New Golf Rs and GTIs will have updated software that can disable ESP completely

[Guy_H]

Just got my new MY12 Golf GTI DSG today (thanks George @ Northstar VW).

I can switch the traction control completely off - 2 stage - ASR First then ESC - AWESOME

Its a build date June 11 - what an extra bonus!

[Majalo]

I pick my MY12 GTi DSG up tomorrow. Can't wait!!!

What are the advantages of having the 2 stage option?

[Guy_H]

Pinched from another forum:

More details (links above go to the info shown below)
New ESP-OFF for sporty driving
Designed to give the enthusiastic driver a choice in the level of automatic braking assistance on their car, from build week 22, a revised set-up of Volkswagen’s Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) will be standard on Golf R, GTI and GTD models, and all Scirocco models.

This has been introduced by the Factory in response to feedback from owners who think Volkswagen’s current safety systems take the edge off driver enjoyment in, for example, track use or highly sporty driving.

In normal use, all braking assistance systems work as before, ensuring safety within the usual limits and it would be virtually impossible to deactivate the systems accidentally.

However, in the appropriate conditions, the driver is now able to select the level of braking intervention in stages.

At the first level, by pressing the ESP button, ASR (traction control) is switched off. By pushing and holding the button again (approx 3 secs), drivers can reach the second level which shows ‘ESP OFF’. In this mode, drivers can oversteer or understeer without ESP interference, allowing so-called drifting. In this mode, if the driver actively brakes in what the car detects to be on the limits of safety, ESP is automatically reactivated and supports the driver in keeping control of the car. Afterwards, the ESP is automatically deactivated again; it is reset and switched on each time the ignition is started. It should be noted that the ABS function remains unaffected by ESP-OFF.

For more information, see the following press articles which talk about the system in action.

- Volkswagen Golf R DSG | First Drives | Car Reviews | Auto Express
- VW R models' new ESP system - Autocar.co.uk

This new feature is standard – and this should be a positive selling point to prospective buyers of high performance vehicles. However it should be stressed that it poses no diminution of active safety features when used in standard mode.

XDS – electronic differential lock
An electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling. Technically speaking, XDS is a functional extension of the electronic limited slip differential (EDL) which is a part of the standard ESP system.

Its benefits are experienced when driving quickly through a bend. ESP sensors provide information on lateral G-forces, while ABS sensors monitor levels of friction. Using this information a control unit can predict when an inside wheel is about to lift and apply a braking force automatically to increase traction on the opposite front wheel. XDS differs from EDL, however, as it brakes the inner wheel before it loses traction rather than afterwards. The result is smoother, more sure-footed and safer progress with better traction through fast corners when on the limit of adhesion.

XDS also compensates for the understeer which is typical of front-wheel drive cars. Thanks to XDS, the GTI’s driving characteristics are significantly more precise and neutral, and this reduction in understeer delivers greater driving enjoyment.

[SilvrFoxX]

What are the advantages of having the 2 stage option?

Bragging rights

[Candyman]

Bragging rights

You pre-MY12 R owners are just so jealous



I can't see myself ever using the function actually. I'm no race car driver .....

[SilvrFoxX]

You pre-MY12 R owners are just so jealous



I can't see myself ever using the function actually. I'm no race car driver .....

Didn't know the MY12 came with a stage 2

[Candyman]

Didn't know the MY12 came with a stage 2

Get out from under that rock

Why do you think MY12's are the only one to get :p

[SilvrFoxX]

you are sounding more like WhiteJames all the time.. or are you Ray

[Candyman]

you are sounding more like WhiteJames all the time.. or are you Ray

I'm their bastard child

That ain't going to last on here is it ....

[SilvrFoxX]

I'm their bastard child

That ain't going to last on here is it ....

Damn My12 owners...