The Launch Control is a launch control system that allows you to obtain maximum acceleration from 0 to 100 without spinning the wheels or stalling the engine. The ECU maintains an ideal speed (4000-6000 rpm), manages torque based on grip, controls traction.
Implementation
- Series sports cars: already activated at the factory (BMW M, Audi RS, Porsche)
- Medium cars: latent in the software but disabled at the factory so as not to break DSG/clutch
- Tuning: "unlocks" via map, can be activated with sequence specification
Risks
LC puts enormous stress on the transmission. On DSG DQ250/DQ500 repeated LC = clutch toast in 50,000 km. On manual gearboxes, clutch burned out in 5-10 launches.
Tuning
When you activate LC via the map, you set:
- Release target RPM
- Maximum torque allowed
- Clutch release time (on automatic cars)
How starting works
With Launch Control active, the driver keeps the throttle full while the ECU stabilizes the ideal speed and manages torque and traction control; when the brake/clutch is released the car takes off with the maximum acceleration possible for the available grip. On automatics, the clutch engagement time is also calibrated.
Wear and common sense
It is a function that puts a lot of stress on the transmission: repeated starts quickly wear out the clutches of dual clutch gearboxes and, on manuals, can burn out the clutch in just a few attempts. For this reason it should be used sparingly and calibrated (release speed, maximum torque) based on the actual hardware. On many cars the LC is already present in the software but deactivated at the factory, and is unlocked during the remapping phase.
Practical advice
Launch Control is spectacular but expensive in terms of wear: it should be used sparingly and, on dual clutch gearboxes, avoided as a daily habit. When unlocking it via the map, the release speed and maximum torque must be set carefully, calibrating them to the actual hardware of the vehicle. On a car not designed for this purpose, repeated starts at the limit drastically shorten the life of clutches and half-shafts.