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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Phil mcavity on 11 October 2006, 08:53

Title: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Phil mcavity on 11 October 2006, 08:53
I just wanted to say, after reading a post about launch controling the car going into sport mode using the dsg, traction control off, 1 foot on the brake and 2800rpm on the otheris "HOLY sh!t", I felt my eyes hit the back of my eye sockets!! jesus christ, i can see why the dsg version is so much quicker then the manual box gti.I knew the car was fast in anycase, but accerating in the way totally changed my way in which i respect the car!. id love to see a manual r32 have a race with a dsg gti, cant be that much in it surely????. what do u recon Doc?
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 11 October 2006, 19:31
LOL I'm glad you liked it!

Yes it feels MUCH faster than the standard "s" mode and floor it  :wink:

Come see me and we can race / record it for fun  :wink:

Funny thing - the R32 stops @ 3200 rpm not 2800 rpm???
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: davidlandy on 12 October 2006, 18:20
I wish somebody could video this launch control in action see we can see (and hear) it !!  hint hint!



Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: wantmygti on 13 October 2006, 08:45
Starting not to like you guys - your going to cost me money. To DSG or not to DSG. This is the question.....
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: 2007GTI on 13 October 2006, 09:27
DSG all the way.

Easier and nicer to drive.
Better acceleration
Faster acceleration than the manual
Better resale
at only 6.5% additional cost, it will pay for itself!

 :grin:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: illyun on 13 October 2006, 11:45
I'm not so sure about the benefits of DSG after considering and rejecting it for my 06 GTI...

As for the standing starts, I would say that Launch Control emulates what a competent driver could achieve using manual - Volkswagen Driver magazine published by Autometrix tested both DSG and Manual and found manual to be faster.  Their manual was 6.2 secs 0-60 while the DSG was 6.3 or 6.4 secs 0-60.  They also found manual to be slightly more economical - both in contradiction to the official VW claims.  I think in this respect, it is analogous to ESP which provides amazing stablity and enables a crap driver like me to think that I know how to handle a car with this power and drive, when in reality it just flatters me.  The more experienced driver can turn off ESP and show what the car is really capable of.

When the warranty runs out, for those of you planning to keep your GTI beyond this period, any repairs to this complicated box will be very expensive

From reading various issues, I have noticed that DSG has its 'quirks' i.e. it anticipates wrong gears occasionaly when driving under certain conditions - can't remember where I read this but it was in more than one article

You lose the interaction with your car that a manual gives

If you want to modify and increase your power i.e. bhp gains, DSG limits what you can achieve.  An example is on the morego site where they have some packages not available for DSG.

It costs £1650 more than manual

I am sure there are other reasons not to have DSG that I have overlooked, but the above are the main reasons I chose to stay with manual.... having said all this, I will test drive a DSG GTI before buying my Anniversary Edition, though I very much doubt it will change my mind about DSG - just trying it out for the novelty factor  :tongue:

Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: wantmygti on 13 October 2006, 13:07
I think I agree Illyun. A stack of extra cash for no double de-clutching. I did like it on the test drive I had but it was like driving a computer and i wondered when the novelty would wear off.
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: 2007GTI on 13 October 2006, 13:58
well 0.1 of a second is hardly notable is it?

also, I have manual control of the car via the paddle shift on the steering wheel.

If I want to have fun with a clutch, I'll drive my '66 mini cooper.  :nerd:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Pintman on 13 October 2006, 14:55
I was a bit reluctant when I was told that the Gti they had for sale had a DSG gearbox. 
But after driving it, I could see how good it was compared with the manual. 

For those who haven't seen this, it shows how good the DSG is against a normal manual.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmMNRQ1GJ3o&mode=related&search=
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Phil mcavity on 13 October 2006, 18:19
Great video , nice to see that the dsg rules for performance. if your jap racing drivers have tried, im sure its gospel.Nice to see the dsg gti cained the vauxhall astra vxr, goes to show that doesnt matter how much horsepower you give it, if the car cant put it to the road on accelation, then its a poor design,Wish i could see golf gti dsg V New Ford focus ST!
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Phil mcavity on 13 October 2006, 18:23
forgot to say 2007gti, u WILL NOT get bored of the dsg , TRUST ME!,  remember the one key thing, the more you add in xtras , the more you will get back later on resale! Vw's are very good at reselling with more extra rather then other makews of cars that dont make any difference in most cases
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 14 October 2006, 08:55
mines way faster than my mates stick R32  :grin:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: 2007GTI on 14 October 2006, 10:48
It wasn't me who said I'd get bored with the DSG!  I flippin love it!  :grin:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: illyun on 16 October 2006, 06:15
Alright alright... I still think that DSG isn't as good as manual but I'ill try it out.  I am selling my Mk5 GTI  :cry: and am getting an R32 with DSG  :laugh: My wife thinks I'm mad as I've only had it since this April but I've put in a deposit for an Anniversary Edition so I won't be without a GTI for too long and the R32 can't be a bad replacement. I was thinking of getting an R32 in September but then changed my mind after realising I'd have to fork out around £7k on top - that still hasn't changed  :cry:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 16 October 2006, 16:08
My wife thinks I'm mad too  :grin:

Isn't as good?

It IS faster and can be used in manual mode

How can it be "better" to have to use a clutch  :undecided:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: mabster on 16 October 2006, 19:42
I had my first test drive with the DSG a few days ago, and it was fun, but i'm still not sure on it. After nearly 5 years of using a clutch, it felt very strange. I didn't feel like i was in full control of the car....perhaps it's something you get used to? I wish i could spend more time with it before i have to make my mind up, i don't think 25 minutes driving is enough to decide!  :undecided:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 16 October 2006, 20:04
 :huh:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: wantmygti on 16 October 2006, 22:16
I'm with you mabster. I've done half an hour in each and still can't decide. I've ordered a manual but am tempted to call the dealer and make the switch.

As for control Doc, surely there is less control with the DSG as it will only let you do what the computer permits, not what you want to do with a hand directly holding the transmission??
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Phil mcavity on 16 October 2006, 22:21
ive found out tonight , even with dsg in drive mode and not sport, depending on how you have been driving in your journey , it adapts to your style, short shifts when you fuel saving and when you give it the beans, it holds in the gears waiting for u to plant your foot. i was shocked, perhaps the ecu has a heart, breaths air and farts,perhaps i should name it !  sad person really aint i! :laugh:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: illyun on 20 October 2006, 01:33
Well thanks to all you DSG nuts - Phil, The Doc et al. - I have put down a deposit for an R32 today with DSG... will collect within 3-4 weeks. It will give me 5-6 months to try out DSG and see what its like  :grin:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Matt555 on 20 October 2006, 18:44
I personally have gone off DSG!  I hate the times when it doesn't really know what gear to be in, or you want to bhold the throttle!?!? 

i've now done some 40K plus miles with DSG across two motors.

Any tom/dick or harry can stamp on a throttle and get up the road, but if i were paying for the GTI that we have then i'd have a manual all the way.  DSG is lovely, yeah sure in any confiq that you want PADDLES/+ or - shifts or even sport.  I like nothing better on a chill out trip or in traffic than being in the DSG GTi, but ultimately it's not and will never be as engaging or satisfying as a Manual.

In the A3 which also had DSG.  I never got it, even after 2 years of driving i still had a niggle in the back of my mind when trying to get a 4 wheel drift and needing the full revs controlled by my right foot! 

So it's manual for me all the way, but i'll not take anything away from DSG as the misses loves not needing to change gear!

Matty  :smiley:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: golfr36man on 20 October 2006, 21:03
Nice one illyun

You will love it!

I work for vw and drive both manuals and autos. the dsg box is by far the best.

Ho ho sounds like sour grapes are back with matty.

He only seems to pop up to wind people up these days, how sad yet predictable.
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Matt555 on 20 October 2006, 23:30
LOL, settle down fella, shall i pass you back your handbag!  I'm sorry for not being a regular at the mo, i'm actually trying to perm my hair!
This is a forum isn't it and have i even seen you in another thread that i've replied in? I can be sheep like if you like, but i'd rather pass on my own thoughts gathered from my own experiances, if you don't like them then maybe don't use forums!   

I seem to have seen your IP address somewhere else though.....  I wonder......

Now go and edit your reply a couple of more times, it'll cheer you up.  LOL.... :laugh: :wink:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: golfr36man on 21 October 2006, 10:27
 With a head the size of yours it would take quite some time
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: wantmygti on 21 October 2006, 10:55
I have now driven the DSG just twice on extended test drives which I admit is not alot, but I reckon that Matty has hit the nail on the head perfectly. Any donk and stomp their right foot down, just like anyone can press X on a playstation with GT4 running.

My GTI is on order and is now definately coming with 6 manual gears....
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: wantmygti on 21 October 2006, 10:56
By the way, has anyone else shown the sales man that launch control does exist and then smoked the tyres proving it whilst his face went white???
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 21 October 2006, 14:59


 :grin:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 21 October 2006, 15:01
"By the way, has anyone else shown the sales man that launch control does exist and then smoked the tyres proving it whilst his face went white???"

 :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Matt555 on 21 October 2006, 16:29
By the way, has anyone else shown the sales man that launch control does exist and then smoked the tyres proving it whilst his face went white???

LOL, quality!  I had it demonstrated to me when we were looking at the Audi, the salesman took me out in a TT with DSG and 3.2 and i just burst out laughing. After that i'd demonstrate it on a regular basis just for the hell of it.  It does eat the tires though....

doc -
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: illyun on 22 October 2006, 02:34
Well I can't wait to try launch control then  :grin: But it will be expensive  :cry: Unless I try it out 'properly' on the local VW demonstrator  :laugh:  I get the feeling that I will like the novelty of DSG for a few months - I never ever have considered a Auto before - but then will want my old manual back on the Anniversary :smiley:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: mistert on 22 October 2006, 09:29
Guys

Help me out here, I followed the instructions - the car's done 900 miles so i figure its run in - and i got a shed load of wheelspin and a very slow getaway... i thought that the purpose of launch control was to get a perfect getaway... am i doing something wrong???

Col
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 22 October 2006, 12:25
ok

What are the weather conditions and what car do you have, Sir?
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: wantmygti on 22 October 2006, 14:20
Thats exactly what I did on the test drive mistert. I figured that less gas would be the way forward but since they weren't my tyres i kept it flat to the floor!
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Matt555 on 22 October 2006, 16:22
LOL, i tried a launch start in the GTi today!  It's not even worth trying, just way to much wheel spin and torque steer.  I think it's best left to the 4x4 boys with DSG.....  good fun though   :grin:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: mistert on 23 October 2006, 06:19
ok

What are the weather conditions and what car do you have, Sir?

Well I thought the roads were dry but could have been slightly greasy... i have a GTi with DSG...

Any thoughts?

Col
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 23 October 2006, 13:23
I think you need a nice dry bit of road or one where theat super grippy coating has been applied to aid braking and try again.

What tyres do you have on your motor fella?
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: mistert on 23 October 2006, 21:00
Dunlops - standard with my car... so i guess what ur saying is that launch control does not include any traction control function.  I guess i assumed that when you turned it off it was just a button setting to activate the launch control and didnt necessarily switch off traction control.  I will have a play and see what happens - though i guess i dont really see what the benefit is!!

Col
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Matt555 on 23 October 2006, 22:00
Matey, i shouldn't bother trying it in the GTi, you'll get a blast of wheelspin and then once 15 mph has been hit the traction control will take over and kill the revs!!!  You should have fun though!!! :evil:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Phil mcavity on 24 October 2006, 15:46
mine works a treat using the launch control in my gti, dont be fooled, if you get the revs right and control the throttle well then you will eat sub 7 secs to 60 , watch out Mr Focus ST owner!!
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 24 October 2006, 21:40
On the R32 you put your foot to the floor and the car holds the revs at 3200rpm.

Does this not happen on the GTI?

i.e. Do you have to control where the revs are at standstill by moving your foot or do you just floor it and the car finds its own rpm?
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Phil mcavity on 24 October 2006, 21:47
it holds at 2800 rpm exactly the same  why, you feather th throttle rather then foot down flat, or you get sh!t loads of wheel spin and traction control light on the dash  goes berserk!
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 24 October 2006, 22:48
ok at what revs do you hold the throttle - this may be the answer to his problem  :huh:

On the R32 it just goes - maybe a small hint of spin of .3 of a sec but then it's away  :grin:
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: Phil mcavity on 25 October 2006, 09:34
u dont need to tank it, i ease the throttle back on take off to insure grip, i found out this morning at the traffic lights, some office nobby in his 06 ASTRA VXR fought he could beat me off the lights , but to his horror was surprise to see me beat him from lights and he couldnt re3cover the 20 yards i gained from launch mode!!. we followed each other onto the motorway, i was tucked in behind him at 70mph, waiting for the car infront of him to pull aside, i prepared the sport mode, and from 70 right up to the lofty heights of 130 last look, over a short distance, i was sat on his bottom at the way. it was the 1st time ive really tested the car since buying it and i must say , i was really taken aback by being able to stick with a 250hp astra vxr!!. i then quickly fell back into my usual sunday morning mode and departed from the nxt junction!. What fun... but not a usual habbit i must say, but nice to try it once in a while
Title: Re: Launch control standing starts
Post by: The Doc on 25 October 2006, 12:37
"but to his horror was surprised"

 :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: