Launch control, how does it work?

So, launch control is a mode that was initially created for the for 0 to 100 km/h in the 1980s, but was clearly democratised in the 2000s with the advent of robotised gearboxes.

originally, this system was found on supercars such as Porsche and Ferrarie. Today, many sports cars are equipped with this mode. Audi RS3, Volkswagen Golf 8R, BMW M2, Renault Mégane 4 RS and Seat León Cupra also use this system to get the best out of their engines from a standing start.

Launch Control is a mode often fitted as standard on sports cars, designed to optimise standing starts by minimising wheel spin and maximising grip. As mentioned above, it was introduced in motor racing and is now incorporated into many production vehicles, mainly sports cars and supercars.

Its aim is simple: to provide the fastest, most controlled acceleration possible when starting off, making full use of the engine's power. A good way for manufacturers to demonstrate their supremacy in the world of sports cars.

Launch Control is based on a sophisticated system that controls several vehicle parameters simultaneously: engine management, clutch regulation (in manual or robotised gearboxes), and optimisation of drive wheel traction. Here are the essential steps in its operation:

1. Vehicle preparation: Before activating Launch Control, a number of conditions must be met. The engine and gearbox must be at optimum temperature to avoid any damage caused by overheating, and the driver must deactivate any electronic driving aids, such as ESP (Electronic Stability Program) or DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on BMW models.
2. Selecting the driving mode: Depending on the vehicle, a specific driving mode, often called 'Sport' or 'Race', must be selected to enable Launch Control to be used. This mode adjusts the engine and gearbox settings to provide a more aggressive response.
3. Activating Launch Control: The driver holds down the brake pedal while pressing down hard on the accelerator. This automatically sets the optimum engine speed, adapted to the type of surface and traction conditions. On a BMW M2, for example, the engine speed is adjusted to allow maximum acceleration, and as soon as the system indicates "Launch Control activated", all you have to do is release the brake pedal and the car starts off with a bang.
4. Optimisation of wheel slip: The heart of Launch Control lies in the electronic management of engine power and torque to limit wheel slip. This fine-tuned management ensures a better distribution of power between the drive wheels, maximising traction.

Launch Control is particularly appreciated for its effectiveness when starting from a standstill, especially in straight-line races such as drag racing. It offers a number of advantages:

• Maximum acceleration: By fully exploiting the engine's potential while avoiding loss of traction, Launch Control delivers impressive 0 to 100 kph times. For example, cars like the Audi RS3 or the Volkswagen Golf 8R reach this threshold in less than 4 seconds thanks to this technology. This means they can compete with cars from a higher category.
• Ease of use: Unlike a manual start, where you have to control the accelerator and clutch precisely, the LC takes care of these parameters automatically.the LC takes care of these parameters automatically, guaranteeing fast, steady starts even for less experienced drivers.
• Mechanical protection: Launch Control is designed to protect critical engine and transmission components. By finely controlling engine speed and avoiding overspeeding, it limits premature wear and tear on the engine and mechanical parts, enabling high performance to be achieved in complete safety.

Be careful not to do this on the open road, you'd certainly be exposing yourself to vehicle immobilisation if the tidal road caught you in the act! 🙂

Although this technology is extremely powerful, it has certain limitations. For example, excessive use can cause the transmission to overheat, especially in cars with sophisticated automatic gearboxes.

Some brands, such as BMW, impose limits on the number of times this function can be used, to avoid any risk of mechanical damage. In the past, models such as the Nissan GTR R35 have suffered premature failure due to excessive use of launch control. Similarly, certain mechanical parts, such as the flextors on the Audi RS6 C7, can fail under repeated stress. To exploit the system's full potential, it is therefore essential that the driver is fully aware of the activation conditions, as poor timing or unsuitable road conditions can impair its effectiveness and accelerate component wear.

To illustrate the impact of Launch Control and the improvements enabled by Stage 1 engine reprogramming, we have selected five iconic vehicles of the 2024/2025 model year. Each of these models demonstrates the perfect combination of power and performance on track or road.

In this selection, you'll discover models as varied as the Audi RS3 and its impressive 2.5 TFSI, or the BMW M2, a true racing beast with its TwinPower Turbo engine. Other sporty compacts such as the Volkswagen Golf 8R, Renault Mégane 4 RS and Seat León Cupra complete the list, demonstrating that Launch Control is not just for supercars.

By combining launch with stage 1 or stage 2 engine reprogramming, these vehicles can achieve even more impressive levels of performance, offering explosive starts to cross the finish line first.

At Shiftech we've been specialists in engine reprogramming since 2008. You'll find one of our centres near you that will be happy to reprogram your ECU or install performance parts to optimise your machine's performance.