Does anyone use launch control?
Discussion
The "What's Fastest" special in this week's Autocar nearly ended up "What's got the best launch control?", where some fast cars (Lexus LF-A, for one) didn't "qualify" because they couldn't get away quickly enough compared to others with LC.
If your car has LC, do you ever use it?
Speaking to a couple of R8 owners recently, one said that the R-tronic launch control basically needs a new clutch after 4 launches. Now I've no idea what a new clutch (and maybe a new flywheel, to match) would cost, fitted by an R8-specialist Audi main dealer, but I'd imagine it's going to be at least 2 grand. SO, if this info is correct, does that mean that each launch costs £500..? That's a lot of cash to blow off someone at the lights
Do the twin-clutch transmissions handle LC without wasting their clutches?
If your car has LC, do you ever use it?
Speaking to a couple of R8 owners recently, one said that the R-tronic launch control basically needs a new clutch after 4 launches. Now I've no idea what a new clutch (and maybe a new flywheel, to match) would cost, fitted by an R8-specialist Audi main dealer, but I'd imagine it's going to be at least 2 grand. SO, if this info is correct, does that mean that each launch costs £500..? That's a lot of cash to blow off someone at the lights
Do the twin-clutch transmissions handle LC without wasting their clutches?
Edited by ewand on Sunday 29th August 17:19
I have after market launch control on my hillclimb car. It is pretty severe on the transmission but on a normal competition weekend I do 8 to 10 full launches and the current clutch is still okay after a year of that! I have been through one gearbox and two rear diffs though! It only really gives you consistency rather than a massive advantage on a manual gearboxed car.
I guess they put it on newer supercars because the clutch is automated and therefore mapped one particular way. In order to do a full proper launch you would need to engage a different clutch map.
I guess they put it on newer supercars because the clutch is automated and therefore mapped one particular way. In order to do a full proper launch you would need to engage a different clutch map.
Never had it. Don't see the appeal unless you want to drag?
But I must admit, without it it and traction control in RWD cars, you really need to know how to drive to control it. You must have some sort of training from a professional and much experience to learn how to use RWD cars and every driving aid you can use to help could be the difference between life and death. Driving in the wet is another story...
But I must admit, without it it and traction control in RWD cars, you really need to know how to drive to control it. You must have some sort of training from a professional and much experience to learn how to use RWD cars and every driving aid you can use to help could be the difference between life and death. Driving in the wet is another story...
Edited by The Lukas on Sunday 29th August 16:32
Liquid Knight said:
Launch control? If you can't drive don't get behind the wheel. Why pay extra for a more powerful car just so you can let the ECU drive it for you? I can't see the point unless you've got more money than ability.
For some cars, it comes standard. I don't think you have a choice unless you get a manual transmission car.Liquid Knight said:
Launch control? If you can't drive don't get behind the wheel. Why pay extra for a more powerful car just so you can let the ECU drive it for you? I can't see the point unless you've got more money than ability.
But the point is that these newer supercars ALWAYS use the ecu to enable you to go from stationary to moving. There is no manual clutch pedal, you cannot control the clutch release from the drivers seat... that is unless you have launch control, which tells the car you want to get away particularly quickly, which in turn changes the release of the clutch vs revs etc.
I'm sure it would be a laugh to use LC... especially if it's not your own car. I suppose if the computer is doing all the work then it means the clutch won't get seriously fried - which is something of a risk from a hamfisted manual driver who gets it wrong on trying to take off furiously... but apart from timed or limited distance runs/drag races, the only time you'd ever use it is at the Traffic Light Grand Prix, and that is bound to make you look an eejit.
On that note, I followed a lovely 997 GT3 RS off the M4 at J12 last night, in a sudden rain shower. As we approached the lights, he dutifully stopped on amber and suddenly it was only the two of us. For a fraction of a second I thought about pulling alongside but then decided that it could only go two ways:
On that note, I followed a lovely 997 GT3 RS off the M4 at J12 last night, in a sudden rain shower. As we approached the lights, he dutifully stopped on amber and suddenly it was only the two of us. For a fraction of a second I thought about pulling alongside but then decided that it could only go two ways:
- me pulling away faster than he did and know he wasn't "trying" (and was probably tut-tutting from behind the wheel)
- ritual humiliation for either arsing up the start on a greasy road, or because he *did* try
The Lukas said:
Never had it. Don't see the appeal unless you want to drag?
But I must admit, without it it and traction control in RWD cars, you really need to know how to drive to control it. You must have some sort of training from a professional and much experience to learn how to use RWD cars and every driving aid you can use to help could be the difference between life and death. Driving in the wet is another story...
TBH launching a car without tc or lc is very easy to get right especially if in the right car.But I must admit, without it it and traction control in RWD cars, you really need to know how to drive to control it. You must have some sort of training from a professional and much experience to learn how to use RWD cars and every driving aid you can use to help could be the difference between life and death. Driving in the wet is another story...
Edited by The Lukas on Sunday 29th August 16:32
Launch control isn't launch control unless there's seriously retarded ignition involved and a turbo pushing full boost at a stand still.
That's a mans launch control, none of this pansy "clutch maps" that "might wear out the clutch". We're talking braking valves, splitting exhausts and frying turbos.
Mmmm. Manly.
That's a mans launch control, none of this pansy "clutch maps" that "might wear out the clutch". We're talking braking valves, splitting exhausts and frying turbos.
Mmmm. Manly.
jon- said:
Launch control isn't launch control unless there's seriously retarded ignition involved and a turbo pushing full boost at a stand still.
That's a mans launch control, none of this pansy "clutch maps" that "might wear out the clutch". We're talking braking valves, splitting exhausts and frying turbos.
Mmmm. Manly.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRThat's a mans launch control, none of this pansy "clutch maps" that "might wear out the clutch". We're talking braking valves, splitting exhausts and frying turbos.
Mmmm. Manly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D53yHBT8-LM
dougc said:
Where is the fun in that. My car is quick because a computer drives it?Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff