Launch Control

[NYLAWBIZ]

Been playing with the launch control a bit. I know the owner's manual says not to use it too much as it puts it:

Question: how often would you use it? Within a one hour period? Daily? I'd appreciate any informed opinion on this, thanks.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

I’ve had my GT almost 6 months, not used it yet, but I am an oldie...lol

 

[Kamauxx]

I've used it maybe 10 times in 3 months of ownership.

The first few times were to get a feel for it. The rest were to test out differences in power mods.

 

[Soca Boy]

I haven’t tried it out yet, have to find an open area. So the steps are sport/disable traction control/rev match to 2000rpm?

 

[Kamauxx]

I haven’t tried it out yet, have to find an open area. So the steps are sport/disable traction control/rev match to 2000rpm?

Put it on sport
Press and release the traction control button
Hold down the traction control button for a few seconds
Left foot on brake
Push the go pedal all the way down with right foot

When you see/hear the notification that launch control has been initiated let go of the brake and hold on!

 

[NYLAWBIZ]

I’ve had my GT almost 6 months, not used it yet, but I am an oldie...lol

So am I. Shouldn't stop you from enjoying the rush

 

[mldavis2]

I don't think the Launch Control is any faster or better than a simple power-brake. That's how Car & Driver test drivers got their 4.4 second 0-60 times in their review. Just don't over-rev the engine when doing that. The Launch Control is (I think) a safety feature for Kia, rather than a "best" time method of launch. JMHO. I don't drive like that and never go to the strip. A good power-brake start is all I need, and very rarely.

 

[Kamauxx]

I don't think the Launch Control is any faster or better than a simple power-brake. That's how Car & Driver test drivers got their 4.4 second 0-60 times in their review. Just don't over-rev the engine when doing that. The Launch Control is (I think) a safety feature for Kia, rather than a "best" time method of launch. JMHO. I don't drive like that and never go to the strip. A good power-brake start is all I need, and very rarely.

I don't think thats accurate. If done your way the nannies in the ECU will pull power and have you leaving the line at the same RPM you'd be at if you were just cruising.

Kia claims launch comtrol shaves .2 seconds off the 0-60 time. Road&Track got a 4.4 second launch with launch control.

My guess is Kia's advertised 4.7 0-60 time is without launch control. I believe the reason everyone thinks the car is underrated is because all the reviewers and owners are using launch control to test their speed while Kia didn't.

 

[mldavis2]

C&D did not use Launch Control. Here is the quote from the article:
"The near-optimal grip/power balance yields a 4.4-second zero-to-60 time, which is as quick as or quicker than pretty much everything in the Stinger’s wide purview. And though launch control wasn’t functional on our early tester, it’s unlikely to help a car that takes off like the Stinger does."

 

[Kamauxx]

C&D did not use Launch Control. Here is the quote from the article:
"The near-optimal grip/power balance yields a 4.4-second zero-to-60 time, which is as quick as or quicker than pretty much everything in the Stinger’s wide purview. And though launch control wasn’t functional on our early tester, it’s unlikely to help a car that takes off like the Stinger does."

As an early tester the car could have easily been running more boost or it could just be a facotry freak.

Whichever is the case the fact remains that Kia says the car is .2 seconds faster to 60 when using launch control.

 

[mldavis2]

Whatever..... I don't need it and don't use it. I think the ECU will control throttle and traction just as well without LC. Take yours to the strip and play with it. I need a reliable DD for long trips.

 

[Kamauxx]

Whatever..... I don't need it and don't use it. I think the ECU will control throttle and traction just as well without LC. Take yours to the strip and play with it. I need a reliable DD for long trips.

Okay, so the thread is related to features on the car that you refuse to use. What do you have to add to the discussion we are having about when/how to use launch control?

 

[Kazz]

About 7,000 miles. Still haven't used it. Just haven't taken it somewhere I can play with it, I guess.

 

[NYLAWBIZ]

Thanks for all of the replies, but no one answered my original question

 

[Kamauxx]

Thanks for all of the replies, but no one answered my original question

I used it once on my test drive. Three times back-to-back (within 5 minutes) a couple of weeks later. Once for shi-ggles on an empty stretch of road. Two times back-to-back (within a few minutes) when testing a tune. And two more times back-to-back (within a few minutes) when testing a different setting on a tune.

I wouldn't use it more than 4 or 5 times in an hour. The car needs to cool down.

 

[mldavis2]

Thanks for all of the replies, but no one answered my original question

Normal transmission oil temperature is around 200°F. That is the thing to monitor. I would suspect that the ECU would likely not allow activation of the LC if temperatures exceeded some predetermined amount.

 

[NYLAWBIZ]

Thanks for that. I presume tranny oil temp is displayed somewhere?

 

[mldavis2]

Thanks for that. I presume tranny oil temp is displayed somewhere?

Yes, you can toggle that in the dash LCD display between the gauges from the steering wheel. Owner's manual 4-77 and 4-78. May not be available in all trim levels?

 

[NYLAWBIZ]

I see oil temp. is that a tranny oil temp?

 

[mldavis2]

I see oil temp. is that a tranny oil temp?

That's a good question. I'm not sure. However it doesn't stand to reason that engine oil temperature would be below 200°F (especially on a turbocharged engine) if coolant temperatures are well above boiling (212°F) and under pressure to prevent vaporization. Engine oil temperatures should be much higher. I assumed that the temperature there was transmission oil temperature for that reason, plus the fact that the 200°F temperature on the LCD takes about 5-6 miles to reach stabilization while engine coolant temperature on the other gauge is at operating temperature much more quickly. With engine coolant monitored, it stands to reason that engine oil temperatures would be less important to monitor than transmission oil temperatures.

I'll see if I can find out for certain.