[BigFoot]

Here is another one of BigFoot's crazy ideas. But I reckon one that would interest a lot of us, owners of Coupe/GS in particular.

Our cars are fantastic but they do lack a little bit the ease of take off, essential on those traffic light sprints that we occasionally dabble in , that some of the German and Japanese cars seem to have.

How about an additional module (perhaps one to tie in with the Drive-By-Wire) to come up with a Launch Control feature? Something that puts the revs to optimal level, disarms traction control and works some magic to give us a better sprint on a standing start?

With DBW installed, the car considerably improves its take-off, but I am talking about here specific for strong starts, could come in quite handy in case any of us finds him or herself doing a spot of weekend racing at the track


Clearly this is a bit of wishful thinking but if there is someone out there that can pull it off, it's Jeff and his crew!

[xraygun]

I think launch control is pretty hard on the clutch. I read something like 6 starts in a Gallardo and you need a new clutch. I doubt it's anywhere that bad.
I would be cool though!

[VintageRacer477]

Could Big Foot be referring to a launch control such as that which is part of Porsche's Sport Chrono package?

I spent 6 months searching for a 911 with PDK & Sport Chrono & other particular options before discovering the sexy GT. Technology & efficient electronics are great. But, a sexy car like the GT... You know which won my heart. But, I digress...

Anyone on this forum have experience with a Porsche with Sport Chrono? I doubt that it kills the PDK as "xraygun" heard it does with the Gallardo.

[bvanzyl]

Maserati has its own notion of launch control. On the QP GTS, you are supposed to turn off MSP, have the car in manual mode, and sport button engaged. Then, put your foot firmly on the brake, and press the accelerator pedal until the rpms reach about 2000 rpms, then release the brake. That is what Maserati claims is their version of it. Never tried it, since I don't track the car.

The Nissan GTR has a much more sophisticated launch control. I've seen this in person at the track with a GTR. Pretty impressive. And costly. Apparently the LCS on earlier GTRs voided the warranty!

I guess, the bottom line is that the QP/GT is a sort of hybrid between sports and 5/4 seater touring car To expect the performance of a two seater without expensive mods (see Novitec) is not realistic. I cannot even drive my car in sport mode without having the po-po and neighbors giving me disapproving looks. If you want true Italian inspired performance, get a 458. Otherwise, the QP/GT is impossible to beat, IMO.