Launch Control on V10

[Newspyderv10man]

I just read this in Motor Trend:

"Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro


Transmission: Six-speed manual, six-speed automated-clutch manual (R tronic)


Launch Control Operation (per owner's manual):
Manual Transmission:

•With the engine running, press the "ESP OFF" button one time. The ESP indicator light in the driver information system display illuminates and the message "ESP sport" APPEARS.
•Press the clutch and hold it down.
•Engage the first gear.
•Press the accelerator pedal all the way down until the engine speed remains steady at 6500 rpm.
•Release clutch carefully.[/B][/I][/B]My question is will this kill your clutch as it did in my 911 TT? After 4 starts I about burned the clutch up."



I think a launch control is great but not at the cost of a clutch job.

Thanks

New Spyder man (ordered a few weeks ago)

[exhilR8]

After doing launch control about 50 times in my R-tonic, my clutch wear is reading entirely normal for the milage (6000m), and I've had no problems whatsoever, either on the road or on the track. I've provided lots of thrills to excited kids revving their engines next to me at stoplights, though. I've never seen people so happy to be so thoroughly beaten off the line. Just don't forget to slow down after about 3.4 seconds, because it's really easy to get carried away.

The LC program minimizes wheelspin, but does not completely eliminate it. I think the 0.2 seconds or so of immediate rear wheelspin in 1st gear dissipates alot of the immediate force that would otherwise degrade the clutch and drivetrain.

It is of course considered excess "wear," but not that much excess, in my experience. I think it's there to be enjoyed, and I certainly do.

[desperado]

While I defer to those who actually have launch control on their car (my 2009 6MT does not), I'm not so sure about that "release clutch carefully" advice which you quote. That sounds like a setup for excessive clutch slip leading to the kind of damage you are concerned about. I believe the correct technique is to briskly release the clutch and let the car's computer manage the power delivery.

Of course if your new car will be R-tronic you don't have to worry about this - just release the brakes and hang on!

[desperado]

Of course, "carefully" just might refer to your diligence in searching the surroundings for LEOs prior to performing a launch LOL

[rmicroys]

I read that section in my 2010 V10 manual. I have yet to try it out. Though I have been to the drag strip already (prior to reading that part of the manual) and got a 11.9 @ 119mph out of the car. Really bad concrete for grip at the track where I was at.

Who else has timeslips from a 1/4 race track?

[harrison]

ExhilR8...some data on your clutch wear would be interesting to know. Any figures?? Happy Launchday !!

[exhilR8]

My dealer didn't quote the exact figures, so I don't know the percentage wear, but I asked him specifically about the clutch wear, and he said it was "perfectly normal." I'll ask for the exact percentage next time I get service.

[Newspyderv10man]

In my 997 Twin Turbo 6 speed manual I did 5 take offs on a back road and just dumped the clutch at 6000+ RPMS and my clutch smoked and smelled for days and I am sure I did some damage. I never did a start like that again even tho I had some very aggressive Mustangs and Vettes and the new Camaro next to me at red lights. I feared I would lose my clutch since the 6 sp manual 4 wheel drive really is killing it self to launch that ferociously.

I will get my Spyder V10 in a few months (august) and will be thrilled if the 6 speed manual can do non harming (audi legal) launches without fear of killing my clutch.

My 1968 Vette (way back when) 427 did unbelievable launches from a dead stop NEVER to be bested again in a car I ve driven.

I am really excited now since its fun to launch if it doesnt do permanent damage and I doubt Audi would put in a mechanism that would do damage to the equipment.

D

[otis]

Just tried the launch control with my r-tronic v-10 with stasis flash. Wow! Four wheels smoking thru first gear. How do you shift fast enough not to hit the rev limiter? Does launch control work in auto mode or only manual? Love the heroic perfect launches. Just have to be ready to shift as it happens so fast.

Otis

[Newspyderv10man]

Just tried the launch control with my r-tronic v-10 with stasis flash. Wow! Four wheels smoking thru first gear. How do you shift fast enough not to hit the rev limiter? Does launch control work in auto mode or only manual? Love the heroic perfect launches. Just have to be ready to shift as it happens so fast.

Otis

Otis,

With the Stasis flash how many HP did you gain? Stasis on the phone told me approximately 40 HP but their website states 27. The Rep on the phone said the website number of 27 HP is incorrect. For $2,500 I hope the HP increases by more than 27.

Any input would be appreciated.