will shoot for the bell curve to best satisfy the broadest scope of customers. But we’re happy to see in this video that GM has granted access to those who chose to fine-tune their car for even bigger giggles.

Sure, Ms. Hartford has the folks at GM on speed dial, but the steps she takes to make this Z06 better suited for this application do not require a secret handshake to obtain. And, thankfully, it appears you don’t need to purchase a performance option (other than RPO Z06) to utilize it. Rather than relying on screwdrivers or wrenches in this video, Emilia goes into the car’s electronics to “tune” the Z06’s launch characteristics to better suit the driving conditions.

Note the “D” on the dash. Emilia forgoes using the paddle shifters and lets the computer choose the time and gear. Improvements were found by adjusting the parameters behind the small screen to better suit the situation. As with all computers, the end result is only as good as the information you input.

We had the opportunity to speak with Tadge Juechter a while back about the preciseness and fine-tuning that goes into the mid-engine Corvette’s DCT transmission, but even so, the goal is to still reach the broadest market. While the “tuning” applies mainly to drag racing, we’re curious to find out what other options might be contained within the labyrinth of modules and sensors that comprise the Z06 Corvette.

With a little bit of tuning and a much-needed cool-down, the C8 Z06 busted through GM’s posted quarter-mile time.

Could there be continued goodness behind that small screen for those apex-cutting track rats as well? We’re sure there will be other nuggets to surface as owners invest the time to learn about their cars and tweak them to their particular driving style. As we continue to find out more about the capabilities of America’s newest supercar, we’ll be sure to highlight other ways enthusiasts can continue to fine-tune their rides. Stay tuned!