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Hi I just came across a 2021 marketing slide which shows how to perform launch controls on the Typse S. Does anyone have experience using launch control? What has your experience been like using launch controls? Any tips or tricks to get it to launch better?
The launch control on the TLX-S is very conservative. I’m sure the engineers played it safe to prevent owners from destroying their drivetrain. Until the KTuner flash is released and assuming you can build more boost during the launch control phase, don’t expect to have an impressive launch.
I tried it out, and the previous poster is correct; it’s basically useless. It launches at a measly 2000RPMs, which is nothing. I’ve seen better launches from other cars just by brake torquing.
I find the "guaranteed safety and durability" amusing.
Why? Some other manufacturers offer launch modes that void the vehicle warranty after being used a limited number of times. I'd much rather have a Honda-backed launch control that delivers maximum performance without overstressing or shortening the life of any components!
and if you think car magazine guys are competitive? Oh car manufacturers are way worse. They will do anything to get a good 0-60 number including programming all the computers to recognize exactly when the car is being tested and behaving totally differently than it would ever behave in the real world. This is called cheating-optimization and it's just like diesel gate except this time no one cares. But the point here is that 0-60 yardstick is so important to car companies that car companies do things just to get a better 0-60 number even if it means making the car worse in the real world
IMO launch controlled times (i.e. 0 to 60) are less relevant than non-launch controlled times (i.e. 5 to 60).
The launch control on the TLX-S is very conservative. I’m sure the engineers played it safe to prevent owners from destroying their drivetrain. Until the KTuner flash is released and assuming you can build more boost during the launch control phase, don’t expect to have an impressive launch.
They came right out and told you they were protecting the drivetrain. Read the bottom line of the slide.
Too bad most owners didn’t or haven’t seen this slide - seems like it was an informative presentation for Acura staff.
On another note, the KTuner flashes have been released and if I remember correctly, the dyno chart reads ~430 torque at 3k RPM- this should help move the TLX-S at the low rev range.
Why? Some other manufacturers offer launch modes that void the vehicle warranty after being used a limited number of times. I'd much rather have a Honda-backed launch control that delivers maximum performance without overstressing or shortening the life of any components!
Because for modern BMW and Audi with 8AT, the LC has no limit in the number of launches, just a cool-down timer in between launches. Besides, why Acura emphasized this to the press, but hide the information away from owners as there is no mention elsewhere?
IMO launch controlled times (i.e. 0 to 60) are less relevant than non-launch controlled times (i.e. 5 to 60).
+1, Jason does great car video's. The 0-60 vs 5-60 analogy for the WRX and Ody was amusing.
Originally Posted by sonyfever
Because for modern BMW and Audi with 8AT, the LC has no limit in the number of launches, just a cool-down timer in between launches. Besides, why Acura emphasized this to the press, but hide the information away from owners as there is no mention elsewhere?
Apparently BMW limit the number of launches to 50 on some of their models
Something those of us on the F90 board realized a few weeks ago is that BMW limits the ZF8 transmissions to only perform 50 launches. So for those of you who care, the 0-60 times on these cars will likely increase by almost a half a second after you do 50 launches.
Just wanted to post this as a warning so you know to ration launch controls. I blew through all mine in the first 2 months of ownership and my 0-60 times went from 2.5 to 3.0 seconds and 1/4 mile times increased by 2-3 tenths as well.
In short, BMW is using this trick to falsely advertise the performance of their cars. The numbers in magazines are not what you'll see in the real world if you use it.
It may be unlimited on other models, but to believe there's no wear and tear on a gearbox by doing launches indefinitely is naïve. There's always some wear/tear for a launch, the question is how much and how it affects the lifespan of the gearbox internals. whether it be a Honda 10AT or a ZF 8AT.
Last edited by Legend2TL; Feb 16, 2023 at 08:54 AM.
It may be unlimited on other models, but to believe there's no wear and tear on a gearbox by doing launches indefinitely is naïve. There's always some wear/tear for a launch, the question is how much and how it affects the lifespan of the gearbox internals. whether it be a Honda 10AT or a ZF 8AT.
If you follow that thread you will eventually get to a BMW document that says it's limited to 100 launches and cannot be reset by service.
So far I've had my M550i for 10 months and haven't used LC yet. When I was younger I did a fair amount of racing, but always on tracks.
+1, Jason does great car video's. The 0-60 vs 5-60 analogy for the WRX and Ody was amusing.