I've discovered how much fun it is to
slow down before taking a banked, curving exit
ramp, then to speed through the curve. Whee!
Try to see how much faster than the
"recommended" ramp speed I can take it.
(So far, and to the TT's credit, not mine,
45 mph on a recommended 25 mph curve. Car
doesnt' even roll!)

But--and here's where I need the advice--
when will I know when I'm getting close
to the limit? I don't want the rear end
to flip around at 50 mph.

What signs should I look for (other than
adrenaline pumping) to know that another
two miles per hour and I'll lose control?

Thanks, John Rutledge

 

I think testing the limits on an on/off-ramp is a poor idea. I would suggest finding a location to test the limits and using the same location over and over again. You location should meet a couple of requirements: a) the ability to see that there is NO other traffic b) a run-off area that won't kill you or your car if you either push out wide or spin.

With that said, you must first turn off with ASR, otherwise your cars engine will cut you off long before the performance limits of the car. If you are under constanct throttle, your front end is light, and the back end is heavy and you will experience a "push" which is when the front wheels start to slide and the car won't turn as much as you ask it to. At that point, you'll want to let off the throttle, which puts weight back on to the front tires and brings them back in line. Exagerating this causes the back end to get too light, which is the cause for oversteer - where the back end slides out.

So here goes dagerous situation #1: you enter the corner under exceleration - the car starts to push - and you run wide - off the road or into something. #2 you enter the corner under exceleration - the car starts to push wide, you get off the gas and panic onto the brakes - the car spins - off the road, or into something.

Situation #3: the car starts to push, you load up the front wheels to bring it back into line, the back end starts to slide, you add back throttle until all four wheels are slightly sliding in a 4-wheel drift and you take the corner as fast as your tires friction will allow.

I do this twice a day - everyday, at the exact same spot (a new road which is not yet "officially" open - so there is almost NO traffic) and gain fractionally day by day. Last week was the first time I got the back to slide out a little, and I still am confident that I haven't come close to the full limits of the car. I'm also confident that I won't qualify for any Formula One rides this year either.

Bottom line - don't pick an on-ramp to test the limits, but DO learn the handling characteristics of your car in as controlled a situation as possible (ideally - a driving school)

Just my opionion - no flames please - I know there are a number of qualified race drivers on this forum who can add better comments.

JMaTT

 

Find your nearest autocross club, pay your money, and have fun with your car in a safe, controlled environment. The link below will help you locate a nearby club. Note that many will be holding spring novice schools and test days in the next month, and you can get top-notch instruction for less than the cost of a tank of gas at many of them.

In my short three weeks with my TT-Q, I've found that it can quickly go from neutral to oversteer in the blink of an eye. When that happens, it's going to take more than rubbing compound to buff the guard rail out of the side of your car. You won't have time to debate whether you shoud power out or use the brakes at that point, either. If it isn't instinct when it happens in tight quarters, you'll be calling for a tow truck.....<ul><li><a href="http://http:/www.autocross.com/">National Autocross Club Directory</a></li></ul>

 

Join the Quattro Club, go to one of their driving schools, lots of track time.