I posted something about this in the Model S Performance vs BMW M5 thread, but decided it probably deserves its own thread.
I have heard nothing about an MSP launch mode/feature. Does anyone know anything about this? Regardless it's easy to speculate as to what would be possible with Model S.
First, a key problem in drag racing with ICE vehicles is that performance varies widely with altitude, humidity and temperature. Many of these variables either don't matter at all, or likely have much less effect on MSP performance metrics.
For MSP a launch controller could directly measure track conditions and modify its performance curve to optimize launch speeds. Existing traction control software could easily be modified to check current traction conditions by blipping the motor and measuring the force needed to break the tires loose, controlling a burnout to raise tire temp to ideal ranges (verified by same IR sensor measuring track temperature?) and adjusting brake and power inputs to keep the car controlled during burnout.
The data gathered would generate an ideal launch performance profile/acceleration curve that can be applied at launch.
The software itself would consist of a new password protected app on the console, which would bring up options for launch/burnout along with performance data for the run, with a button to e-mail yourself the detailed metrics when the run is complete.
Once you enable the launch sequence, you can perform an optional burnout for the purposes described or choose a fast launch option. Either way, once you are prepared to stage the brake and throttle controls would be slaved to the computer. Staging is accomplished with a rocker switch on the left side of the wheel which can edge the car forward and possibly reverse (after a burnout for instance).
Once staged, depressing the throttle activates the launch sequence.
The car locks its brakes and (optionally depending on what works best) torques the drivetrain (meaning the motor is putting out power while the brakes hold the car in position).
You launch on green by pressing the right rocker switch on the steering wheel. Optimal acceleration curve with optimal traction control (it might be faster to spin the tires some) engages and continues to execute a launch routine until throttle is released or brake is depressed, at which point controls default to normal operation.
The idea being to consistently get the fastest possible track times. Dragsters routinely use many tricks like these (some illegally depending on class :smile. The fastest solution should be available, and the app can allow you to disable features features if they conflict with race rules.
The real advantage with MSP is the electrically controlled precision with which all of this can be accomplished. ICE vehicles have less control over critical environmental variables, and its harder to precisely adjust your power curve.
MSP Launch Control™ Patent Pending :tongue:
EDIT: edited for brevity
I have heard nothing about an MSP launch mode/feature. Does anyone know anything about this? Regardless it's easy to speculate as to what would be possible with Model S.
First, a key problem in drag racing with ICE vehicles is that performance varies widely with altitude, humidity and temperature. Many of these variables either don't matter at all, or likely have much less effect on MSP performance metrics.
For MSP a launch controller could directly measure track conditions and modify its performance curve to optimize launch speeds. Existing traction control software could easily be modified to check current traction conditions by blipping the motor and measuring the force needed to break the tires loose, controlling a burnout to raise tire temp to ideal ranges (verified by same IR sensor measuring track temperature?) and adjusting brake and power inputs to keep the car controlled during burnout.
The data gathered would generate an ideal launch performance profile/acceleration curve that can be applied at launch.
The software itself would consist of a new password protected app on the console, which would bring up options for launch/burnout along with performance data for the run, with a button to e-mail yourself the detailed metrics when the run is complete.
Once you enable the launch sequence, you can perform an optional burnout for the purposes described or choose a fast launch option. Either way, once you are prepared to stage the brake and throttle controls would be slaved to the computer. Staging is accomplished with a rocker switch on the left side of the wheel which can edge the car forward and possibly reverse (after a burnout for instance).
Once staged, depressing the throttle activates the launch sequence.
The car locks its brakes and (optionally depending on what works best) torques the drivetrain (meaning the motor is putting out power while the brakes hold the car in position).
You launch on green by pressing the right rocker switch on the steering wheel. Optimal acceleration curve with optimal traction control (it might be faster to spin the tires some) engages and continues to execute a launch routine until throttle is released or brake is depressed, at which point controls default to normal operation.
The idea being to consistently get the fastest possible track times. Dragsters routinely use many tricks like these (some illegally depending on class :smile. The fastest solution should be available, and the app can allow you to disable features features if they conflict with race rules.
The real advantage with MSP is the electrically controlled precision with which all of this can be accomplished. ICE vehicles have less control over critical environmental variables, and its harder to precisely adjust your power curve.
MSP Launch Control™ Patent Pending :tongue:
EDIT: edited for brevity
Last edited: