How to Program the Torque Vectoring System in a Ford Focus RS for Optimum Track Performance?
You might have heard of torque vectoring, a high-performance system that reinforces the control capacity of your car. It boosts the balance and stability of the vehicle, enhancing the driving experience. As vehicle enthusiasts or as someone who simply wishes to optimize their Ford Focus RS’s performance on the track, understanding the programming of this intricate system is crucial. This guide aims to illuminate the step-by-step process of programming the torque vectoring system in your Ford Focus RS and will explain how each change directly affects driving performance.
Understanding the Ford Torque Vectoring System
Before diving into the programming steps, it’s essential to understand the Ford torque vectoring system and its role in optimizing track performance. This system first appeared in Ford’s Focus RS, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) high-performance vehicle. It has since been integrated into other Ford vehicle models due to its effectiveness in enhancing vehicle handling.
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The torque vectoring system is an innovative car control mechanism that works by transferring torque between the front and rear wheels of a vehicle. It’s designed to improve the car’s steering response and stability by redistributing engine power between the wheels during high-speed turns. This results in an improved steering response and handling, especially when cornering, leading to a more precise and controlled drive.
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The system works in real-time, constantly adjusting torque distribution based on the car’s speed, road surface, and the driver’s input. It’s particularly useful in high-performance vehicles like the Ford Focus RS that require precise control at high speeds.
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The Ford Focus RS and its Torque Vectoring System
In the case of the Ford Focus RS, the torque vectoring system is specially calibrated for its powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. It’s a key part of Ford’s ‘Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring’ system, which sets the Focus RS apart from its competitors.
The system in the Focus RS is capable of sending up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle, and 100% of that torque can be sent to either the left or right wheel. This gives the Focus RS an extraordinary level of agility and control, especially in high-speed situations.
What this system does is to allow the vehicle to maximize traction on each wheel, thereby reducing understeer and enabling the car to follow the driver’s intended line more accurately. It will enhance the vehicle’s traction and stability and give drivers the ability to fully exploit the car’s potential on the track.
Programming the Torque Vectoring System
Now that you’ve understood the theory behind torque vectoring and how it works in the Ford Focus RS, let’s delve into programming the system for optimum track performance.
To start with, you need to access the ‘Drive Modes’ setting on the main infotainment screen. This will allow you to adjust the different parameters of the torque vectoring system.
Select the ‘Track’ mode for the highest performance settings. This mode increases the aggressiveness of the torque vectoring system, reducing understeer and enhancing the car’s responsiveness.
Next, adjust the ‘Suspension’ setting to ‘Sport’ or ‘Track’ mode. This stiffens the suspension, reducing body roll during high-speed cornering and improving the car’s handling.
You will also have the option to adjust the ABS system. It’s advisable to keep this set to ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ mode, as the ‘Track’ setting reduces the system’s intervention, which can make the car harder to control for inexperienced drivers.
Optimizing for Track Performance
Finally, in order to optimize the system for track performance, you need to understand that every track is different and might require slight adjustments.
Your first few laps should be used to evaluate the car’s performance under the current settings. Pay attention to how the car behaves during cornering and under hard acceleration.
Should the car understeer excessively, you can increase the aggressiveness of the torque vectoring system. This will send more torque to the outer rear wheel, helping to rotate the car and reduce understeer.
On the other hand, if the car oversteers, you can decrease the aggressiveness of the torque vectoring system. This will send less torque to the outer rear wheel, stabilizing the car and reducing oversteer.
Remember, the key to optimum track performance is finding the right balance. It’s about understanding your car, the track, and adjusting the system to suit your driving style and conditions. Happy driving!
Fine-Tuning with Launch Control
In addition to the torque vectoring system, the Ford Focus RS is equipped with a launch control feature. This provides optimized settings for a standing start, which is particularly beneficial when racing on a track.
To activate this, go to the ‘Driver Assist’ menu on the main infotainment screen and select ‘Launch Control’. Once selected, you can adjust the launch RPM to match the conditions of the track. The RPM range available is between 3500 and 4500 RPM, and it’s recommended to start at 4000 RPM, adjusting as needed based on track conditions and tire grip level.
Once set, you need to fully depress the clutch and accelerator pedals. When the clutch is released, the Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system will work in conjunction with the torque vectoring system to maximize traction and minimize wheel slip. It’s crucial to remember that launch control is a tool to aid the driver and not a replacement for skill and experience. It’s there to enhance your performance, not drive the car for you.
The integration of launch control with the torque vectoring system is what makes the Ford Focus RS such a high-performance vehicle. Understanding how these systems work together can significantly improve your track times and overall driving experience.
Conclusion: Embracing the Power of the Ford Focus RS
In conclusion, with a careful understanding and programming of the torque vectoring system, you can take full advantage of the high performance capabilities of the Ford Focus RS.
Remember, it’s not just about cranking up all the settings to maximum. It’s about understanding how each component — torque vectoring, AWD system, launch control, and even the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine — works together to provide the optimum driving experience.
Every slight adjustment can make a difference in handling, control, and speed. Factors such as the state of your tires, track conditions, and even your personal driving style can significantly affect the way the car handles on the track. Therefore, it’s essential to make good use of the available settings to adapt to the changing conditions.
Ultimately, programming the torque vectoring system in your Ford Focus RS for optimum track performance requires a balance of understanding, experience, and fine-tuning. The rewards, however, are a car that offers a truly connected driving experience, allowing you to make the most of your time on the track. Here’s to thrilling driving experiences with your Ford Focus RS!