How to launch a V12V
Discussion
Have had a couple of dry days, so went out with a friend (who races a Caterham 7)to have a play with his new VBOX sport device. Very cool gadget. Uses a super accurate 20Hz GPS (iPhone has a 1Hz one) and the data downloads to an SD card and can be viewed on the app.
No surprise that we got 3 runs 0-60 times in the mid 4 sec range - lots of wheel spin (std Corsas) even when launching from no revs as soon you give it any power, even with traction control fully engaged.
But then turned OFF Sport mode. Now when launching from about 1k revs, and squeezing the pedal, got 3 runs @ 3.8, 3.89 and 4.01. The best run would have been the fourth where I got no wheels spin at all (showed 0-30 at 1.5s), but I was too surprised and slow to catch the 1-2 shift and hit the rev limiter.
Bottom line, turn OFF sports mode and then squeeze the pedal ( rather than push to the floor) and let the revs run ahead of the pedal rather than behind. May not not feel as responsive in normal driving but makes all the difference in getting the power down.
Was very impressed with the VBOX Sport, BTW.
No surprise that we got 3 runs 0-60 times in the mid 4 sec range - lots of wheel spin (std Corsas) even when launching from no revs as soon you give it any power, even with traction control fully engaged.
But then turned OFF Sport mode. Now when launching from about 1k revs, and squeezing the pedal, got 3 runs @ 3.8, 3.89 and 4.01. The best run would have been the fourth where I got no wheels spin at all (showed 0-30 at 1.5s), but I was too surprised and slow to catch the 1-2 shift and hit the rev limiter.
Bottom line, turn OFF sports mode and then squeeze the pedal ( rather than push to the floor) and let the revs run ahead of the pedal rather than behind. May not not feel as responsive in normal driving but makes all the difference in getting the power down.
Was very impressed with the VBOX Sport, BTW.
Edited by t0s on Saturday 13th February 14:57
I agree with the fundamental point of this post completely.
The sport button sucks (well, the noise is good). The throttle sensitivity with it on is stupid. 90% of the throttle is "in" in the first 1/2" of travel.
I leave it off on track. Much easier to control the throttle modulation with it, and I suspect the same would be true when trying to get a good 0-60 time or 1/4 mile time. My own non-scientific approach to launch is maybe 2.5k revs, drop the clutch and half throttle and then slowly feed it in based on what you are feeling out of the rear.
The car is NOT easy to get a good launch out of. Throttle modulation is a lot easier on track when the Corsas are warm and sticky. From a stoplight, can be hard.
The sport button sucks (well, the noise is good). The throttle sensitivity with it on is stupid. 90% of the throttle is "in" in the first 1/2" of travel.
I leave it off on track. Much easier to control the throttle modulation with it, and I suspect the same would be true when trying to get a good 0-60 time or 1/4 mile time. My own non-scientific approach to launch is maybe 2.5k revs, drop the clutch and half throttle and then slowly feed it in based on what you are feeling out of the rear.
The car is NOT easy to get a good launch out of. Throttle modulation is a lot easier on track when the Corsas are warm and sticky. From a stoplight, can be hard.
JeffYoung said:
I agree with the fundamental point of this post completely.
The sport button sucks (well, the noise is good). The throttle sensitivity with it on is stupid. 90% of the throttle is "in" in the first 1/2" of travel.
The car is NOT easy to get a good launch out of. Throttle modulation is a lot easier on track when the Corsas are warm and sticky. From a stoplight, can be hard.
Amen to that. The sport button sucks (well, the noise is good). The throttle sensitivity with it on is stupid. 90% of the throttle is "in" in the first 1/2" of travel.
The car is NOT easy to get a good launch out of. Throttle modulation is a lot easier on track when the Corsas are warm and sticky. From a stoplight, can be hard.
Jeff, whereabouts in NC are you based? Good chance I'll be moving from sunny Cheshire for work in the RTP, RDU area.
Would you know if Foreighn Cars Italia in Greensboro are the only dealers around RDU area for AM - or a possible move over to the dark side?
t0s said:
Amen to that.
Jeff, whereabouts in NC are you based? Good chance I'll be moving from sunny Cheshire for work in the RTP, RDU area.
Would you know if Foreighn Cars Italia in Greensboro are the only dealers around RDU area for AM - or a possible move over to the dark side?
I lived in Cary in NC for two years. The roads are fantastic! Check out AM at Charlotte. That's the closest official dealer to RDU. Jeff, whereabouts in NC are you based? Good chance I'll be moving from sunny Cheshire for work in the RTP, RDU area.
Would you know if Foreighn Cars Italia in Greensboro are the only dealers around RDU area for AM - or a possible move over to the dark side?
Chris
woodsypedia said:
I lived in Cary in NC for two years. The roads are fantastic! Check out AM at Charlotte. That's the closest official dealer to RDU.
Chris
Thanks, Chris. That would be a bit of a drive but does look like there's one in Greensboro as well using the AM website. I'm guessing a V12V would be a rare car in that neck of the woods. Hope you had found NC a good place to live .... and drive. Chris
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