Has anyone used launch control in their 458? In the Top Gear review Clarkson commented that it "knackers the clutch in a 430" but seemed to imply there were no issues using it in the 458.
Does the 458 have the secret (or not so secret) launch sequence like the F430 that shaves a 10th or two?
A) 7 speeds versus 6 B) higher Red Line So, let is postulate that the extra TQ of the 458 engine is entirely consumed in pulling around a heavier car. The 7 speed transmission means that 1st gear can numerically higher than what would be possible on a 6 speed transmission. The higher Red Line allows the choice of this gear to be lower and still reach 60 (or 62 = 100 Kph) MPH before needing second gear. Thus, there is more thrust at the rear wheels per pound of car being accelerated than in the 430. Thus, the 458 walks the 430 under launch control. The tighter ratios of the other 6 gears enables staying in the meat of the power band.
from an engereering standpoint, both cars torque values supras what the tires can withstand so engine performance doesent have anything to do with the initial acceleration, only thing that matters in the case of initial accel is the traction control in the full sence of the word not just the electronics. tires play the biggest part, then the chassis and then the electronic traction control. weight actualy helps initial acceleraton becase the traction force of the tires is proportional to it so in all areas the 458 has the 430 beat for off the line accel!
In USA cars it's called Power Start, and the button says PS and not LAUNCH. I have no idea why there is a difference in terms.
based on http://www.autoweek.com/article/20091104/carreviews/911049988 "Launch control is included too, though control is a bit deceiving. Push the Launch button, hold the brake and stomp the gas. Revs climb to 3,000 before you release the brake and go. However, at that point your right foot controls everything, and mashing it to the floor smokes the tires until the engine hits the limiter; you still need to have some skill to achieve ultimate acceleration times." i was wondering, how do you stomp the gas and bring it up to 3000rpm and not "mashing it to the floor" ? does it mean that the one has to bring the revs up to 3000rpm and once the car launches, the driver then has to release the accelerator and control the acceleration ? someone kindly correct me, or correct autoweek. also, does using launch control in "sports, race, CST off" have any difference ?
