Very true - even of the best systems like PSM.

When asking around for some driver training, I naively asked "Do you teach how to recover from a spin?". The answer was simple - no. They'd teach me how to avoid getting the car into that situation in the first place.

I think the driver is the single most important component in the S2000. Traction control would help in some circumstances - oil patch for example. But I think that better driver training would have a far greater impact overall.

The chassis on my S2000 was originally badly out of alignment. The car was far more tail happy, and uneven to boot. But if I had crashed it the major factor would still have been driver error. With the chassis spot on now, the car is much better, the limit higher, but I'm still the limit. I've already had some training, and I've more booked already.

I've yet to drive a car where I think traction control would be a major benefit. If it cuts in very smoothly, then it's disguising the limit. Good perhaps for that car, but doing nothing for your driving. If it cuts in early, then it's removing enjoyment, and also giving you a false sense of security. Even with the stability systems that control all the brakes at need, it isn't magic. It can't increase the grip from the tires.

But, if you're after traction control, Racelogic (UK company) will fit there system for you.

-Brian.

 

Even if it means sitting in the ditch thinking "I wont do THAT again!"

 

Andy, it seems almost a contradiction in terms to me. I can see a case for making it an option but why choose this car in the first place.? If it offered complete protection in adverse conditions, I'd say yes, fit it with the proviso that it could be turned off. Lifting off mid bend at speed would still have the same result though.

It's a pure sports car which is why I bought it. It's interesting that many people rave about the big engined AC Cobras which are real scary cars that you can spin in the dry in any gear at any speed, just with the throttle, yet no-one suggests fitting TC to those! The philosophy behind the two cars is pretty much the same!

 

For my tastes I think that Honda got its agenda right. I think that an LSD should be a higher priority than a TC system, roll bars higher than side bags, and so on...

You could have a more expensive car and then a whole lot of stuff that did not make it above the line would come into the picture. Out of these, a more extensive use of light weight parts (Al, Ti, forged wheels), would certainly come up before TC, an 8 speaker system, multimedia navigation and others. You get the gist.

BTW, TC is of a lesser interest in this car given it's torque delilvery character. If you have to do it do it properly with a "state of the art" stability program . Something that non european manufacturers are not very good at.

just my .02

 

I'm definately a 'NO'.

One of the main selling points for me was that I was in complete control of the car, with no electronic interference. If I spin it is my fault and therefore I learn where my and the cars limits are. This, I believe makes me a better driver and leaves me preapred to deal with unexpected incidents, slides, etc.

 

Interesting comments. My thoughts were that traction control or an active suspension system would be beneficial for daily driving situations. No, it will not solve all problems, but it may solve some. For track days or performance driving, just switch it off or adjust it. The world's finest race cars (F1) use traction control. Dozens of other sports cars use it to enhance the driving experience, and particularly to add that safety margin on public roads. Granted, there are systems that have problems, but I am willing to bet that as the technology continues to improve, these problems will be eliminated.

And no, I'm not trying to kill the spirit of the car, or make it a FWD. And by the way RT, I have put over 1000 miles on my car at the track. How many have you done?

 

1001

 

Like in what? A Citr

 

Extra weight, extra complexity equals weaker performance and more things that can break.

 

That's all good.. I wouldn't be opposed to it as an option.

I don't know where all this resentment is coming from. People are fearful of giving more control to the car. I have a feeling 30 years from now with cars going the way they are. People from these boards will say.. "Well back in my day.. we had cars that you had to row your own gears.. They didn't talk to you.. and if you were somewhere you didn't know, you had to get a map or ask for directions. The car didn't tell ya!" I mean I really see this happening don't you? LOL