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Traction control and active handling question

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Old 07-28-2009, 09:38 PM
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OkieEngr
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Default Traction control and active handling question

Who can explain to me how these actually work? What is the computer of the car doing to limit wheel slip and what is active handling? Yes, I know the results of these systems - improved handling and reduced wheel slip - but I want to know HOW they do this. It's the engineer in me who needs to know what's going on.

Also, what is competitive drive mode vs normal driving mode?
Old 07-28-2009, 09:45 PM
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talon90
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Traction control is just that. It senses rear wheel spin (loss of traction) and will take appropriate action to reduce said wheel spin. It will apply braking and pull timing to limit wheel spin. It monitors the ABS sensors and the wheel speed sensors along with RPM.

Active handling takes input from several sensors in the vehicle. It pays attention to wheel spin, rpm, throttle input, brake input and yaw (departure angle of the nose of the vehicle from straight.) The car will take what it believes to be appropriate actions including applying individual brakes and reducing throttle input. The F55 in addition will vary individual shock damping to allow the car to plant an individual wheel to regain better control if it senses the car being loaded in a given direction.

Competition mode is a modified setup for more allowance of rear wheel spin and slip. This is more of what you would want if you were driving your car in a high performance driving event on a road course. It gives you a little more latitude to push your car to the limits while still allowing some safety.

Your manual has some good information in terms of defining the various systems.

Active Handling System
The Active Handling System is a computer controlled
system that helps the driver maintain directional control
of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. This is
accomplished by selectively applying any one of the
vehicle’s brakes.

Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a traction control system called TCS
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the rear wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the rear brakes and reduces engine power
(by closing the throttle and managing engine spark) to
limit wheel spin.

Competitive Driving Mode
The driver can select this optional handling mode by
pressing the ACTIVE HANDLING button on the console
two times within a five second time period.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE will be displayed in the
DIC. Competitive Driving Mode allows the driver to have
full control of the rear wheels while the Active Handling
System helps maintain directional control of the vehicle
by selective brake application.
This involves less
intervention than with both the Active Handling System
and Traction Control Systems on. The instrument cluster
light will not be on. The Traction Control System will not
be operating. Adjust your driving accordingly
.
Old 07-28-2009, 09:57 PM
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OkieEngr
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I have only driven with the traction control off a few times and the car is completely different. Now I know why, thanks.

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