Why don't more cars automatically rev match?
Discussion
So I was just watching a review of the new Mini, and it has a feature where it'll automatically match the revs of the engine to the road speed when you change gear. The 370Z has something similar - 'Rev Syncho match' IIRC.
It seems like a brilliant feature as it reduces wear on the clutch and makes the drive smoother and more stable (e.g. removes possibility for 'shift lock' in adverse conditions, etc).
Yes, I know a few of us PHers enjoy the process of rev matching ourselves, but for the 99.9% of the population or can't and don't, it'd be a massive bonus (and for the likes of you and me it could always be switchable, like it is in the aforementioned Nissan).
Can't be expensive to implement either - the car's 'brain' already knows the road speed and the gear you're going into, so know's exactly what revs it needs to be at. In fact, it can't be more than a few lines of code in the ECU.
It seems like a brilliant feature as it reduces wear on the clutch and makes the drive smoother and more stable (e.g. removes possibility for 'shift lock' in adverse conditions, etc).
Yes, I know a few of us PHers enjoy the process of rev matching ourselves, but for the 99.9% of the population or can't and don't, it'd be a massive bonus (and for the likes of you and me it could always be switchable, like it is in the aforementioned Nissan).
Can't be expensive to implement either - the car's 'brain' already knows the road speed and the gear you're going into, so know's exactly what revs it needs to be at. In fact, it can't be more than a few lines of code in the ECU.
a) Most people don't even know what rev matching is
b) Most of the few who do, may not care, or may not even want this
c) There is a cost...
d) ...because you also need an electronic throttle, not just a few lines of code
e) Driving without is no great handicap, we have been doing this since 1898...
b) Most of the few who do, may not care, or may not even want this
c) There is a cost...
d) ...because you also need an electronic throttle, not just a few lines of code
e) Driving without is no great handicap, we have been doing this since 1898...
Synchromesh said:
the car's 'brain' already knows the road speed and the gear you're going into, so know's exactly what revs it needs to be at. In fact, it can't be more than a few lines of code in the ECU.
Does it? I wasn't sure that most manual cars had sensors to detect the the position of the shifter or whether the clutch is engaged? Both of these would be needed to implement such a feature but if they did have such sensors it would not be difficult to implement.I absolutely agree that it sounds like a brilliant feature though.
I do like the rev-match on my 370Z. Makes it so easy to change down, it's almost become instinctive to me now to wait to hear the "bark" and then release the clutch. I'm aware I can do it myself and do occasionally turn the synchro mode off so I can have a play with some heel and toe. Need to keep my skills sharp, y'see, the call from Red Bull could come any day.
The first time the bird drove my car and experienced the rev-match, her expression was one of bewilderment and she asked, "why does the car keep making that sound?" The concept of rev-matching was lost on her.
The first time the bird drove my car and experienced the rev-match, her expression was one of bewilderment and she asked, "why does the car keep making that sound?" The concept of rev-matching was lost on her.
sebhaque said:
I'm aware I can do it myself and do occasionally turn the synchro mode off so I can have a play with some heel and toe. Need to keep my skills sharp, y'see, the call from Red Bull could come any day.
I think you'll find you don't need heel and toe skills in an F1 car... 
996TT02 said:
a) Most people don't even know what rev matching is
b) Most of the few who do, may not care, or may not even want this
c) There is a cost...
d) ...because you also need an electronic throttle, not just a few lines of code
e) Driving without is no great handicap, we have been doing this since 1898...
Every justification in this list is terrible.b) Most of the few who do, may not care, or may not even want this
c) There is a cost...
d) ...because you also need an electronic throttle, not just a few lines of code
e) Driving without is no great handicap, we have been doing this since 1898...
On second thoughts C may be passable but only just.
I thought all cars had electronic throttles these days, and I know a lot whinge at you to change up the whole time so they clearly know what gear you're in.
At for the people that don't know or care about rev matching, these are the people who it'd be of benefit to. It'd make their clutch last longer, saving them money in time, and make their gear changes less jerky. Win-win surely?
At for the people that don't know or care about rev matching, these are the people who it'd be of benefit to. It'd make their clutch last longer, saving them money in time, and make their gear changes less jerky. Win-win surely?
Synchromesh said:
I thought all cars had electronic throttles these days, and I know a lot whinge at you to change up the whole time so they clearly know what gear you're in.
They do - they know your road speed and your revs. But how would they know which gear your were going to slot it into next?kambites said:
I'd guess the answer is simply that it would typically cost more to develop and install than people would be willing to pay for it.
Can it really cost more than a few quid per car for to program this feature into the ECUotolith said:
They do - they know your road speed and your revs. But how would they know which gear your were going to slot it into next?
Well it wouldn't before you went into it, but it knows as soon as the gear goes in the gate (but before the clutch is re-engaged)Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff