Ford announced yesterday that the 2013 Shelby GT500 would be fitted with a new launch control system, limiting wheel spin when the driver puts the pedal to the metal.
"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," explains John Pfeiffer, senior engineer, SVT Vehicle Engineering.
"With so much more power and torque on tap from the new 5.8L V8, launch control makes it easier for drivers to take advantage of the performance."
All the driver has to do now is put the pedal to the metal and release the clutch as he would normally do on a standard start, the difference being the launch control system takes care of maintaining the revs where they should be for maximum acceleration without any wheel spin.
"We developed this system to enable 90 percent of drivers to be able to achieve very fast, smooth and consistent starts with the Shelby GT500 regardless of their skill level," said Eddie Khan SVT Engineering supervisor.
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| Photo: Ford |
"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," explains John Pfeiffer, senior engineer, SVT Vehicle Engineering.
"With so much more power and torque on tap from the new 5.8L V8, launch control makes it easier for drivers to take advantage of the performance."
All the driver has to do now is put the pedal to the metal and release the clutch as he would normally do on a standard start, the difference being the launch control system takes care of maintaining the revs where they should be for maximum acceleration without any wheel spin.
"We developed this system to enable 90 percent of drivers to be able to achieve very fast, smooth and consistent starts with the Shelby GT500 regardless of their skill level," said Eddie Khan SVT Engineering supervisor.
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| Photo: Ford |