2012 Chevrolet Corvette Owner's Manual - Page 256

9-34 Driving and Operating Downshifting (Manual Transmission) Do not downshift into the gear shown below at a speed greater than shown in the table: 1 (First) 80 km/h (50 mph) 119 km/h (74 mph) 163 km/h (101 mph) 209 km/h (130 mph) The six-speed transmission has a spring that centers the shift lever near 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth). This spring helps you know which gear you are in when you are shifting. Be careful when shifting from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or downshifting from 6 (Sixth) to 5 (Fifth). The spring will try to pull the shift lever toward 4 (Fourth) and 3 (Third). Make sure you move the lever into 2 (Second) or 5 (Fifth). If you let the shift lever move in the direction of the pulling, you may end up shifting from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) or from 6 (Sixth) to 3 (Third). If the driver does not upshift as the engine speed approaches fuel shut off RPM, the engine speed will be limited to protect the engine. See Tachometer on page 5‑12 for more information. One to Four Shift Light (Manual Transmission) When this light comes on, you can only shift from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) instead of 1 (First) to 2 (Second). See One-to-Four Shift Light (Manual Transmission) on page 5‑22 for more information. 2 (Second) 3 (Third) 4 (Fourth) Notice: If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, or if you race the engine when you release the clutch pedal while downshifting, you could damage the engine, clutch, driveshaft or the transmission. Do not skip gears or race the engine when downshifting.