Now riders must do most of the work themselves, which most people think is the way it should be, because rider skill is better rewarded.
But the factory software was clever enough to have the situation under control, supplying exactly the right amount of power to the rear tyre, so the rider could race towards the first turn fully in control with the front wheel no more than a few inches off the ground.Įventually most of the factories had similarly effective launch control, so it could be argued that this actually reduced safety, because all the riders arrived at the first corner at the same time. Without rider aids, this behaviour would’ve spelt instant disaster: a dead-cert loop-the-loop.
Magneti Marelli have applied that concept to launch control as well as the other four rider aids: traction control, anti-wheelie, engine-braking control and anti-jerk.ĭuring the era of factory electronics, launch control became so effective that riders could use full throttle and dump the clutch when the red starter-lights were extinguished. But like all MotoGP rider aids, Dorna’s recently introduced unified software is significantly less clever than the tailormade software created by the factories during the first decade or so of MotoGP.ĭorna’s idea was to reverse rider-aid technologies to their original concept – to improve safety, rather than increase performance. Launch-control programmes are designed to help the rider use maximum acceleration when he dumps the clutch on 260 horsepower. This is what makes the start of a race more important than ever and this is why launch control was invented.
"We've given our drivers the ability to exert control over all the power and torque this Mustang can produce.Sign-up now for access to a limited number of articles. "For drivers who want to have some fun at their local drag strip with a stock machine, the 2013 Shelby GT500 is the ultimate bracket racer," said Khan. Launch control, though, is one electronic aid that it seems even seasoned veteran racers can utilize to get consistently faster times. Generally speaking racers and fast drivers don't like some electronic controls such as ABS, stability control and traction control. However, switching to racing tires or running in an autocross event on a warm Saturday morning may call for a launch speed closer to the upper end of the range.
The engineers say a lower speed may be more appropriate when first getting accustomed to launch control or if the pavement is cooler. When using the Track Apps screen, drivers can also adjust the desired engine speed for the launch in 100-rpm increments from 3000 to 4500 rpm. We've given Shelby GT500 drivers the ability to adjust the engine speed to achieve best and most consistent performance, no matter where and when they drive."įord says Shelby GT500 drivers can enable launch control in two ways – either through Track Apps on the LCD screen in the instrument cluster or simply by tapping a switch. "Most of our competitors' launch control systems have a fixed engine launch speed.
"We recognize not every driver has the same style, and surface, tire and climate conditions vary," said Eddie Khan, SVT Engineering supervisor. With launch control enabled the electronics automatically hold the engine steady at the desired speed and manage the rear brakes to allow the optimum amount of wheel slip for maximum traction. "With so much more power and torque on tap from the new 5.8-liter V-8, launch control makes it easier for drivers to take advantage of the performance." It's more ready to race than ever.Īs Ford's Special Vehicles team engineers explain: "Launch control is essentially a special mode of the traction control system that integrates the brake and engine management systems to keep the tires balanced on the peak of the mu-slip curve in order to achieve maximum thrust," says John Pfeiffer, senior engineer, SVT Vehicle Engineering. Now you can, as the 2013 Shelby GT500 comes with factory installed launch control for the first time. Turn off traction control and turn on launch control. But experienced drivers know traction control is a hindrance to getting the best times from a standing start. Enter traction control – it stops the rear wheels from spinning. Of course the problem is maintaining traction. Let the puns begin –talk about torque, that's enough to pull the stump of a giant oak tree.
The aluminum 5.8-liter supercharged V-8 produces 662 bhp and 631 lb.-ft of torque. Ford is bragging that the new 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500 has the most powerful engine ever in a North American production car.