dwichman

I know what it is, and I know what it's supposed to do. But, have any of you had experiences with it yet in slick conditions? Is it noticable when it kicks in? Does it apply brakes to the wheels that are spinning to try and keep the grip? Any links on some technical specs or something that tell how it works?

Thanks.

April

This one does not have anything on ESP, but has tons of info on how many parts of a car works - turbos, transmissions, etc.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/category.htm?cat=Auto

Here is the link to a good outline of what esp does. On the track, all you notice is a slowing of the car even if you are floored and a slight shudder in the brake pedal. Of course the esp light flashes like crazy. Even if you turn off the esp, it can reactivate itself if you exceed certain lateral G's and touch the brakes. As any good driver knows, you don't touch the brakes in a corner unless there is an emergency - you do your slowing before entering the corner.<ul><li><a href="http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/articles/45992/article.html">http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/articles/45992/article.html</a</li></ul>

der Delfin '02

<a href="http://www.vwvortex.com/news/02_00/02_11_00/index.shtml"> VWvortex tech article </a>


http://www.vwvortex.com/news/02_00/02_11_00/index.shtml

Flask

under extreme situations.

Majorafro

Under what conditions would you want to turn ESP off?

April

Rocking a car out of snow or mud. At the track.

Majorafro

Rocking? ok, but isn't that a front-back, not yaw, motion?

April

Yes, but with such variable inputs on a slippery surface, the car may not always be pointed straight

dwichman

Saweet, damn these germans are smart.

dsackman

ESP = Extra Sensory Perception. The car can read your mind. :-)