A&Q about Lotus
Q:
Originally Posted by Randy Chase
...Look, nobody has said we are not working to fix this. I know I am.
I am glad to hear that.
IMHO Fred calling Lotus out over his car that is so far removed from what they sold him is not helpful...
A:
lol..
Looking for a debate? I need to get ready for a race.
There is Ice Mode. It happens and it happens often. I would like to see it fixed. I have some ideas about that. I can pull a sensor and disable it, but it seems there are some downsides to doing so. We will be doing more testing later.
A:
Originally Posted by Patricko
I am glad to hear that.
IMHO Fred calling Lotus out over his car that is so far removed from what they sold him is not helpful...
Yes, but the ice mode happens on stock class cars also...and Fred's point was that if they could fix this, it would be better for him and others, regardless of the level of modifications. Other drivers have been mentioning this to Lotus for 2 years that I know of.
Is his calling them out helpful? Maybe not. But it would be good for all of us to better understand and find a fix, with or without Lotus.
A:
Originally Posted by Randy Chase
lol..
Looking for a debate? I need to get ready for a race.
There is Ice Mode. It happens and it happens often. I would like to see it fixed. I have some ideas about that. I can pull a sensor and disable it, but it seems there are some downsides to doing so. We will be doing more testing later.
You played and lost CJ, I owe you a dollar
It is your "race car" set it up how you like
A:
Lost? Patrick, I don't know what you are talking about.
I am setting it up how I like it, in the rules I am allowed to.
A:
Originally Posted by Randy Chase
Lost? Patrick, I don't know what you are talking about.
Our debate
A:
Folks, understand that many, many hours were and thousands of dollars were spent developing the XP car. We did not have issues with ICE mode at our test and tune sessions. However the slippery surface in Topeka brought out the worst in it. I found Ice mode 3 times in six runs and Robert 4. Our biggest miscalculation is likely the tires, my fault. Getting Ice-mode is like running in the open for a touchdown and then getting shot by a sniperright before the goal line! It should NOT be happening. THAT is the frustrating part.
I want Lotus to succeed. I love my Elise. However as Randy said, it happens to all manner of classes. I fear that if it is not resolved, then it clearly will drive the serious drivers away from Lotus.
A:
Originally Posted by Val
Sorry, but when people talk straight out of their ass it is really annoying to me.
You must get annoyed a lot!
A:
Originally Posted by Patricko
You played and lost
By the power vested in me, I hereby grant you the title of Stir Patricko - Troublemaker Extraordinaire.
A:
Robert driving (166 XP)...
Nice pic!
A:
Dark Sol,
If you are still around, you should take some pics of the A-mod cars. They are the fastest auto-x cars on the planet. It should settle the debate as to if a wing is useful at auto-x speeds. I am at the airport headed back to work on next year.
A:
Wow, that wing is mesmerizing!
Too bad the Ice mode ruined your run...
Good luck next year.
A:
Originally Posted by fzust
I am at the airport headed back to work on next year.
With that wing, you need to go to the airport??
PS: Congrats on the success you've been able to achieve so far.....
A:
Originally Posted by O4dW
...
Under hard braking (possibly trail braking a little and entering a turn, more often a left hand turn than right), you might hit a small bump or lock up a wheel and engage the ABS. Instead of ABS pulses, you get a HARD pedal and the car IS NOT slowing down. Must now lift the brake pedal and re-apply.
I've had this happen at numerous events. On AD07's, on A048's, on Hoosiers. Mostly on asphalt.
Thanks very much for the info on ICE, imagine it's not a terribly pleasant sensation!!
A:
Originally Posted by RacyTracy
With that wing, you need to go to the airport??
A:
Sorry, I just saw it as a Drag car.
As has been said, looks terrible but if it works then good luck with it.
A:
Originally Posted by fzust
According to Robert and Randy, who've tried this the Lotus brakes are do not work very well at all w/o ABS(at the limit). Believe me, this was discussed and dismissed based on their experience. We basically tried to drive around it.
I think the car looks great!
Hummm. Haven't tried it yet but discussed Ice Mode at length with Nick last year. He swears it doesn't exist but like others I've experienced it in Ax and on the track. As the Elise braking system does not use a proportioning valve (neither electric or mechanical) I wonder why the system wouldn't work well with AL disabled? Maybe a manual valve plumbed into the system would help. Exactly what problems do you experience with the AL disabled?
A:
Originally Posted by fzust
Dark Sol,
If you are still around, you should take some pics of the A-mod cars. They are the fastest auto-x cars on the planet. It should settle the debate as to if a wing is useful at auto-x speeds. I am at the airport headed back to work on next year.
One of the A-mods hit 43's on the west course today.
A:
Knucklehead has some pics I took of A-mod cars that he can post when he reaches civilization.
Also everyone needs to give our very own Babak a shout out. He was a fantastic host for Dinner Tuesday, helped out a ton using his house as a tire depot, delivery service, and generally being a super nice guy! Lastly, he stepped into Randy's car as a tire warmer without having driven it, only done a couple auto-xes in the past, and did really well considering!
A:
I just want to add my two cents about the ICE MODE thing. My MR2 gets that same problem and has scared the crap out of me. If I am going down a hill and hit a rock or small chuck hole, and I apply the brake, I slide like on ice. But it always involves some deviation in the surface of the road. I have re-applied the brake and nothing! Could it have something to do with middle weight distribution? (As in Mid-engined)? It has happened too often to be my imagination. I don't like it. It scares me.